Douglas Master Plan Committee Approves Transportation Chapter, Flags Road Funding Crisis

DOUGLAS — December 18, 2025 — Douglas master plan committee hears stark warning on roads: $800,000 per mile, seven workers, no room to grow. Meeting Wednesday, the Master Plan Committee reviewed the transportation chapter of its in-progress plan with Highway Superintendent Adam Farnsworth, who told members that reclaiming a single mile of road now costs nearly $800,000, that his department has shrunk from eight workers to six plus himself since 2010, and that FY26 Chapter 90 state road funds of approximately $700,000 were withheld by the state for six months before release. Town Planner John Charbonneau noted that planning department staff are "multitasking to death" across multiple boards and committees. The committee also resolved that its community photo contest will use anonymous numbered submissions, with a total prize pool of nine $50 gift certificates to be funded by local business donations accepted through the Select Board — and that board and committee members may submit photos but cannot accept awards. The committee has roughly $23,000 remaining from a $115,000 state housing grant against a monthly burn rate of $6,000 to $8,000, with the master plan under a $145,000 CMRPC contract due for completion in spring 2026.