The Milford, NH Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Advisory Committee convened on May 31, 2025, to discuss critical funding and project timelines affecting local infrastructure and educational facilities. The meeting highlighted the urgency of addressing escalating project costs and the implications of delayed funding.

A significant focus was on the state funding for a major roofing project, with discussions revealing that the town must first pass a local bond before receiving state funds. The state has proposed splitting the funding across two bienniums, offering $1.5 million now and the remaining $9.9 million later. This delay could push the project timeline back by a year, resulting in an estimated additional cost of $1 million due to inflation and rising labor costs, which are projected to increase by 6 to 7% annually. Committee members expressed concern that postponing the project would ultimately burden taxpayers with higher costs.

The conversation also touched on the potential displacement of science labs at the high school due to ongoing construction projects. The need for renovations to accommodate displaced programs could add approximately $950,000 to the budget, raising questions about the overall financial impact on the school district.

In addition to infrastructure concerns, the committee discussed the outdated equipment in vocational programs, which hampers students' preparedness for modern industry standards. The need for updated machinery was emphasized, with estimates suggesting that necessary upgrades could total between $3 to $4 million. The committee considered the possibility of community donations to help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with these upgrades.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing need for timely action on funding and project approvals to avoid escalating costs and ensure that Milford's educational facilities remain competitive and safe for students. The committee plans to continue discussions on these issues, with a focus on securing necessary funding and addressing the community's educational needs.