BY MATT HERSH

Salem officials have begun using the Internet as a way to gather support for their $3.8 million bridge-repair warrant article which was criticized by some residents at the Feb. 10 deliberative session.

A new list of frequently asked questions and answers has been posted to the town’s Web site in an effort to ease some concerns that have been raised about the project.

While the document argues that the article needs to be passed in its entirety, not all residents agree.

Resident Stephen Campbell, who stood behind failed efforts at the deliberative session to amend the article, said it contains unnecessary components.

Though he said the bridge repairs are important, Campbell takes issue with an $800,000 hydrology study which is lumped in with the project.

He said they are something the town will spend money on and will never use, causing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.

“lt’s like they’re misleading us,” he said.  “They tried to pass off the studies with the bridges because they figure people will vote for the article.”

The town conducted a similar study 20 years ago which officials agree was not used to its potential. Using this study now would be inappropriate because it is outdated, according to Town Engineer Robert Puff.

The warrant article will fund the repairs to four bridges in town, including North Main Street, Haverhill Road, Emerson Way, and Pelham Road.  Repairs to the roads leading up to the bridges will also be made.

Still, officials said it would be irresponsible to repair the bridges without knowing what their impact on Salem’s flooding situation will be.

“We have to know the effect on the community,” said Selectmen Chairman Michael Lyons. 

“We deliberately linked them together because they’re key to one another.”

Puff said the study would help ensure certain neighborhoods in Salem would be less prone to flooding and Lyons said it would not sit on a shelf unused.

Another advantage of lumping the studies with the repairs could come in the form of a better interest rate on the loan the town will take out to do the work, according to information posted on the town Web site.

Still, Campbell said this too may be misleading because many voters may not understand that they are going to be paying for the bridges for 20 years.

“It’s not just the $800,000,” he said. “It’s all the interest over 20 years.”

The article will need a two-thirds vote on March 13 to pass.  Lyons said he’s optimistic the project will get voter approval.

“I really hope people come out and vote to support the bridge program,” he said.

Campbell offered a different view. “(The studies) could drag the whole article down,” he said.  “When people are confused, they vote no.”