County seeks planning‑grant vendor for Safe Streets for All initiative to address crashes and wildlife collisions

County planning staff briefed commissioners on a Safe Streets for All planning grant the county won under the 2021 federal infrastructure law. The grant, awarded in 2024, is for $4,440,000 with a required $110,000 local match; the county is pursuing DOLA’s LOMA program to provide the match so no county funds would be spent. The planning grant is intended to position the county for future implementation grants.

Staff described Chaffee County’s crash history (an average 350–400 reported crashes annually and about five fatalities per year) and noted roughly 25% of crashes involve wildlife collisions, which can cause serious injury. The county’s planned action plan will evaluate roadway safety countermeasures such as centerline rumble strips, turn lanes, curve warning signage, and other treatments; staff said their application explicitly includes measures to mitigate wildlife‑vehicle collisions and that contractor Virtual Resolutions (a local firm) was engaged to support that element.

Nine firms responded to the request for proposals; staff recommended interviewing two finalists (Farrin Piers and KLJ Engineering) and requested an additional week to complete interviews before bringing a final recommendation to the board. The project period of performance was stated as Sept. 15 to June 15 to allow timely work and a shorter planning timeline leading to implementation grant eligibility. Staff said they received letters of support from CDOT, State Patrol, the sheriff’s office, EMS and other stakeholders.

Commissioners agreed to let staff complete interviews and return with a recommendation. This was a staffing and procurement matter; commissioners did not take a final contracting action at the meeting.