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Rolla accepts $1.25 million Delta Regional Authority grant to fund downtown stormwater project
Summary
The Rolla City Council accepted a DRA award covering half of an estimated $2.5 million downtown stormwater project and authorized execution of related documents; staff said bidding is expected next spring with construction planned in summer 2026 and that the work will significantly disrupt downtown traffic and businesses during the project.
The Rolla City Council voted to accept community infrastructure funding from the Delta Regional Authority to pay half of an estimated $2,500,000 downtown stormwater improvement project and authorized the city administrator to execute related documents.
Council accepted the grant after staff described the project as a major downtown stormwater improvement that would be bid next spring with most construction planned for summer 2026. Staff and council members repeatedly warned the work will cause significant downtown disruption and described plans for frequent business outreach during construction.
Darren (staff) told council the city applied for the grant in April and was notified recently that Rolla was awarded DRA funding covering 50 percent of the estimated project cost. He said the city hopes to go out to bid next spring and do the bulk of the work in 2026, and that the construction is expected to be an “all summer” project once it begins. He outlined planned outreach including regular attendance at the downtown association, neighborhood meetings, monthly updates during construction and door‑to‑door outreach with businesses most directly affected.
Council members pressed staff on staging and timing. Staff said work will be done “block at a time,” but once streets are opened for the work they expect continuous construction in those areas. Staff said the city plans contract language that makes time of the essence and may include incentives for early completion or damages for delay.
John (council member) credited MRPC and downtown businesses for letters and coordination that helped secure the award; staff said MRPC would administer the project and that letters from about 15 downtown businesses supported the application. Staff also said DRA requires documentation from businesses that committed to investments as part of the application; the city will collect that information at project closeout.
Council approved a resolution accepting the DRA funds and authorizing execution of grant documents. During discussion members emphasized the need for robust communications with downtown businesses and said the project will be included in next year’s budget.
The council did not identify final construction contract terms at the meeting; staff said those would be determined when the city goes to bid.
