Committee okays $19,000 benefit-cost analysis for Stillman Boulevard bridge grant application

The Tuscaloosa City Public Works Committee approved a $19,000 professional services agreement with Karl Bacher Associates to prepare a benefit-cost analysis for a grant application to replace the Stillman Boulevard bridge.

Staff said the engineering design contract for the bridge is roughly $1.5 million at present and that the project—s overall cost estimate is currently just over $1.5 million and potentially near $2 million as the design and final estimates are completed. The benefit-cost analysis is required as part of the application the city plans to submit this fall; staff said the submission window closes Nov. 1 and that the team aims to file the application in October.

Staff said the consultant was recommended by the city—s grant consultant, GrayMatter, and provided references. The intended grant program was described as the federal Bridge Investment Program; staff said the program generally requires an 80/20 match and that the city would provide the 20% local match. Staff identified a program cap mentioned in the presentation of about $100 million.

Committee members asked whether the pedestrian elements would be included; staff said plans call for a shared-use path on the north side and a sidewalk with lighting on the south side. The item was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

No final construction funding or grant award was decided during the meeting; the benefit-cost analysis will support the forthcoming federal grant application.