Council approves Greenway flood-protection enhancements between 40 Seventh and 60 Second Avenue South

City staff presented a proposed enhancement to the flood-protection Greenway between 40 Seventh Avenue South and 60 Second Avenue South and the committee approved direction to bid a revised plan on March 24.

Planner Barbie said staff had worked with nearby residents after initial outreach. Earlier plans included a parking lot and playground near a pump station; staff revised the proposal to remove the playground, parking lot and that neighborhood access and instead extend the trail along the riverbank from the 40 Seventh Avenue South area to the Soundfall. Barbie told the committee the property is city-owned and the revision aims to reduce unintended activity while improving lawful access and police reach to the area.

She said the city has identified multiple funding sources: $200,000 previously identified in the flood-protection capital fund, an additional $110,000 identified for Greenway trail overlay that could be incorporated into the project, a Garrison Diversion Conservancy District grant and stormwater cash reserves in the 2025 budget. Staff reported the city was not awarded the Outdoor Heritage Fund grant largely because the funder cited concerns about paving and lack of wildlife benefits; staff said they could reapply with changes.

Councilmember Berg moved to approve bidding the revised project; Friedolfs seconded. President Sandy called a voice vote; the motion carried with one dissent by Sosky.

Why it matters: the project would extend Greenway trail access, address vandalism and unwanted activity reported by residents, and use a mix of identified city capital funds and a conservation grant; staff will return with bid results.