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Council backs $5 million Bulldog Loop Transportation Alternatives grant application
Summary
The Borger City Council on June 17 approved resolution R-09-25 supporting a TxDOT Transportation Alternatives set-aside application for the Bulldog Loop sidewalk and trail project, a roughly $5 million, fully funded grant request connecting schools, parks and the stadium; council discussed reimbursement, match credits and timeline.
The Borger City Council on June 17 approved Resolution R-09-25 to support the city’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives set-aside, a largely federal reimbursement grant the city seeks to build sidewalks and trails along the Bulldog Loop.
Mister Stroke, introducing the item, described the project as a multi-year safety and connectivity measure that “goes down Bulldog” and ties school and park facilities including the dome, Legion and youth center to newly laid sidewalks. He said the application is the city’s second attempt and noted Amarillo was the only nearby awardee last year because that application tied into a state highway.
Stroke said the project is “just shy of $5,000,000,” and that if awarded “it’s fully funded” by the grant program so the city would not have a long-term out-of-pocket obligation for the awarded amount.
Council members asked detailed questions about ownership, reimbursement and timeline. A councilmember asked whether the roadway becomes a state highway; Stroke replied the sidewalks and improvements would remain on city property the city already owns and would be ADA-accessible with ramps. On reimbursement, the city manager explained the TxDOT award is paid on a draw basis: the city pays contractors, submits monthly draw requests and receives reimbursement rather than an upfront lump sum.
Council members pressed the manager and presenter on matching requirements and contingencies. The city manager said the project qualifies for federal development credits that can cover the typical 25% local match in this case and that the TxDOT application formula incorporates contingency and inflation adjustments. He said the project would likely be let in later years and estimated the project could be a 2028 project if awarded.
Stroke and staff explained procurement safeguards: the project will progress to design and engineering funded by grant money if the award is received; it will be bid as a guaranteed lump-sum contract, and if bids exceed available grant funding the council would decide whether to modify scope or provide additional local funds.
Councilmember motioned to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and the council voted to approve R-09-25.
No construction contract was awarded at the meeting; approval was limited to a resolution supporting the grant application.
