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Williamsport seeks permission to apply for up to $250,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation grant; bike park design to proceed
Summary
Council staff requested authorization to apply for up to $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, discussed using CDBG as a match, and gave an update that the Shaw Park bike park is in design with a public meeting planned in June and construction expected next summer.
Williamsport staff told the Public Works Committee they will ask city council for permission to apply for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant for up to $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Dawn (staff) said, “So this resolution is for us to request the ability to apply for a GCPR, grant, the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program, for up to $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for bicycle and pedestrian improvement. So that's it's just asking the ability to possibly apply for this, grant funding, the project.”
Committee members discussed how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds could be used to match the GTRP award. A staff member noted CDBG funds previously allocated for bike-lane improvements could serve as a local match, which staff said would avoid additional city cost for the project. Council members described rails-to-trails connections as a benefit for bringing people downtown and linking the city’s east and west sides.
Members also asked about the city’s ability to win grants after a recent audit period. A staff member said granting agencies had requested audits as part of applications, and that the city’s auditors and Mayor Derek Slaughter had provided documentation; staff said relationships with granting agencies and advocacy from local partners helped maintain grant opportunities.
The committee also discussed the Shaw Park bike-park project. Staff said the bike park is still in design and that another public meeting for input is scheduled in June. Scott (staff) said construction is expected to occur next summer and that the project will be finalized with the consultant after public input.
No formal committee vote was taken; staff said the resolution authorizing application would be placed on the full council agenda for Thursday consideration.
