Council authorizes Kimley‑Horn engagement to pursue federal SS4A grant for Stallman intersection improvements

The City of Destin voted 7-0 on April 21 to engage Kimley‑Horn for $38,000 to pursue a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant for the Stallman/Harbor Boulevard intersection, a location councilmembers repeatedly identified as the city’s worst-performing intersection.

City staff explained the timing is tight: SS4A grant deadlines fall in June and the county has identified approximately $3 million in surtax funds that could function as a local match for a larger construction grant if the application is successful. Staff said Kimley‑Horn has relevant federal grant experience and had already worked with city consultants and county staff on conceptual approaches, including an underpass or other grade‑separated pedestrian treatment.

Councilmembers approved the Kimley‑Horn engagement and directed staff to identify funding sources in the city budget or coordinate with county surtax commitments to meet grant application requirements. A council motion authorized the city manager (or finance director as needed) to identify funding so the Kimley‑Horn engagement could proceed in time for the SS4A application cycle.

Council members emphasized that if a grant application moves forward, further public outreach and intergovernmental coordination with Okaloosa County and FDOT will be required. Staff said Kimley‑Horn will prepare grant application materials, project justification, and preliminary conceptual engineering needed for an SS4A submittal.

The motion passed 7-0.