Board authorizes letter committing up to $5 million local match for potential $25 million Safe Streets for All application

The board voted April 14 to authorize the town manager to transmit a mayoral letter committing up to $5 million in local matching funds if the town pursues a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant to fund a proposed $25 million program of safety and operational improvements on John Street.

Transportation lead Susan Willard told commissioners the SS4A program released a new notice of funding opportunity and staff believe John Street improvements are a strong fit for the grant. Willard said the $25 million figure is a planning target and that the match letter is part of the application package: “We would like for the board to agree to up to a $5,000,000 match,” she said.

Debate focused on risk and timing. Several commissioners cautioned that construction and materials price volatility and federal grant uncertainty could leave the town exposed; Commissioner McCool and Commissioner Tufano voiced objections on those grounds during debate. Supporters argued the work already underway and NCDOT studies make the town competitive and that not applying guarantees no federal funds.

Town staff noted up to $50,000 remains budgeted in FY25 to hire a grant writer and that prior work completed with NCDOT (approximately $100,000 of analysis) gives the town a head start. Staff said if the town is awarded funds, a separate board approval would be required to accept the grant and authorize any local match expenditures.

The motion passed 4–2; the meeting record does not list a roll call of names for the vote. Staff will proceed with the application and use budgeted planning funds for the grant writing work if the board’s authorization is used.

Ending: The board’s letter authorizing a match obligation is procedural to enable the SS4A application; any future acceptance of grant funds and matching commitments will return to the board for approval.