Yankton commission authorizes application for state TAP grant to replace Walnut–Douglas pedestrian bridge

The Yankton City Commission voted Monday to authorize the city manager to sign and submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to replace a pedestrian bridge between Walnut and Douglas and its east and west approaches.

Todd (city staff) told the commission the bridge is narrow, has concrete spalling and visible rot in the timber support structure under the deck. He described the deck width as effectively closer to five feet because of posts and chain-link fencing and said the substructure deterioration is now apparent on visual inspection. The city would not undertake the project without grant funding, he said.

The application commits the city to a local expenditure of $98,005.44 and an estimated total project cost presented in the packet. Todd said the city’s share would be about 18.05 percent of the total project if the application is funded and noted that 11 letters of community support accompanied the application.

Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to sign and submit the application; the roll call vote was all ayes.

Why it matters: The bridge provides a pedestrian connection across a creek between Walnut and Douglas. City staff told commissioners the wood substructure is showing rot and that the bridge’s narrow usable width presents potential safety and accessibility concerns; the TAP grant would cover most of the replacement cost if awarded.

What’s next: If the state awards TAP funding, the commission previously indicated it would pass a resolution (25-36) committing the local match and proceed with design and construction steps in coordination with state and federal grant requirements.