Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Trails And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Payson approves $296,670 for design and construction documents for two Boulders trailheads
Summary
Council approved a $296,670 commitment to fund design, permitting and construction documents for two proposed trailheads (Granite Dells and Cypress/Boulders) and to enter an agreement with the National Forest Foundation to manage the work, vote 7–0.
The Payson Common Council on May 28 approved a $296,670 funding allocation to prepare design, permitting and construction documents for two proposed Boulders-area trailheads along Granite Dells Road and authorized entering an agreement with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to manage the work.
Steve Richardson, the town27s Parks and Recreation director, told the council the trailheads would relieve congestion at the Phoenix Street access, create safe parking and access for trail users, and make the project more competitive for construction grants once it is "shovel ready." Richardson said construction documents are a precondition for many federal and state grants.
Rebecca Davidson of the National Forest Foundation said the NFF would provide contract management, fiscal oversight and on-the-ground coordination with the Tonto National Forest and that NFF applies a standard 20% indirect rate to cover administrative oversight.
Councilmembers asked whether the $296,670 figure covered full design, including later construction-phase oversight. Staff said the amount covers design and project management to produce bid-ready documents; construction-phase funding would be pursued separately through grants and partner contributions. Council discussion also referenced Arizona State Parks and Trails and county contributions as potential funding sources for the construction phase.
Public commenters and local trail advocates told the council that trail use is growing and that Payson could generate tourism and local economic benefit from improved trail access. The council voted 7–0 to approve option 1 as presented and to move forward with an agreement with the National Forest Foundation.
Staff will return with contract documents and a schedule for the design effort; grant pursuit for construction will follow once the design is complete and NEPA permitting is advanced as needed.
