Updated estimate for South Locust Trail to Camp Augustine about $4.3 million, staff says

Public works director Keith Kurtz told the Grand Island City Council on Aug. 21 that an updated cost estimate for the South Locust Trail to Camp Augustine sits at about $4.3 million.

Kurtz said the city is roughly at 60 percent design and that earlier, higher figures reflected broader assumptions, including two river crossings and federal grant-driven requirements. "Our estimate right now, with engineering ... we're anticipating about $4,300,000," Kurtz said, adding that the project estimate excludes right-of-way acquisition costs.

Kurtz said the current recommendation is to build a single bridge across the Platte's north channel to reach the park entrance and postpone a second bridge until park master planning determines the best alignment. He said right-of-way purchases should be modest under current design assumptions and offered an order-of-magnitude figure of roughly $50,000 for required easements, but he cautioned that final costs depend on alignment choices and permitting.

Kurtz told council that engineering and environmental permitting work is ongoing and that the city initially prepared the project with the expectation of seeking federal grants, which carry additional compliance requirements and affect budgeting assumptions.

Why it matters: The trail is a multiuse connection and a candidate for external funding. The updated estimate and lowered scope (one bridge now) affect what the city can pursue in the near term and how staff approach grant applications.

Ending: Kurtz said he will return with updated design documents and refined cost estimates as engineering and permitting progress.