Council accepts KDOT grant agreement for Red Bud Trail pedestrian bridge—$5.06 million federal/state package

The Augusta City Council on March 3 authorized the mayor to sign a grant agreement (KDOT Grant No. 35‑25; project TE0554‑01) for the Red Bud Trail pedestrian bridge over the Whitewater River. Staff said the state packaged multiple funding sources to cover eligible project costs — including preliminary engineering, design, construction engineering and construction — up to a project maximum of $5,060,000, with no local match required for eligible items.

City staff explained the Transportation Alternatives program normally requires a 20% local match and that preliminary engineering historically has been a local expense, but the state combined programs and made preliminary engineering eligible under this award. “The result of that combination of programs is they are offering you a % funding, but it includes not just the construction engineering and the construction itself, but also the preliminary engineering... up to a project maximum of $5,060,000. So that's a 0% local match,” a staff presenter said.

Council members asked about federal appropriations and the risk that higher‑level funding changes could affect grants; staff acknowledged uncertainty at federal levels but said the state had issued the agreement and no rescission had been communicated. Staff also reminded council that certain costs remain ineligible under the grant and would be the city’s responsibility if they occur, including right‑of‑way acquisition and utility adjustments.

A motion to approve the grant agreement and authorize the mayor to sign passed with no recorded opposition. Staff said that selection of a design engineering firm for preliminary engineering will follow KDOT’s approved procurement process.