Hyde Park council approves application for COG funding for Wolfpack Way phases

Hyde Park City Council on July 9 approved Resolution 2025-11 authorizing the city to apply to the Cache County Council of Governments (COG) for construction funding for the Wolfpack Way corridor project.

City engineer Josh (staff member) told the council the application covers construction phases for Wolfpack Way from about 100 North to 4400 North, with the immediate focus on two project phases that split the corridor to improve the chance of winning full funding. "We're applying to Cache County Council of Governments for construction funding, in August," Josh said, adding the project is included in both the CMPO regional plan and Hyde Park's transportation master plan.

The staff presentation said Phase 1 (about 1,900 feet) is currently estimated at $4.3 million with a required city match of roughly $344,000 and about $1.0 million of "non‑eligible" work such as water and sewer infrastructure the grant will not cover. Phase 2 (roughly 2,100 feet, including a roundabout) is estimated at about $5.5 million with a minimum city match of at least $441,000 and roughly $1.3 million in non‑eligible items. Josh said the COG requires a minimum cash/in‑kind match (the application assumes an 8% minimum), and staff are planning to use property‑donation agreements and other in‑kind contributions to meet match requirements rather than relying entirely on cash from the city.

Councilmembers asked about right‑of‑way, project phasing and schedule. Staff said Hyde Park currently owns an 80‑foot right‑of‑way along portions of the road; the project cross‑section is being designed within a 99‑foot right‑of‑way, which will require additional easements or acquisitions at some locations. Josh described the route, a proposed 60‑foot paved section, curb and gutter, sidewalks, park strips and a 10‑foot shared‑use path on the east side.

On timing, staff said the COG program typically allocates construction funding in a later construction cycle; receiving an award this year would make the project eligible in that later cycle and give the city time to complete property negotiations and finalize design. Councilmembers and staff noted that earlier phases of Wolfpack Way have increased property values for adjacent parcels, and staff intends to pursue property donations where possible to reduce the city's cash match.

Councilmember Tiffany moved to approve Resolution 2025-11 authorizing the application to COG; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Kurt. The motion passed on a roll call of 5–0: "Motion carries 5 0," the clerk announced.

Staff said if the city is awarded funds, engineering is staged so the city can complete 30% design and begin right‑of‑way negotiations before construction funds are released, with construction following in the COG funding cycle.

Planning and construction items that staff said remain to be finalized include exact phase boundaries, final right‑of‑way acquisitions, and coordination with Smithfield for the corridor north of 4400 North.

The council approved the resolution 5–0, authorizing staff to submit the COG funding application and continue design and right‑of‑way actions.

Ending: Councilmembers thanked staff for the presentation and moved on to other agenda items.