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City officials update sidewalk work on Patagonia Highway and Frank Reid Road; federal CMAQ funds covered parts of projects
Summary
City engineering staff described two sidewalk projects funded in part by the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and explained why some sections were deferred because of right‑of‑way, historical‑resource and funding constraints.
City staff updated the council on sidewalk improvements on Patagonia Highway and a pedestrian pathway on Frank Reid Road, saying federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds paid for parts of two projects but funding and site constraints prevented full completion.
The update matters because sidewalks are a pedestrian-safety issue for students and neighborhood residents; staff described which segments were completed, which were deferred and how the city plans to fund remaining gaps.
Juan Guerra presented the project background and funding. He said the original Patagonia Highway project aimed for a 10‑foot pedestrian and bicycle path, but right‑of‑way encroachments — including a section in front of Lourdes School — and other constraints forced a narrower scope. “Due to limited funding, replace the most damaged areas. We replaced no driveways and we were able to construct brand new sidewalks on the north side,” Guerra said. He said the federally funded package totaled roughly $1.3 million and that construction bids and engineering costs reduced available construction funds.
Guerra said one section in front of La Terrazas apartments and the stretch in front of Lourdes School were skipped to meet federal deadlines and avoid lengthy environmental and archaeological clearances; staff said those areas will be candidates for future funding, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or city funds.
Council members asked why consultant and design costs increased and whether water meters and service boxes would be protected by contractors. Guerra said design and coordination with Union Pacific and other agencies required additional engineering work and change orders, and said some meter work may be handled later to avoid delaying the whole project. Councilwoman Montiel, who also said she is a resident of the corridor, thanked staff and said neighborhood residents welcomed sidewalks; other councilors pressed staff for plans to finish the route toward the high school and to identify matching funds.
Guerra estimated material costs to finish two short segments at about $100,000 (materials only), and said city crews and local contractors could complete remaining work if matching funds are available.
Provenance: Juan Guerra presentation and council Q&A (transcript segments: 3213.44–4530.805).
