Assembly hears status updates on Fish Creek Trail, road matches and storm-drain repairs

Administration staff told the assembly that Fish Creek Trail to the ocean remains "on track" after negotiations with Marathon Oil and the state, and that AMATS policy members support moving funding forward to avoid delay. "There is no pause," an administration representative said, adding AMATS members want the project to proceed.

Melinda Kohlhas, PM&E director, said meeting AMATS match obligations is a high priority and listed advancing projects such as Bernard Road and a 4th Avenue signal and lighting project downtown. Kohlhas also described a new sidewalk-rehabilitation category that distinguishes minor crack-and-repair work from projects that add connectivity and pedestrian safety.

Kohlhas said the administration has reduced some 2025 bond asks where existing funds remain (for example, a streetlight annual program) and is being cautious about starting many new projects simultaneously so existing projects in design can move into construction. She said a recently added drainage focus includes money for winter glaciation response on 15th Avenue and for storm-drain infrastructure after a "Berghaw Street pipe collapse"; that work would dovetail with a federal FHWA SS4A grant that cannot fund storm-drain maintenance.

Assembly members asked for multi-year bonding projections and how adding the 2025 slate would change outstanding debt over five to ten years. Staff said they could prepare historical and projection figures for members before the Jan. 21 meeting.