City council approves TAP grant to replace about 45 ADA curb ramps

The Rolla City Council on final reading approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to replace approximately 45 Americans with Disabilities Act curb ramps.

City staff said the TAP funds are limited to alternative transportation projects — pedestrian, bicycle and transit improvements — and cannot be used for traditional roadway work. The full scope originally submitted included 77 curb ramps, but the awarded grant covers 45 ramps with an estimated project cost of $188,000. Staff said roughly 80 percent of the eligible costs would come from MoDOT, leaving the city’s share at approximately $38,000 for this phase.

During the briefing staff displayed a map of the 45 ramp locations proposed for replacement and answered council questions about ADA compliance deadlines and follow‑on sidewalk work. The presentation noted the ADA has been in federal law since the early 1990s and that many older sidewalks and curb ramps in Rolla remain noncompliant; ramps are a first step in removing barriers to access prior to subsequent sidewalk repairs.

Councilmember Jackson moved the ordinance on final reading; the motion was seconded and adopted by roll call. The ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute the TAP municipal agreement on behalf of the City of Rolla.

The ordinance directs staff to proceed with the grant project and to return with contract documents and construction agreements as required.