Council approves $1.375 million cap for final design on City Steps project

Council committees on Monday advanced a resolution authorizing a supplemental agreement with H W Lochner Inc. to fund final design costs for the City Steps project, with total contract payments not to exceed $1,375,031.30. The increase was described in committee as an additional $705,180.52 over the previously executed agreement; the work is reimbursable at 80 percent.

Acting Director Jeff Skelican of the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure said the funds will complete final design for steps on Potomac Avenue, Claire Haven Street, Dixon Street, Ottawa Street and 56th Street, and that the designs would be ready to put the projects out for construction by the end of next year. "This will add final design money for our step projects that are, currently in in design," Skelican said, listing the corridors expected to move forward.

Councilwoman Gross said she supported the project but asked that future legislation include a clearer project breakout and a district‑by‑district scope when large capital amounts are moved. Skelican agreed to provide a list of steps by district and the scope of work for each.

The committee gave an affirmative recommendation for Bill 24‑11. The resolution authorizes the supplemental agreement and states the project is reimbursable at 80 percent; additional project‑level details and schedule were requested by council members and to be provided to council staff.