The Lawrence City Council voted Nov. 18 to approve an appropriation of $2,316,507.60 from certified free cash for Department of Public Works capital projects and equipment (item 3‑40‑25). Director Jorge Jaime told the council the $2,316,507.60 package dedicates approximately $2,000,000 for street paving, sidewalk repairs and sign replacement and $316,507.60 for equipment purchases including a loader and a light tower.

Jaime said the free cash certification that had delayed the item was received and that the DPW already has a contract in place; he expects the department to present a publicly available list of specific street and sidewalk projects within about two weeks. In response to council questions, Jaime said a study estimates $5 million per year for five years (roughly $25 million) would be required to address sidewalks on the city’s north side alone, and that the city must prioritize projects based on schools, elderly housing and major thoroughfares.

Councilors asked whether Chapter 90 funds could pay for sidewalks and Jaime said Chapter 90 is used alongside capital funds and the city typically splits projects between streets and sidewalks. The council approved the motion by voice vote after committee recommendation; the clerk recorded the ayes and the chair announced the motion carried.