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Manassas Park approves $90,000 share for Rail‑with‑Trail study; council debates funding source
Summary
Council authorized the city manager to sign an MOU committing Manassas Park to a phase‑1 rail‑with‑trail study (Kimley‑Horn cost $268,600) and to contribute $90,000; debate centered on whether the city's $40,000 share should come from an additional streets capital line, paving funds, or reserves.
Calvin O'Dell, director of community development, briefed the governing body on a proposed memorandum of understanding with Manassas and Prince William County to fund a phase‑1 rail‑with‑trail study along the VRE Manassas Line. Kimley‑Horn, the recommended consultant, quoted a total price of $268,600 for preliminary study work.
Under the proposed cost split, Manassas Park would provide $90,000. O'Dell said Manassas Park had already budgeted $50,000 in FY25 and recommended using $40,000 from the city's 'additional streets' capital line (a line historically used for concrete, sidewalk and ad hoc transportation projects). Several council members raised objections to drawing that $40,000 from street‑maintenance reserves and urged exploring alternatives such as reserves or holding the expenditure until FY26. Staff said the study's schedule and consultant availability required the funds in FY25 and the city manager suggested a follow‑up to replenish pavement funding in the next budget cycle if the city proceeds now.
After discussion about budget sources and timing, the governing body voted to authorize the city manager to sign the MOU so the study can proceed and to commit the city's share as presented.
