Coos Bay commission backs pursuit of $675,000 design grant for Front Street bike‑and‑ped improvements

The Coos Bay Parks Commission voted to authorize staff to continue pursuing a design grant from the Oregon Community Pass program for the Front Street and boardwalk bike‑and‑ped improvements.

Staff told the commission the Front Street Blueprint aims to transform the waterfront area with bicycle and pedestrian facilities and complementary boardwalk elements. The preliminary budget estimate for design and construction was listed at $4,478,436.25; staff said the design grant requested would be $675,000 and that the city’s required match of 10.72% ($72,403) would be funded from Capital Fund 45 (construction — Bike, Ped and Paths).

Commissioners asked about the current state of design work (staff said about 30% design for the northern half of the project), how ODOT and federal requirements would affect final engineering, and whether the match and future construction funding were secured. Staff said the LOI (letter of interest) was submitted on Sept. 16, 2024 and that a decision about eligibility would likely be made on Sept. 30, 2024; if invited to apply, staff can attach the full Front Street blueprint and engage commissioners in a task force or design review.

The commission moved to approve staff continuing the grant application and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff noted the grant would fund the design phase; construction funding would need to be identified later if the design advances.

Vote at a glance: motion to allow staff to continue grant application — passed by voice vote (no roll‑call recorded).