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Bridge replacement and utility work delay downtown developer—s timeline, staff says
Summary
City staff told the URA that a federally funded bridge replacement on Kimball and complex alley undergrounding efforts conflict with a developer's planned construction, potentially delaying the project until after bridge work scheduled April—November, and urged leniency on scheduling.
Rob McDonald and other staff briefed the board on timing conflicts affecting an RRC Contractors project (Derek Cooper). Staff said the developer is ready to start but must wait because Idaho Power and other utilities require alley undergrounding work; additionally, a federally funded Indian Creek bridge replacement on Kimball has a construction window that conflicts directly with the developer—s parcel work and is scheduled to begin in April and finish by November.
Rob McDonald said construction of the bridge is funded through LTAC (federal funds) and cannot easily be deferred without risking the grant, leaving the developer with limited options. Commissioners asked about who is responsible for timelines and whether the developer had previously missed milestones; staff said some delays were due to utility coordination and site-specific issues (e.g., backfill and old footings at a demolished building) and that the project already required significant remedial work before construction could begin.
Commissioners expressed frustration that the developer had not appeared in person to report directly and asked staff to request stronger developer participation (in-person or by project manager) at future meetings. Staff said they would continue coordinating with developers and contractors and consider leniency in scheduling while balancing federally funded project obligations.
Next steps: staff will continue coordination with Idaho Power and LTAC partners and will seek clear timelines from the developer; commissioners asked staff to document delays and provide clearer tracking of whether delays originate with the developer or with city-managed projects.
