The Garden City Council on Dec. 8 approved Resolution 12‑32‑25, an interagency agreement that transfers administration of a federally funded bike and pedestrian bridge project to Ada County while protecting a previously committed city contribution of $20,000.

City planning staff summarized the project as a roughly $2,000,000 bridge to close a gap in the greenbelt near 52nd and Remington. The federal grant required a roughly 7.34% local match; staff said the city previously committed $20,000 and that the Foundation for City and County Trails (referred to as FAX in the packet) and other partners would provide the remainder of the match.

Ada County representatives (Chairman Rod Beck and staff including Mister Rutherford) said County engineers and operations staff reviewed the project and agreed to take it on. County staff indicated permitting and river‑related approvals could take about a year and that construction funding timing could extend into 2028, per materials from the project consultant (Compass). County counsel worked with Garden City legal staff to negotiate an agreement the county felt comfortable administering.

City legal counsel noted two contract provisions in the packet: (1) if the county terminates the agreement and city funds remain, any remaining portion of the $20,000 would be refunded to Garden City; and (2) the proposed agreement includes a provision under which development fees would be waived if the council chooses to waive them (staff cannot waive fees). Legal counsel emphasized that fee waivers require formal council action.

Council President moved and the council approved the resolution by roll call (recorded 'Yes' votes from Council members Jacobs, Page and Espison). Council and county officials said they expected the county to manage permits and the engineering process and to seek additional partner funding to complete the match and advance the project.