Council approves $50,000 engineering study for proposed Selig Drive–I‑77 emergency ramp

The council authorized the mayor to retain Davie Resource Group to prepare a preliminary engineering study and documentation for a proposed emergency‑access ramp from Selig Drive to northbound I‑77 (Ordinance 2025‑144). The ordinance authorizes a $50,000 scope of work to prepare a purpose‑and‑needs statement, crash analysis and materials needed to pursue ODOT/FHWA approval.

Davie Resource Group said the firm has prior experience with a similar project approved by the Federal Highway Administration and has engaged police and fire to evaluate emergency‑response benefits. Council members noted the city has already received $1,000,000 in grant funding toward the project and that without advancing the engineering work the city risks losing momentum or funding. At least one councilmember questioned whether the Streets & Sidewalks committee had prioritized the ramp over other projects and expressed concern about the larger construction cost (estimates discussed in the meeting previously ranged into the low‑millions, with one reference to an estimate a little over $3,000,000 for construction and a community investment grant covering roughly 35% of that estimate).

Supporters said the engineering study is necessary to validate feasibility and keep the project eligible for additional funding; opponents urged care given the project's potential construction cost and the fact that the $50,000 would come from the state's grant allocation if used. The council adopted the ordinance after discussion and a roll‑call vote.