The Augusta City Council voted to accept a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration and authorized the city manager to sign associated documents.

City staff told the council the award for the action plan phase is $160,000 and that a previously budgeted local match brings the total action-plan effort to roughly $200,000. Staff emphasized the SS4A program funds an action plan first — a study and prioritized project list — and does not immediately fund construction; later construction funding is available if the action plan is completed and eligible projects are advanced.

The scope will build on the city’s ADA transition plan, evaluate pedestrian and street networks, and prioritize projects that serve pedestrians as well as vehicles. Staff described the federal selection process for consultants as qualifications-based: the city will solicit qualifications, evaluate experience, then negotiate costs with a selected firm.

Councilmember (speaker 3) moved to approve the SS4A grant agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said the grant increases the city’s access to other federal programs and noted delays in the agreement were due to shifting federal guidance during administrative transitions.

The council’s approval authorizes staff to proceed with a request for qualifications and subsequent consultant selection and begins the action-plan phase that will identify recommended sidewalk, curb, and other pedestrian-safety projects for future grant-funded construction.

The council also discussed how some downtown sidewalk repairs tie into the ADA transition plan and the SS4A priorities.