Dickinson County to solicit consultant for federal ‘Safe Streets for All’ grant; $12,000 local match required

Dickinson County commissioners agreed to move forward with a request for qualifications to hire a consultant to complete work required under the federal Safe Streets for All program.

County staff told commissioners the county received a $240,000 grant to study road safety and develop projects eligible for federal funding. "We were awarded $240,000 grant...and we are now at the point of hiring a consultant firm," the staff member said during the meeting. Staff said the county will be asked for a $12,000 contribution when the consultant contract begins.

Staff described the consultant’s role as digging deeper than prior local road safety work: the firm will analyze crash data, meet with nearby community members, evaluate economic impacts and propose projects that meet the federal program’s standards. Commissioners were told the selection process will use a point-based rating system; staff will likely shortlist the top three candidates and hold 15–20 minute interviews in February with at least one commissioner present.

The consultant work is a prerequisite for applying for subsequent federal funds, staff said, and commissioners asked whether the county could carry out some work independently. "I see what they come back with," staff said. "They do come back with a plan that is just something only the contractor could do or whatever." County officials indicated they expect to retain significant input and final approval over recommended projects.

The commission did not take a formal vote on the RFQ itself at the meeting beyond authorizing staff to proceed with outreach to consultants; staff said they will post the RFQ on the county website and mail it to identified firms.