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Staff outlines pavement program, Fourth Street grant bid and Wilson Avenue funding trade-offs
Summary
Public works presented the pavement management schedule, a planned KDOT grant application for Fourth Street to tie into a new bridge, and trade-offs staff say could be used to accelerate the Wilson Avenue/Business & Technology Park roadway project if commissioners choose to reprioritize CIP funds.
Public-works staff outlined the city’s pavement-management approach and a set of grant and local projects that tie into planned economic development work.
Brian Faust (Public Works Director) reviewed the pavement-management program, which had a recent 5% funding increase to about $2.1 million in 2025 and staff-projected additional 5% annual increases in future years. Staff emphasized a strategy of using mill-and-overlay for fair-condition roads and surface treatments to protect good roads.
Grant projects: Faust described a planned KDOT City Connecting Link grant application for Fourth Street (from Seneca to Metropolitan). The project would include boardwalk-style construction and a rapid rectangular flashing beacon near Henry Levin Worth School; if awarded, KDOT could cover 85% with a local match. Staff said Fourth Street work would align with a new bridge opening in 2029 so intersection and corridor improvements would be coordinated.
Wilson Avenue / Business and Technology Park: commissioners discussed whether to accelerate a Wilson Avenue reconstruction that local businesses have requested. Staff noted the Wilson Avenue/business-park project cost estimates have increased (projected costs rose between planning and reassessment) and there is a funding gap. Staff said one option is to reallocate pavement-management funds or use economic-development funds, but doing so would push other pavement projects out. Staff also noted the potential for an RHID or developer contribution to help fund the roadway if a public–private development arrangement proceeds.
Why it matters: Street condition and targeted corridor improvements affect local mobility and economic development; choices to accelerate one project require delaying others or finding additional funds.
Next steps: Staff asked the commission whether to reprioritize funds to accelerate the Business & Technology Park access project or maintain the current CIP order; staff will continue outreach with the industrial tenant and report back.
