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Sandpoint URA gets Phase 3 design update, eyes grants to extend downtown rebuild
Summary
Project manager Eric Bush told the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency on Feb. 3 that Welch Comer is underway on design work for Downtown Revitalization Phase 3, with a basis-of-design expected in weeks, a 30% design goal guiding further funding, and two grant applications (CDBG $650,000; LTAC $1.8 million) pending.
Project manager Eric Bush briefed the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency Board on the status of Downtown Revitalization Phase 3, saying Welch Comer has completed survey and geotechnical work and is preparing conceptual layout and intersection options. “We expect basis of design…in a couple weeks,” Bush said, and he told the board staff plans a City Council update on Feb. 18.
Bush said the engineering contract for the work with Welch Comer is roughly $741,700 and that the team will advance to a 30% design level before producing tighter cost estimates. At this stage Bush described a high-level project cost target of about $4,000,000 but cautioned the figure will vary by scope and be refined at 30% design.
Staff told the board they applied for two grants to expand project scope: a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for $650,000 intended to cover site amenities (benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, streetlights) and a Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LTAC) small-urban request for about $1,800,000 to address the Bridal/First intersection and related corridor improvements. Bush said award decisions could arrive in the coming months and that grant success would increase flexibility on how far south the project can extend.
The board discussed timing and budget. Staff said the agency has $1,823,000 budgeted this fiscal year for design and acquisition and anticipates budgeting another approximately $2,000,000 next fiscal year. Bush said design completion is targeted by July and bidding and construction would follow after Labor Day if the schedule holds.
The board also discussed carrying forward design elements from Phases 1 and 2 to maintain visual continuity and noted lessons learned about materials and durability. Chair Eric Paul reminded members the agency sunsets in 2029, underscoring the need to sequence design and funding decisions.
Next steps listed by staff: finalize a basis-of-design, present concepts to City Council on Feb. 18, convene a technical advisory group, and pursue grant award notices when available.
