Coffey County approves BG Consultants for countywide trails engineering, contingent on federal RAISE funding

The Coffey County Commission voted unanimously to accept a proposal from BG Consultants to provide engineering services for countywide trails planning and design, contingent on funding from the RAISE (now BUILD) grant and execution of the grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration.

County staff told commissioners that four firms responded to the county’s RFP and that two — CFS and VG/BG Consultants — ranked highest on a rubric developed by staff. The selection was described as contingent on the federal grant agreement being finalized. "We can start working up the contract and go through more of the details," a staff member said, adding that no work would occur until funding is available and the grant agreement is signed.

Why it matters: the engineering funds from the 2024 RAISE grant will pay 100% of engineering work, staff said, allowing Coffey County to develop trail designs and later apply for construction funding, which typically requires some cost share from other sources (examples cited: BUILD, Kansas infrastructure hub grants and KDOT). Staff also emphasized community engagement: after the engineering firm is selected, consultants would hold public meetings in affected communities to gather input on trail design.

The motion to accept BG Consultants was moved, seconded and approved 5-0. The board added the clause that the county’s contract with BG Consultants be contingent on the RAISE grant funding and the county receiving the signed grant agreement.