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Committee recommends waiting to issue tunnel RFQ until bridge funding is secured
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Summary
The committee heard that the Pheasant Branch Creek bridge/tunnel funding would be decided as part of the 2027 budget in November; several members recommended delaying an artist RFQ until the funding is confirmed to avoid raising expectations for artists.
Members of the Middleton Arts Committee were briefed that the committee’s $100,000 recommendation for the Pheasant Branch Creek bridge/tunnel will be included in the city’s 2027 budget process and may not be confirmed until November.
“One of the last things I’d want to do is select an artist and then find out in November that the funding didn’t come through,” Sebastian told the committee, recommending that the group wait to issue the RFQ until the project funding is certain. Several members agreed, citing past projects that had fallen through when funding failed to materialize.
Staff noted that designers will be chosen by May and that involving an artist during design could still be possible if timing is coordinated, but the committee emphasized avoiding a resource‑intensive selection process without a confirmed budget.
The committee directed staff to meet with the city’s Strand representative and report back on electrical and site details that affect installation logistics. Next steps will include an update after staff meets Strand and once budget certainty is clarified.
