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Council approves greenbelt funding transfer, engineering agreement and federal bridge grant application
Summary
Council authorized Idaho Falls Power to contribute 10% of annual gross hydro generation value to Parks & Recreation for greenbelt maintenance, approved a $443,874 Horrocks Engineering contract for Holmes Avenue design (7.34% local match), and authorized a $2.6 million federal grant application for Lincoln Road bridge rehab with a $190,840 match.
The Idaho Falls City Council approved three infrastructure items on Dec. 2: a resolution formalizing Idaho Falls Power contributions for greenbelt maintenance tied to the utility's FERC license obligations; a local professional services agreement with Horrocks Engineering for Holmes Avenue design; and a resolution to apply for $2.6 million in federal funds to rehabilitate the Lincoln Road bridge over the Idaho Canal.
On the greenbelt resolution, staff said Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hydro licensing obligations create a requirement to provide recreation opportunities and mitigation around hydro projects; the council approved a resolution authorizing Idaho Falls Power to contribute 10% of annual gross hydro generation value to Parks & Recreation for maintenance and improvements inside the FERC project boundary. Councilor Francis made the motion; the council voted in favor.
Public Works presented the Horrocks Engineering professional services agreement to develop plans for Holmes Avenue (south of Sunnyside to Taylor Butte Middle School) with a contract value of $443,874 and a required local match of 7.34% ($32,580); staff estimated design work would take roughly 12 months and that construction funding is split across federal cycles (2030–2031). Council approved the agreement and authorized the mayor to sign documents.
For the Lincoln Road bridge, staff requested council authorize submittal of a federal grant application for $2.6 million to rehabilitate the bridge, with a matching city share of $190,840 (7.34%). Staff noted the earliest likely construction funding would be in 2030–2031 and described the city’s option to use advance-construction reimbursement where local funds are available. Council approved the application and match authorization.
Votes: Each of the three items passed on roll-call votes recorded in the council minutes. The council directed staff to proceed with contract execution and federal application submittals and to coordinate match funding in future budgets and grant administration.
