Douglas County approves $450,000 contract with Therum Design Group for Prairie Canyon Ranch access improvements

Douglas County commissioners approved a public contract for services with Therum Design Group, not to exceed $450,000, to advance design of access improvements along State Highway 83 adjacent to Prairie Canyon Ranch.

Staff (Public Works) explained the project objective is to improve safety and access to county open space and to coordinate design with CDOT by using the same consultant selected through CDOT's qualifications‑based process. Staff said CDOT received nine proposals; at the county level staff recommended using the same consultant to streamline CDOT review and negotiated the fee using CDOT's hourly rates.

"So part of the consultant selection process, CDOT conducted their standard consultant selection process ... CDOT received 9 proposals and there's a consultant rankings, as part of that. At Douglas County staff, we've determined is cost effective and productive to utilize the same consultant Therum as CDOT and they should also streamline and expedite CDOT's review and approval process," staff said.

Funding for the contract is available in Fund 230, Business Unit 80451, and staff recommended the agreement for the State Highway 83 at Prairie Canyon Ranch access improvements project. Commissioners said they supported the item, described the location as a public safety concern because of differing speeds on Highway 83 and the adjacent rural access, and the board approved the contract after a motion and second.

Next steps: staff will execute the contract and coordinate with CDOT on design review.