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Advisory board rejects recommendation to update CIP budget for downtown pedestrian-bridge study
Summary
The advisory board debated a proposed update to the CIP to provide the $80,000 local match for a $404,000 downtown pedestrian-bridge feasibility study; concerns about priorities and past studies split the board and the motion to update the CIP did not pass.
The Edmond Capital Improvements Advisory Board discussed a feasibility-and-design grant for a proposed downtown pedestrian bridge and voted not to recommend updating the CIP to provide the required local match.
Christie Batterson, who oversees the city's grant program, told the board the grant covers feasibility and design and that the city's local match is roughly $80,000; she said Kimley-Horn has been selected to complete the study and that the grant application aims to make the project shovel-ready for future federal build-type grants.
Board members raised procedural and policy concerns. One member said the bridge was historically discussed for more than 20 years and called it a "want" rather than a pressing need, urging focus on roads and potholes. Sherry Jordan, CEO of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, urged the board to consider an existing ULI downtown study and noted a pedestrian fatality near UCO and Fink Park as context for prioritizing crossings. Several members asked whether the study would be limited to the boxed downtown area shown on staff maps or whether other crossings (including near Edmond Memorial High School or the Broadway/15th corridor) should be examined.
City staff and the assistant city manager of development services said the project focuses on downtown connectivity between the south-side transfer center and the central core and that the feasibility work will assess whether the proposed location is appropriate. Staff also cautioned against rescinding awarded grants without considering consequences, and noted that the city has a record of successful grant relationships.
A motion to update the 2000 CIP budget to account for the required grant match failed when the board voted; the chair announced, "that motion does not pass." Several members said they would vote no because they believe available funds should be directed to road repairs rather than a bridge at this time. Staff confirmed council action and a tied resolution are required for final budget changes.
The board did not adopt a recommendation to move forward with the bridge local-match funding; staff said they will return with further details as needed.
