Committee OKs small contract increases to advance Wall Street corridor design and preserve federal funding

The Economic & Community Development Committee voted unanimously to advance two contract amendments tied to the Wall Street corridor improvements and to move them to the full council for final approval.

Staff explained the requested contract increases are small, targeted additions to existing design agreements to bring Beldon Avenue and related elements into the next design package. Garrett, transportation staff, said federal and state partners recommended expanding the phase-two scope to include Beldon Avenue to ensure the city can recoup the full $5.5 million in federal funding supporting the project.

“We would like to be under contract this fall for phase two so that the phase-two work can begin construction in the spring of 2027,” Garrett said, outlining a phased plan that already has utility work and garage improvements underway in phase one. He said the change is primarily a design-level addition to allow bidding and to be responsive to state and federal requirements.

The two items read into the record were (1) an amendment to increase the Fussenial contract by $46,900 for additional transportation engineering and design services for Wall Street corridor improvements, and (2) authorization for the director of transportation, mobility and parking to amend the FA O'Neal contract up to $4,690. Committee members thanked staff for progress updates; the committee advanced both items unanimously.

Staff said next steps include finishing detailed designs, proceeding to bid in summer/fall 2026, and seeking contracts so construction can begin in 2027.