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Fergus Falls council OKs staff work on pedestrian-safety grant applications for three crossings
Summary
Council authorized staff to prepare Transportation Alternatives/Carbon Reduction grant applications for pedestrian elements of two required crossings and additional safety upgrades at Magnuson Park–library and the Service Food–Walgreens crossing. Staff will return in January with designs and 20% match sources.
The Fergus Falls City Council on Dec. 10 authorized staff to prepare grant applications for pedestrian-safety work at multiple downtown crossings, including two crossings tied to a dairy-site access project and smaller safety upgrades between Magnuson Park and the library and at the fast-moving Service Food–Walgreens corridor.
Mayor and staff described grant programs (Transportation Alternatives and Carbon Reduction) that can fund the pedestrian portion of larger crossing projects; the grants generally have an 80/20 match. Staff said one full crossing had been estimated at roughly $1,000,000 and another at about $400,000; the grant application would seek only the eligible pedestrian-cost portion to reduce the city’s local share.
Council discussed specific treatments: a relatively low-cost flash-light system between Magnuson Park and the library; ADA-accessibility improvements and sidewalk upgrades on South Union near Wright Park; and a more substantial Hawkeye-style (in-road arm and flashing red lights) crossing to address near-miss safety concerns on the Service Food–Walgreens crossing. The mayor described a recent incident in which a visually impaired pedestrian had a near-miss at that location.
Clara Beck said the applications are due Jan. 9 and staff plan to return to the council on Jan. 5 with refined designs and a clearer estimate of the city’s 20% match and recommended budget sources. More Engineering would assist with design work and the city expects no upfront cost for initial proposal preparation.
Council member Scott moved to authorize staff to pursue the grant work; the motion passed by voice vote. The item will be placed on the consent agenda for final action when staff returns with budget details.
