Council approves city’s share of updated Alton Avenue feasibility study as development pressure grows

The New Prague City Council voted to fund half of an updated feasibility study for Alton Avenue (the County Road 15 alignment), agreeing to pay $42,925 toward a consultant proposal priced at $85,850.

Dan (staff) summarized the corridor’s history — a 2004–05 memorandum of understanding with Scott County and Helena Township that envisioned Alton Avenue as an alternate north‑south route — and said recent commercial and residential development interest near Main Street prompted a study update. "We just got the application last week," he said of a pending annexation for an 8.5‑acre parcel and noted a likely townhome concept further north that would add development pressure along the corridor.

Consulting staff explained the proposed scope: a traffic analysis of intersecting roads, updated alignments and preliminary geometrics, a desktop wetland delineation, utility (sanitary sewer/water/storm) considerations, cost estimates and funding review, along with coordination with Scott County. The consultant estimated delivering the report by March and noted Scott County has approved paying 50% of the study.

The council voted (5‑0) to approve the city’s share of $42,925 for the feasibility study. Council discussion emphasized that the project remains county‑driven for the corridor beyond the city limits, that the city seeks to protect local access for commercial viability along Highway 19, and that any future public costs are expected to be assessed back to developers and adjacent property owners under local policy.

Next steps: consultant work will proceed on the preliminary design and traffic analysis; staff will coordinate with Scott County on scope and on how the county’s updated cost‑participation program will affect future cost allocation and potential assessments.