Rock Springs seeks implementation funding for Safe Streets plan; council approves application and state match request

City of Rock Springs councilors voted to approve an application for a Safe Streets for All implementation grant and a separate request for the Governor's infrastructure matching program to cover the city's required match.

City staff described the application as the next step after an earlier grant that funded development of a local safety-action plan. "This is now the implementation grant," a city staff member said, adding that the application packages three projects identified in the safety study: roundabout construction in two locations and a traffic signal at Stagecoach and College Drive. Staff gave a construction estimate of about $3.7 million for the identified projects and said the application amount on the form was $202,778,750.00.

Councilors asked for specifics about project locations and costs. The staff member confirmed the study recommended roundabouts (including at 2nd and F Street) and a signal at Stagecoach and College Drive. One councilor pressed whether the city had previously been awarded Safe Streets money; staff said the earlier award funded the safety-action plan and this application is a separate implementation request.

The council approved the application, but recorded one dissent: "Request passes with Councilor Malonis voting negative," the clerk noted. Council also approved a companion application to the Governor's infrastructure matching fund to cover the city's $926,250 match; staff said that if both grants are awarded, the general fund would not be used for the match.

Next steps: staff will submit the grant applications and return to the council with updates on awards and project timelines if funding is secured.