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Council endorses First Street West BUILD grant application; debate centers on trails, sidewalks and match
Summary
Council unanimously endorsed a BUILD grant resubmission for the First Street West corridor (project ~ $19M), discussed 8‑ft trail vs 5‑ft sidewalk design, approved a $19,900 amendment to the design contract, and affirmed use of STBG funds toward the 10% local match.
The Independence City Council on Feb. 9 unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the city’s resubmitted application to the U.S. Department of Transportation BUILD program to rebuild First Street West, a corridor project described in the packet at an overall project cost of about $19 million.
Staff said the city already has $1.3 million in Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds available that can count toward the required match. Council members were told the city’s out‑of‑pocket contribution is currently projected to be between $700,000 and $800,000; staff said the resolution authorizes pursuit of the BUILD grant and that detailed design would follow an award.
Discussion focused on pedestrian and trail components: concept plans include either an 8‑foot trail on one side and a 5‑foot sidewalk on the other, or a 5‑foot sidewalk on both sides. Several councilmembers and members of staff said some existing businesses along First Street West have constrained frontage and the design team will work to avoid taking private property. The mayor emphasized that the city must secure funding before final design and that design details will be worked out with business owners if the grant is awarded.
Council also approved Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Ritland & Cooper Landscape Architects to support the resubmission; staff reported the original contract was $159,000 and the firm requested an additional $19,900 to finalize grant resubmission work. That amendment passed on a roll call vote.
Staff told the council the BUILD Notice of Funding Opportunity is lengthy and the city is using consultants to prepare the application; the application is due later this month with award decisions expected in summer. If the grant is awarded, staff will enter the design phase and engage businesses on alignment, trail width and curb/sidewalk transitions.
