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Commission backs benefit‑cost study for US‑411 and accepts Safe Streets award; grant applications underway
Summary
County grants coordinator said the county will reapply for a BUILD grant for US‑411 planning, accepted a Safe Streets for All award (about $54,000 in grant funds, $630,000 with match) and the commission authorized a $25,000 consultant benefit‑cost analysis to support the BUILD application.
Candace Heil, St. Clair County’s grants coordinator, reported several recent successes and next steps on transportation and economic development funding.
Heil said the county will resubmit its federal BUILD grant application for planning funds to support improvements on US‑411 and is coordinating outreach to a U.S. senator’s office to strengthen federal support. To better quantify benefits for that application, commissioners approved engaging a consultant to prepare a benefit‑cost analysis for the US‑411 widening project at a quoted cost of $25,000.
Heil also reported that the county received a Safe Streets for All award to complete and refine a regional safety action plan and implement temporary safety measures. She said the grant award provides $54,000 in direct grant funding; with required matching funds and project packaging the program amount is roughly $630,000.
Commissioners discussed coordination with municipalities on the Safe Streets plan, how implementation funding might follow, and options to use grants for short‑term safety steps such as striping and temporary paving. Heil said staff will finish the action plan under the award and pursue further implementation funding in subsequent rounds.
Heil additionally described an Appalachian Regional Commission award for an economic‑development strategic plan and outlined outreach and training for city clerks and municipal administrative staff to strengthen grant administration across the county.
The commission approved the consultant engagement for the benefit‑cost analysis so the study would be available for the next BUILD application cycle and endorsed continuing municipal outreach for the Safe Streets effort.
