Commissioners back adding a trail and curb on 2550 South; staff to explore impact‑fee funding and utility agreements

Project staff presented design updates for the 2550 South widening project at the July 13 work session and asked the commission whether to add a north‑side trail, curb and gutter, and bike lanes for Phase 1 (3500 W to 4300 W).

Ashley Toman (project staff) said the trail was not in the original design but neighborhood growth and user demand motivated the addition; the trail from 3500 to 4300 W was estimated at about $250,000. Staff noted impact‑fee funds earmarked for trails (the Lower Valley Impact Trails balance was referenced at about $1.4M at end of 2025 with roughly $400,000 collected so far in 2026) and suggested funding the addition from that source or reprioritizing planned trail projects.

Commissioners and staff discussed right‑of‑way, timing and substantial utility conflicts along the corridor — culinary water, secondary water and private gravity irrigation systems exist within or near the ROW. Staff said county ordinance requires utility owners to relocate at their expense for reconstruction projects but said they will approach affected utilities with a proposed cost‑participation or contribution agreement so relocations occur prior to construction. Commissioners asked staff to draft agreement language and return with cost estimates.

Staff also proposed outreach such as an open house for residents along the corridor. The commission expressed general support for adding the trail and curb and for staff to pursue utility agreements and budget adjustments as needed; no final funding decision or vote occurred at the session.