Trustees vote to pursue $7.9M PROTECT grant and state local-match assistance to replace load‑restricted bridge

Karen Roe, the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments federal regional grant navigator, told trustees the recommended funding path is to apply for the federal PROTECT program and to seek the state's local-match assistance (Loma). Roe said the proposal would replace the load-restricted bridge near town hall, realign the creek channel for resiliency and attach a multi-use path to the bridge. "The total cost we'd be looking for from the grant is 7,900,000," Roe said, stressing that the estimate is conceptual and that design and permitting remain to be completed.

Roe explained PROTECT requires a 20% local match and that the state has a limited pool of local-match assistance; the town proposes applying for roughly $1,300,000 in Loma funds and would also seek to apply about $200,000 in PPRTA funds toward the match. She outlined a conservative timeline: design and environmental clearances in 2026-27 and construction possibly in 2028, subject to permits and funding. Roe and the mayor noted right-of-way needs are conceptual and would require surveys and federal acquisition steps if needed.

Mayor Dixon and trustees asked about risks tied to changes in federal administration and other grant programs; Roe said there is some national uncertainty but that at the town level "there's no risk to the town of Green Mountain Falls in terms of moving forward to this" because the town would not commit match or loans unless the grant is awarded. After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved pursuing Loma local-match assistance and the PROTECT grant application and authorized the mayor and staff to coordinate with PPACOG and consultants.