Story County to pursue TSIP grant for GW Carver roundabout; board approves resolution

The Story County Board of Supervisors authorized staff to pursue a TSIP grant and approved resolution 27.14 on Aug. 11 to advance a preliminary roundabout design at the GW Carver/Cameron School Road intersection.

Darren Moon, county engineer, said two options remain: a roundabout (preferred for safety and eligible for TSIP) and a traffic signal. The roundabout total cost was presented as approximately $3,700,000 with the county's share estimated at about $738,000; the signal alternative would require a larger county contribution (presenter cited roughly $1.25 million). Moon said the county already has $400,000 allocated in the five‑year program toward the roundabout, leaving roughly $300,000 additional county match if the grant is awarded.

Moon said roundabouts reduce crash severity and noted a city planner estimate that roundabouts could reduce crashes by about 65% and that a cost‑benefit ratio in the materials was 2.76 (benefits exceed costs). The TSIP grant application deadline was this week, and Moon recommended applying for the roundabout option because the grant cannot fund signal installation.

The board approved resolution 27.14 by voice vote and directed staff to coordinate funding details with the City of Ames and to return with a funding agreement if the grant is not awarded. Moon said the city is likely to support the roundabout and that more detailed funding allocation conversations will follow.