Intersection project and grant planning: Congress & Lawrence update, Augustine work and TAP application

The committee received updates on larger capital projects and grant planning. Staff said the Congress & Lawrence intersection improvement package, including documentation to demonstrate no impact to golden eagles, was forwarded to the state and that the city offered to provide project management oversight to avoid the state's 14% contingency and to expedite work.

On Augustine Avenue, staff reported state comments and an American Wire Fencing quote of about $48,000 (roughly 1,700 linear feet) to replace a temporary fence on the Perry property; the city expects local quotes that may lower cost and noted contingency funds associated with the project's 20% match. Staff also said they will bring a resolution to council to apply for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for the West End Corridor; committee members discussed the TAP 80/20 split and 14% contingency and asked staff to pursue the application while watching other federal grant windows (including "Safe Streets for All").

"I think the whole corridor's recommendation is almost 6,000,000 in improvements," Council Member Ricketts said when summarizing the MPO corridor study, and members criticized the study for emphasizing vehicle throughput over pedestrian improvements. Staff encouraged committee members to submit technical comments and noted that some grant opportunities require a city-level applicant even when the state is involved.