Eureka Springs City Council convened for a special meeting Friday, April 27, to consider a resolution authorizing Mayor Butch Berry to apply for a Transportation Alternative Program grant administered by the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. If awarded, it would execute all appropriate agreements and contracts necessary to complete construction of a sidewalk along US 62 from the top of Planer Hill toward the Community Center property.
Berry explained that Public Works Director Dwayne Allen had confirmed the city could still take advantage of a TAP grant originally intended for a path from Harmon Park to Clear Spring School. Allen said this 80-20 grant totaling $80,000 would start the sidewalk project, but the city would still need to apply for an additional grant to complete it. He estimated the total cost “could be pushing $300,000 to $400,000.”
Berry said the resolution would allow him to apply for the additional money, and although some engineering work has already been done, the city would still need an engineer’s estimate for the cost. Once that number is established Berry will present it to council because the city would need to commit to a 20 percent match. At that point, the city could get bids and council would ultimately approve a bidder.
Allen presented the project as though the sidewalk would run on the north side of US 62. Alderman Bob Thomas pointed out he has watched pedestrians traverse the opposite side of the highway from the Inn of the Ozarks to the Transit Station but not the northern side. Conversation at that point focused on the need for crosswalks regardless of where the sidewalk lay.
Alderman Terry McClung said the grant funds would reimburse the city, which meant the upfront outlay must come from city coffers.
Berry also explained the original grant would be closed by May 1 unless council acted at that meeting to move the process along, hence the need for a Friday afternoon meeting.
Vote was unanimous to approve McClung’s motion to assign a resolution number and read it for passage.