Dave Grantham, City Engineer, presented the funding details for the Streets Project (SP1) for the next fiscal year at the City Council meeting on April 1, 2025.

Background: SP1 is a program funded by a gasoline tax that most people pay at the gas station. In 2026, the City is expected to receive approximately $3.7 million specifically for street rehabilitation. The City has been receiving these funds since 2018. A map outlining the approved projects and expenditures is available for review. Ensuring equitability in these projects is of utmost importance.

To access this funding, the City must report the planned projects to the state by July 1st and present them publicly at least twice. Grantham stated that he previously presented to the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Committee, and this meeting serves as the second presentation to the City Council. A resolution is required to approve the proposed projects.

The funding can be utilized for any street in the city, whether residential or arterial. Suggested projects for both types of streets are as follows:

Arterial Projects: The Commonwealth Projects 6 and 7 have been discussed; however, Grantham does not recommend pursuing these at this time due to an upcoming water main replacement in that area. Therefore, he suggests postponing the repair of that street.

Residential Streets: As previously discussed with the council and Interac, the focus for residential projects will also follow water main and sewer main replacements, as most of the work in residential zones is related to these upgrades.

Recommended Projects: Grantham recommends two projects to promote equitability across the city.

1. The first project is located on the north side of town, where no SB1 funds have been spent previously. A recent water main project has been completed there, and a preliminary pavement investigation indicates the subgrade is strong. Only a two-inch overlay will be necessary, making this work economical. The estimated project cost is about $2.5 million.

2. The second project is on the west side, again filling a gap where SB1 funds have yet to be allocated. This project also requires only a two-inch grind and overlay, with costs amounting to $1.2 million.

Together, these projects total approximately $3.7 million, which aligns perfectly with the funding the City is expected to receive next year. Grantham recommends that the Council adopt the proposed projects for SP1 funding for the upcoming fiscal year. year.