The City of Plymouth was successful in receiving READI grant funds in the recent round of funding recently announced by the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Development Authority.
Plymouth City Attorney Sean Surrisi told the Plymouth City Council members last week that the Harrison Street Trail project was awarded about $144,000.
Surrisi noted that a proposal has been presented by USI Consultants for design work on the trail project.
Katie McLear from USI presented more details about the Harrison Street trail project.
“The project intent is a trail along the south side of West Harrison Street from North Oak Drive to North Michigan Street, along the east side of North Michigan Street from West Harrison Street to West Jackson Street, and along the south side of West Jackson Street from North Michigan Street to Water Street,” stated McLear.
She noted that USI’s proposal would get the city through the first stage of planning and design with the project.
McLear continued, “That about takes you up to when you’re getting ready to start the environmental document process. The requirements of that process can change depending on the construction funding source. Our recommendation is to take the Harrison Street trail design to that 30 percent stage, and then that can easily be picked up and continued to full design once another grant opportunity or construction funding source has been identified to ensure that it’s designed within the perimeters that are required.”
Stage 1 includes survey data, topographic survey, partial design and plan development, public involvement and context design, partial utility coordination and sub-surface utility engineering, partial environmental investigation, special investigations if needed, and right-of-way verification for the project. The cost estimate is not to exceed $228,800.
Surrisi said an additional appropriation request would come before the council in a future meeting if the members agreed to move forward. They did agree to move forward so the city will engage with USI Consultants with a contract in the next month or so to get started on the design this fall.
The City of Plymouth also received READI Grant funding for Water Street townhomes in the amount of $520,000.
