A Significant Number Of Public Works Projects Is Coming This Year
January 5, 2023 at 6:44 p.m.
By Joe Thallemer-
Do state and federal requirements impact public projects? Yes. Public works projects involving new construction, reconstruction, replacement and remodeling are all governed by state and federal guidelines. This includes the selection of consultants, project delivery methods, contractors, materials and land acquisition. While much beyond the scope of this discussion, suffice it to say that state and federal guidelines will provide the framework of project administration.
How does the city decide what projects are priority? How will the project be financed and paid for?
The city’s project priorities are based on both the level of need and the availability of funding. The level of need can vary from an unforeseen circumstance that creates an urgent impact, a planned infrastructure improvement or an unmet housing demand. Funding can vary from a simple combination of city resources and grant funding to significantly more complex financing with multiple partners and funding mechanisms.
As an example, a public health or safety issue would be considered a high-level need and would be given priority to identify funding sources. In 2018, our sewage treatment facility was at capacity and expansion was the only option. A state revolving loan was identified to finance the project and after much work, the problem was solved.
Road projects are also often initiated by safety concerns from increases in traffic volume and changes in traffic patterns brought about by growth. Local examples include the improvements on Husky Trail, which were the result of significant commercial growth while the East Market Street project was designed to calm traffic and improve safety and walkability for neighborhood residents. The current U.S. 30 project is also an example of the need for safety solutions on a very congested at-grade highway whose usage has dramatically increased over the years.
You may have noticed the city’s involvement in initiating rental housing projects for our workforce. High demand has created a significant need. High costs have created a significant obstacle. The problem is that the cost to build is higher than can be supported by market rate rents. This creates a gap in the cost of the project. To meet the housing need, the city is collaborating with developers to support projects by donating land, building infrastructure, providing tax incentives and assisting in securing additional public funding. Only then can the gap be filled, and the workforce housing needs of our employers can be met.
This year, we will be completing two projects that have been contemplated for several years, but as park projects, have been on hold because of funding. Two separate donors identified those projects as their priority to enhance quality of our parks. They generously supported the funding of the Center Lake Pavilion reconstruction (Zimmer-Biomet Foundation) and the Center Lake Recreational Trail (Dr. Rick and April Sasso). We are very fortunate to have many generous donors who provide support for health and recreation projects in our community.
Public works projects are tangible reminders of the city’s’ commitment to enrich and benefit our entire community! The planning and investment pay dividends for years to come!
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Do state and federal requirements impact public projects? Yes. Public works projects involving new construction, reconstruction, replacement and remodeling are all governed by state and federal guidelines. This includes the selection of consultants, project delivery methods, contractors, materials and land acquisition. While much beyond the scope of this discussion, suffice it to say that state and federal guidelines will provide the framework of project administration.
How does the city decide what projects are priority? How will the project be financed and paid for?
The city’s project priorities are based on both the level of need and the availability of funding. The level of need can vary from an unforeseen circumstance that creates an urgent impact, a planned infrastructure improvement or an unmet housing demand. Funding can vary from a simple combination of city resources and grant funding to significantly more complex financing with multiple partners and funding mechanisms.
As an example, a public health or safety issue would be considered a high-level need and would be given priority to identify funding sources. In 2018, our sewage treatment facility was at capacity and expansion was the only option. A state revolving loan was identified to finance the project and after much work, the problem was solved.
Road projects are also often initiated by safety concerns from increases in traffic volume and changes in traffic patterns brought about by growth. Local examples include the improvements on Husky Trail, which were the result of significant commercial growth while the East Market Street project was designed to calm traffic and improve safety and walkability for neighborhood residents. The current U.S. 30 project is also an example of the need for safety solutions on a very congested at-grade highway whose usage has dramatically increased over the years.
You may have noticed the city’s involvement in initiating rental housing projects for our workforce. High demand has created a significant need. High costs have created a significant obstacle. The problem is that the cost to build is higher than can be supported by market rate rents. This creates a gap in the cost of the project. To meet the housing need, the city is collaborating with developers to support projects by donating land, building infrastructure, providing tax incentives and assisting in securing additional public funding. Only then can the gap be filled, and the workforce housing needs of our employers can be met.
This year, we will be completing two projects that have been contemplated for several years, but as park projects, have been on hold because of funding. Two separate donors identified those projects as their priority to enhance quality of our parks. They generously supported the funding of the Center Lake Pavilion reconstruction (Zimmer-Biomet Foundation) and the Center Lake Recreational Trail (Dr. Rick and April Sasso). We are very fortunate to have many generous donors who provide support for health and recreation projects in our community.
Public works projects are tangible reminders of the city’s’ commitment to enrich and benefit our entire community! The planning and investment pay dividends for years to come!
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