Traverse City commissioners tonight (Monday) will discuss bonding a $2 million sidewalk construction project to improve connectivity in the city over the next three years instead of the decade it would take under a normal budgeting process.

City Manager Marty Colburn will present a proposal to commissioners that "will demonstrate how we can accelerate the construction of sidewalks along primary streets utilizing current annual revenues by establishing a 10-year bond," he wrote in a memo to the board. A 1998 city plan identifies approximately 56,000 feet of new sidewalk desired to be built in the city in 170 locations, with a focus on gaps near schools along major streets. Since 1998, the city has constructed nearly 13,000 of that 56,000 feet of sidewalk. Constructing the remaining 43,000 feet would cost an estimated $1.7 million. With another $300,000 added in for engineering costs and legal expenses related to issuing a bond, Colburn is recommending bonding the project for $2 million total. With interest, the project cost at the end of the 10-year bond period is estimated at just under $2.3 million, with the city paying annual bond payments of $230,000.

"We believe this (sidewalk project) could be completed over an an approximate three-year period, providing some of the upfront work such as surveying, supporting engineering consulting services, and working through technical aspects with significant obstruction," wrote Colburn. The city manager noted that "sidewalks and walkability were established as one of the top priorities of the city commission" during a recent prioritization session, and that "this investment helps ties the community together, making it a walkable and healthier community."

In addition to new sidewalk construction, commissioners tonight will also discuss evaluating and funding deteriorating sidewalks in the city in the coming years and issuing a resolution of support for Safe Routes to School, a state program aimed at improving walking and biking options to local schools. The program could be a potential source of grant funding to help Traverse City improve its infrastructure. Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) will also appear before commissioners tonight to give an overview of the organization's mission and operations.

Commissioners will meet at 7pm at the Governmental Center.