Snowflake Will Seek Grant For Sidewalk And Decorative Lights

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By Naomi Hatch
    The Town of Taylor received a Transportation Enhancement Grant in 2002 for sidewalk and decorative lights from Paper Mill Road to the Snowflake boundaries on Main Street. At that time Snowflake applied for the same grant, but was not selected to receive funding.
    Public Works Director Gary Fenstermaker explained to the Snowflake Town Council July 22 that he split the project into two phases, but isn’t sure why the town didn’t get the grant.
    He received approval of a request for Resolution 08-510 for support of the Transportation Enhancement Grant Round 16. He explained that since 2002, sidewalk has been put in up to Rodeo Road, so this grant will request curb, gutter and sidewalk from Rodeo Road to the town limits, and decorative lights from Ninth South to the town limits on the west side of Highway 77. He noted that there would not be as many driveway cuts as there were in Taylor.
    Fenstermaker said that he believes that since Taylor’s project has been completed, the Snowflake pro-ject will have connectivity with Taylor’s and would be considered more favorably this funding cycle.
    He explained that projects on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) right of way can be submitted for up to $1 million, but anticipates this project to be in the $500,000 to $750,000 range with a 5.7 percent match for which the town can budget for three years.  
    Mayor Kelly Willis asked Fenstermaker’s opinion of the possibility of getting this grant for other road improvements.  
    Fenstermaker explained that enhancement is for bicycle or pedestrian safety, and such things as trails or beautification along the roadway, and this will make it safer for pedestrian traffic.
    In response to a question posed by Councilman Charlie Hendrickson, Fenstermaker explained that the project would include 6,100’ of electric line for the decorative lights and approximately 3,000’ of sidewalk.
    Mayor Willis asked Fenstermaker, “What’s your feelings, do you feel like there’s a pretty good chance of us getting it (the grant)?”
    Fenstermaker responded, “I think this adds the connectivity they’re looking for with Taylor’s in.”
    The mayor then asked if there was anything that the council could do to help secure the grant, and Fenstermaker suggested letters of support would be appreciated, noting he will be asking for letters of support from Northland Pioneer College and the churches.
    A motion to approve Resolution 08-510 supporting the Round 16 application for the Transportation Enhancement Grant passed unanimously.