Wait, why does it cost more than $2 million for planning?
It's a big project!
Not only does the planning area go from Stadium Blvd. to the new Conley Road Bridge, but there's a lot of goals we're trying to accomplish. We need a comprehensive stormwater management plan to prevent flooding and allow redevelopment on vacant lots; an environmental impact analysis due to the amount of construction required; an assessment of traffic patterns to improve access to businesses; detailed engineering for new sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes; and even some economic development planning.
Think of it as creating architectural blueprints before beginning construction on your home—it’s a way to make sure the foundation is strong, assess the proper building materials, map out the size and shape of the house, and estimate construction costs.
Even more important, most funding sources for capital improvement projects require detailed engineering plans--they want to fund shovel-ready projects. Doing due diligence now and creating a plan is the best way to secure what we anticipate will be about $25 million necessary for the actual road construction and rebuilding.
That's why this grant is so critical to the future of the Business Loop--and Columbia in general. It's the first necessary step towards securing the funds for a multi-million dollar road improvement project that will benefit everyone.
