Improving Hailey's streets to the level desired by city residents and officials and officials will take plenty of time and money.
Andy Mortensen, representing traffic consultants Transpo Group, presented proposed street improvements and designs at a City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 27. This draft of the Transportation Master Plan included the incorporation of bicycle lands, concrete street edging to improve durability and options for parking.
Mortensen, with citizen input, said improvements to state Highway 75 and River Street were the city's top priority, as well as increased pedestrian safety along Woodside Boulevard.
However, all of the recommended improvements, which would be done over a 20-year period, would cost an estimated $24.6 million, with more than $200,000 per year required for maintenance.
"You have an issue with your current maintenance," Mortensen said, explaining that most of the city's 43 miles of streets are between seven and 12 years from needing to be replaced.
Mortensen said potential funding options could come from franchise fees, the local option tax, a revenue bond, urban renewal funding or the creation of a local improvement district. As well, he said $6.7 million of the improvements would be eligible from the traffic impact fee program, which receives money from developers of new subdivisions. However, this money is not guaranteed, as it's tied to new development and the housing market.
Mortensen said he should have the final draft of the master plan by the beginning of September, at which time it will be up to city officials to decide how to proceed with the proposed improvements.
