April 24, 2008

 

Keith Browning, P.E.

Director of Public Works

Douglas County Public Works

1242 Massachusetts Street        

Lawrence, KS  66044

 

RE:       31st Street – Haskell Avenue to O’Connell Road Project Expansion

                       

Dear Mr. Browning:

 

            The City has received a request from the County Commission with respect to expanding the limits of the 31st Street project east to Route 1057.  The expanded study would develop a concept phase/plan/footprint that meets capacity needs of the corridor, provides a safe roadway, and incorporates similar design elements.  The expanded study would coordinate the efforts of the City and County to provide a more cost effective and efficient plan for the entire corridor from Haskell to Route 1057.

 

            As you are aware, the City received a Federal earmark to pay for the costs of plan development for the section from Haskell to O’Connell.  The earmark is specific to this section of 31st Street and cannot be used on the expanded area.  There is, however, benefit to coordinating efforts and expanding the scope.  It is my understanding that the scope of services proposed by Wilson & Co. for the additional work will cost approximately $220,000.  This cost assumes that the expansion of the limits would “piggy-back” onto the City’s project in terms of public/steering committee meetings.

 

            The City has not budgeted funds for this project expansion, however, would be willing to share in the cost up to $10,000 and would provide in-kind support with the coordination of the public involvement process and media releases.  A Steering Committee will be assembled to begin the discussions on goals for the facility/improvements, priorities, environmental issues, neighborhood issues, multi-model transportation option, evaluate costs/options/alternatives, collect and respond to public comment, and finally bring a recommendation to the governing bodies.

 

            The following have agreed to serve on the Steering Committee:

Prairie Park Neighborhood

Paul Phelps

Save The Wakarusa Wetlands

Michael Caron

Haskell University Representative

Vacant*

Bicycle Advisory Committee

Eric Struckoff

Representatives for businesses at 31st & Haskell

Steve Glass

Representative for residents east of O’Connell along N. 1300 Rd. (31st Street)

Karen Heeb

Planning Commission

Brad Finkeldei

City Commission

Sue Hack

County Commission

Bob Johnson

Context Sensitive Knowledge

Tom Mulinazzi

Chamber of Commerce/Realtor

Dennis Snodgrass

Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT)

Corky Armstrong

*  Haskell University will be informed of meetings and plans if we are unsuccessful in getting someone   to serve on the committee.

            Additionally, City and County staff including Keith Browning, Douglas County Department of Public Works, Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer, Mark Hecker, Parks & Recreation, and I will provide information, support, and participate in discussions. 

 

            Please let me know of the County’s decision.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call.  City staff and engineer (Wilson & Co.) are ready to proceed pending City and County Commission approvals.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Charles F. Soules, P.E.

Director of Public Works

 

CFS/je

 

cc:        David L. Corliss

            Cynthia Boecker

            Diane Stoddard