With some expressed reservations, Parsons city commissioners agreed to apply for a grant to make improvements to the Tolen Creek Trail.
The commission agreed on Tuesday evening to submit an application for a Kansas Department of Transportation grant through the agency’s Transportation Alternatives Program for a project that would cost an estimated $986,200. The work would include removing the existing gravel from about 3/4 of a mile of the west portion of the trail and replacing it with concrete as well as adding lighting, bridge railing and signage. The city’s cost in the project would total $269,240, which represents 20 percent of construction plus all of the engineering costs. KDOT is expected to announce grant awards under the Transportation Alternatives Program in December. City Manager Debbie Lamb said if the commission decides to reject the grant, there would be no repercussions as long as a decision is made well before bid letting, which is anticipated for October 2020.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)