BROOKINGS – The Brookings City Council approved making a financial commitment Tuesday for a federal BUILD grant that could fund the development of an Interstate 29 and 20th Street South Interchange.
The vote was unanimous to authorize the city’s financial participation in a federal grant known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development funding source. The grant application deadline is July 19.
The proposal, which includes a three-lane configuration, will cost an estimated $18 million. The grant requires a commitment of 20 percent from the city, which is approximately $3.6 million, an attachment to the agenda said of the city’s share of costs.
Paul Briseno, incoming city manager, said the grant can fund rural projects up to 100 percent. Mayor Keith Corbett added that Brookings is considered rural because it is under 50,000 in population.
Lyle Bowes, who is retired from Bowes Construction, thinks it is a good idea.
“This project is probably way overdue. Construction of this project is going to impact every citizen of Brookings, South Dakota, every day in a positive way,” Bowes said, adding he would “strongly advise a positive vote on this.”
Regan Rohl, who grew up in Volga, said he agreed with Bowes.
“This is such an obvious (decision). Just don’t understand why it didn’t happen before,” Rohl said, adding it will give much better access to the southern part of Brookings, including Indian Hills and area schools.
Councilor Holly Tilton Byrne proposed an amendment stating that the $3.6 million would only be committed to the interchange contingent on receiving the grant.
City Attorney Steve Britzman said it was a good idea to add the contingency, and the amendment passed unanimously.
Councilor Mary Kidwiler asked when the city would be getting the money if it is awarded the grant.
“We should know in December if we get the grant or not,” Corbett said, adding the money would be available in 2020.
There’s still a lot to do, even after the city gets the grant, including environmental studies, Briseno said.
Councilor Patty Bacon said even though Brookings could get the grant at 100 percent, it’s still best to show that the city’s willing to invest up to 20 percent to “increase the odds that we’ll get this grant.”
Councilor Ope Niemeyer asked if Banner and HDR would do the design. Corbett said they’ve done all the work and done the original report.
Tilton Byrne asked if the cost of the design was included in the grant money and Corbett said that was his understanding of it.
After the council approved making the financial commitment, Corbett said he would present the item to Brookings County commissioners on Tuesday.
In other news, the council approved liquor licenses for the Brookings Volunteer Fire Association for a street dance on July 21 and Downtown at Sundown for events in July and August.
Contact Jodelle Greiner at jgreiner@brookingsregister.com.
