Council approves grant applications for Safe Routes activities, Colorado Street pathway and accepts NRPA mini‑grant

The McCall City Council approved multiple grant submittals and accepted a small federal grant award during the meeting.

Delta James, economic development planner, presented three items: a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) non‑infrastructure grant (formerly Safe Routes to Schools) with an application request of up to $60,000 per year for two to three years (potential total $120,000–$180,000) to fund school outreach and increased traffic enforcement; TAP infrastructure grant applications to design and construct a Colorado Street pathway connection (two grant phases, each with a maximum award of $500,000) to link new housing development sidewalks to the downtown pathway system; and a $2,000 mini‑grant from the National Recreation and Park Association to support a January 28 screening of the restored 1919 film Told in the Hills with live musical accompaniment and a panel including University of Idaho restoration staff and Nez Perce tribe members. The Historic Preservation Commission pledged an additional $1,500 toward the event.

Council voted to approve submittal of the TAP non‑infrastructure grant and to authorize submittal of two TAP infrastructure grants for the Colorado Street pathway and to accept the NRPA mini‑grant; mayoral authorization to sign necessary documents was included in motions. Staff noted federal TAP infrastructure awards may take multiple years from award to construction and that the Colorado Street construction is currently aligned with a 2029 reconstruction in the city’s capital improvement program.

Council members expressed support for the projects, highlighting the potential safety benefits for students and improved multi‑modal connections to schools, senior services and civic facilities.