Bear River revisits $500,000 curb-and-gutter grant to pursue lower speed limit on Highway 89

Councilors discussed reintroducing a grant application to pay for curb, gutter and related work along Highway 89 aimed at making the corridor look more like a town street and support a state speed-limit reduction from 65 to 45 mph.

The Chair said the total project cost is about $500,000, with the state expected to pay approximately three-quarters and the town's share estimated at about $130,000. He said the town had applied twice previously and been turned down and that he mistakenly called a vote last month that killed the project; he pledged to call for a new vote to resurrect the application so the state can make a June decision on awards.

Residents and council members raised design, drainage and turnout questions—how water would be routed, where cutouts and turnouts would be provided, and bus-stop locations—and warned of safety risks for horse trailers and school buses on the corridor. Officials said engineering had done preliminary work but noted heavy statewide competition for limited grant funds.

Council did not record a final vote on reviving the project in this discussion; members said they will reintroduce the item for formal action and await the state's grant decision.