Lucas City Council declines Collin County grant for Central Loop Trail; council cites priorities and easement concerns

The Lucas City Council voted to decline a Collin County Project Funding Assistance Program award of $446,739.15 for the Central Loop Trail West Lucas Road, after extended debate about costs, easements and municipal priorities.

Staff explained the award is a reimbursement grant that would reimburse up to half of qualifying construction costs and would not cover potential land-acquisition expenses. "It’s a reimbursement grant… they’ll reimburse us half of what we spend up to the maximum award amount," staff explained.

Council members raised concerns that building the sidewalk would require substantially more easements than road construction — staff estimated 36 easements for the sidewalk versus 11 for the road — and that the city could be responsible for significant matching or upfront costs. Several council members said other needs (police department conversion, roads and park projects) have moved higher on the city’s priority list. "I don’t wanna spend half $1,000,000 on this project at this point in time," one council member said, summarizing concern about committing city resources.

Staff noted the city has already spent approximately $140,000 on engineering for the sidewalk and that accepting the award would allow the sidewalk to be bid as an alternate so the council could see actual bids before deciding to proceed. Council members responded that accepting the award could tie up county funds the city might not use and that returning the award would allow the county to reallocate it.

Chair moved to deny acceptance of the Collin County award and to not enter into a local agreement with Collin County for this grant; the motion was seconded and carried on voice vote.

The council thanked staff for pursuing the funding but declined the current award, leaving open the possibility of reapplying for grants in the future if priorities change.