Franklin accepts state STP grant for Drexel Avenue but delays construction until state schedule allows

The City of Franklin on Tuesday accepted a State Transportation Program (STP) grant that would cover about 80% of design and construction for a rebuild of Drexel Avenue from Bridgeview Drive to 27th Street, but councilors agreed construction is likely to be scheduled by the state in 2030 or later.

Ms. Paulus, the city engineer, told the council that bids returned March 19 were well below the city's estimate: a low bid of $2,100,000 compared with an earlier estimate of $3,500,000. "The state will pick up 80% for design and construction and the city being the hook for 20%," Ms. Paulus said, and she gave a rough split: "Roughly, 3,200,000 for the state and 800,000 for the city." The council then voted to accept the grant and proceed with the state‑led project.

Council members pressed staff on timing and fiscal risk. One councilor warned that, with construction pushed out to 2030 or later, inflation could narrow the cost advantage; the councilor said there is a point at which rising prices could make it cheaper to do the work now than to wait. Ms. Paulus agreed there are no guarantees: "When you're dealing with state and federal money, things do get moved around," and she described 2030 as an optimistic target.

Council discussion also covered maintenance costs in the interim and who controls future bidding. Ms. Paulus said the state will run the bidding process for the STP project and the city will have limited input: "It'll go through the state bidding process…ultimately, it's a state's product, if you will, not led by the city." Several council members noted state procurement typically carries more regulatory requirements and can be higher in price than local procurement.

The council approved the motion to accept the grant and place the project on the state schedule by voice vote. The motion passed and the city will budget its roughly 20% share during the appropriate capital planning cycle.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with the state on scheduling and report back to the council if there are material changes to cost estimates or timing.