By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Yukon has applied for a federal grant for a new multi-modal trail along Garth Brooks Boulevard.
The 10-foot-wide trail – on the west side of the road – would stretch from the Interstate 40 bridge to Vandament Avenue.
“This will mean that there is a 10-foot-wide trail from Main Street all the way to Health Center Parkway,” City of Yukon grant writer Claudia Krshka said.
“This will allow residents and visitors to be able travel Garth Brooks by walking, wheelchair or biking very safely, providing access to several businesses and including the (INTEGRIS Canadian Valley) hospital.”
Preliminary cost estimate is $604,842.20. The City of Yukon is requesting funding of 79% of the project cost – an estimated $477,825.
The source is the Air Quality small grant program for urbanized areas.
The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) has made funds available to “reduce transportation emissions and improve air quality” in central Oklahoma, according to a resolution approved by the Yukon City Council.
LOCAL MATCH
If the grant is awarded, the City of Yukon would pay $127,017 as a “local match” to construct the new multimodal trail.
This proposed Garth Brooks Trail project includes pedestrian traffic poles and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements at both Andrew Drive and the Walmart Drive.
This would “make it easier to cross Garth Brooks Boulevard and those driveways going into Braums and Walmart, making this trail ADA compliant,” Krshka explained.
The grant proposal is consistent with Yukon’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan for a more walkable community.
“Hopefully this will become a viable option to provide an avenue for a healthy lifestyle – walking or biking for exercise – and, in turn, reduce carbon dioxide emissions,” Krshka added.
