MC passes Safe Streets plan, aims for $2.5M grant

A safe streets plan, four years in the making, has now passed so the Town of Mountain City can go after over grant funds to implement it. The unanimous vote came after the Safety Action Plan was presented to the town during its budget workshop, before its regular meeting. Part of the Safe Streets for All Grant Program, the federal infrastructure program helps fund regional and local initiatives to "prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries involving motorists, pedestrians and cyclists." As part of the grant application process, the town has integrated local crash data, community feedback and roadway analysis. According to the study, the fatal and serious injury crash rate is anticipated to double from eight in 2024 to 16 in 2040. According to the study, areas for prioritization are, in order, Shady Street, Church Street, Roan Creek Road/Forge Creek Road, Main Street/Highway 67, College Street, Crossroads Drive, Highway 91 and Rainbow Road. Shady Street scored as the worst street in need of remediation. Projects identified include constructing missing walks and ADA curb ramps, enhancing crosswalk visibility at the intersection with Highway 91, College Street and W. Main Street and adding retroreflective backplates at signaled intersections. Similar ideas were proposed for Church Street, Roan Creek Road/Forge Creek Road, College Street and Main Street. The federal funding opportunity is an 80/20 match with a minimum $2.5 million award. This would mean the town would need to put up $500,000, which can be spread out over five years if awarded. There are ways to mitigate the $500,000 match, such as logging staff hours working on the Safe Streets for All plan. Alderman Jerry Horne asked if this would put a tax burden on the citizens. Milner said not necessarily, as it's up to the board and town how to fund the project. First Tennessee Development District Rural Planning Organization Coordinator Chase Milner told the council that after being submitted in late May, the grant would take six to eight months to be reviewed. "It looks good that you would get that award," Milner said, noting Johnson County is one of two counties in the first district that are currently not compliant. Later, during the regular meeting, Alderman Celeste Dunn said she was hesitant before the earlier presentation due to the $500,000, as was Horne. Mayor Jerry Jordan said they don't have anything to lose by going for the money.