The Jamestown City Council voted unanimously on December 1, 2023, to approve the 2027-2030 State Transportation Improvement Plan. This plan encompasses several significant projects aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure, with a total investment exceeding $4 million.
The key projects for 2027 include the reconstruction of the Business Loop West, which will involve transforming the intersection of U.S. Highway 52 and 10th Street Southeast into a roundabout. Additionally, the plan calls for a concrete pavement repair project on U.S. Highway 52, covering the stretch from 74th Avenue Northwest to 9th Street Southeast. A mill and overlay project on 4th Avenue East from 10th Street Southeast to 5th Street Northeast is also included.
The Business Loop West reconstruction will see the replacement of two bridges and the restriping of 1st Avenue South from 7th to 10th Street Southeast. Notably, there will be no local funding requirement for the Business Loop West reconstruction or the U.S. Highway 52 pavement repair projects.
Details on Infrastructure Projects
The mill and overlay project on 4th Avenue East entails rebuilding a 13-block section and includes repairs to the interior walls of a viaduct. A portion of concrete near the Orphan Grain Train building will also be replaced with new pavement. This project is projected to cost just over $4 million, with a local contribution of approximately $765,000 and federal funding exceeding $3.2 million.
For 2029, the plan includes additional projects, such as a concrete pavement repair initiative on Mill Hill and a mill and overlay project on 7th Avenue East from 10th Street Southeast to 4th Street Northeast. The estimated costs are over $2.3 million for the Mill Hill project and $3 million for the 7th Avenue East project, with significant funding expected from federal and state sources.
Additional Council Approvals
In other council business, David Schloegel announced that residents can sign up for notifications regarding snow removal times on the city’s website. This initiative aims to keep residents informed about when snowplows will be in their areas.
The council also authorized several other important initiatives. These include allowing Jamestown Frontier Attractions to initiate a construction manager at-risk selection process for a miniature golf course at Frontier Village. The council approved the purchase of volleyball equipment for the Jamestown Civic Center’s sports courts, with a total cost exceeding $13,000 for the necessary equipment.
Furthermore, the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corp. received approval for $125,000 in funding to support tourism sites and related events, with the city’s share amounting to $100,000. The council also approved an additional $35,000 for the revamped Workforce Pathways Program and $80,000 for renovations at 120 2nd St. NE, where various local organizations are based.
Additionally, the council authorized City Administrator Sarah Hellekson to sign a sales agreement for a new generator for the Jamestown Civic Center at a cost of approximately $97,000. Finally, Terry Schulz was appointed to the Jamestown Regional Airport Authority for a five-year term.
Through these initiatives, the Jamestown City Council aims to enhance local infrastructure, support tourism, and improve community services for residents.
