City’s Recommended 2019 Budget Includes Over $73 Million Devoted to Strategic Directive of Planning and Infrastructure
City Council is in the process of reviewing the Recommended 2019 Budget with the final public hearing and adoption vote scheduled for December 5. The 2019 recommended spending budget was developed with an emphasis on the four Strategic Plan fundamentals of:
- Public safety
- Planning and infrastructure
- Diversification of the economic base
- Communication, outreach and engagement
These are built upon the guiding principles of partnerships and intergovernmental relationships, and fiscal responsibility.
One of the core functions of City government is to maintain and expand infrastructure. Infrastructure is defined as the fundamental facilities and systems serving the City such as water and sewer lines, roads, sidewalks, trails, and parks. In planning for growth in the community, the City must focus on planning for future infrastructure needs that can support quality of life, economic growth, and core municipal service delivery. Careful planning will ensure that our unique quality of life will be both preserved and enhanced. Over 41% of the Recommended 2019 Budget of $176.9 million is devoted to the Strategic Directive of Planning and Infrastructure. The annual investment includes ongoing costs to maintain our current infrastructure and provide related services to the community at over $45 million and capital to expand and improve infrastructure.
2019 Recommended Budget Planning and Infrastructure Capital Highlights:
- $7.7 million in improvements to the wastewater treatment plant and collection systems
- $6.2 million in maintenance and reconstruction of existing street infrastructure (partially funded by dollars approved by voters in spring 2017)
- $6.2 million in improvements to the water supply, treatment and distribution systems
- $2.5 million for construction of the 1.5-mile Monument Road Trail
- $1.9 million for the Las Colonias Park river recreation amenity and irrigation system
- $900,000 in improvements to Orchard Avenue (Normandy to 29 Road)
- $700,000 for construction of a greenway at Riverfront at Dos Rios
- $700,000 for construction of 25 Road turn lanes (north of Patterson)
- $200,000 for the Patterson Road Access Control Plan
- $188,000 for completion of an update to the Comprehensive Plan
City Manager Greg Caton states, “Planning and infrastructure is the backbone of our community. If we don’t have good roads, reliable utility systems, and strong plans for how we will grow into the future, we are not properly serving our community, nor are we creating a community where business wants to operate or people want to live. The infrastructure of Grand Junction is a major asset that requires significant investment to maintain and improve. This recommended budget sets forth a plan to do just that and sets the course for a strong foundation into the future.”
The second public hearing on the 2019 Recommended Budget will be held at the December 5 City Council meeting after which City Council will vote on adoption of the budget.
Access to all 2019 Recommended Budget documents can be found on the City’s website.
The public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. in
the Grand Junction City Hall Auditorium and public comment is encouraged.
Contact: Sam Rainguet, Communications Manager 970-244-1507 or samr@gjcity.org
Construction began this week on a pedestrian safety improvement project on Horizon Drive between G Road and Interstate 70. Pedestrian presence in this area is common with people moving between the many motels, businesses, and restaurants. Up to this point, opportunities for pedestrians to cross Horizon Drive at a crosswalk or traffic signal have been limited to either the G Road intersection or the crosswalks at the I-70 Roundabouts; with almost one-half mile between those crossings. Tragically since 2010 there have been three fatal accidents involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles along this segment of Horizon Drive. This project will represent a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve safety for all forms of transportation on Horizon Drive.
