City of Tahlequah

PROJECT PURPOSE

This proposed project would provide funds to build a bridge in the Willis Road East corridor into the Welling community. This bridge will provide a traffic relief route for all citizens living across the river that travel South of the City of Tahlequah on Highway 62. The multiple benefits to the City of Tahlequah as well as the surrounding communities include: 1) provide a public access point for the public to gain access to the Scenic Illinois river and provide an additional access point for swift water rescue, 2) provide access to expand the current float trip operations to alleviate congestion on Highway 10, and provide increased tourism opportunities for the East side of the City of Tahlequah, 3) provide faster response times for first responders by arriving in the Welling community 8 minutes faster, 4) provide a bike and pedestrian lane to access the 200 acre mountain bike area in the Welling community, 5) drive economic development where the Cherokee Nation is improving historical grounds and housing, 6) provide quicker and safer busing routes for Tahlequah, Briggs, Tenkiller and Keys Public Schools. This bridge project will ensure continued growth and alleviate extreme traffic congestion issue during commuting times.

EVIDENCE

The City of Tahlequah created a Comprehensive Plan to utilize the wishes of community stakeholders in the future of this community. This extensive plan outlines the need for this project as indicated by community partners, citizens, and City of Tahlequah administrators. This plan will be attached as a supporting document.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The City of Tahlequah is located within miles of the third poorest county (Adair) and ranks tenth respectively in this category (U.S. Census Data 2010) which establishes a dire need for assistance in this project during unprecedented times. This proposed bridge project would alleviate traffic congestion, provide safer and quicker routes for school buses, and continue to provide for the growth that has been initiated by the Tahlequah Trails and vitalization of the Cherokee Nation Historical grounds and housing. This bridge will also provide a pedestrian and bike access to recreation spaces. According to the 2019 U.S. Census, a staggering 8.9% of Tahlequah residents have no access to a vehicle within their entire home, while the state average ranks low at only 5.5%. The increase in response time by eight minutes for emergency response times for those disproportionately impacted will provide positive economic, safety, recreation, and other potential benefits to those citizens in the most vulnerable population.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by meeting predefined milestones as prescribed in the 2010 User-Friendly Handbook for Project Evaluation (Frechtling Westat et al., 2010). The project will have four stages: Project planning/modification, Needs assessment, Project Implementation and Project Evaluation. The City of Tahlequah will adhere to all expectations of the US Treasury financial reporting requirements. The City of Tahlequah has already completed the first two steps in effective program evaluation. Both formative and summative data will be collected to measure completion goals created by a project committee made up of citizens and members from each partnering entity.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma