City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

The City of Muskogee is seeking funding to support its multi-phase Connect Muskogee plan. Adopted in 2021, Connect Muskogee aims to improve transit access, sidewalks, bikeways and trail system throughout the city with the goal of encouraging greater use of active transportation modes: walking, bicycling, trails, and public transit. It is well established that this can provide many benefits to individuals and the community as a whole related to personal health, air quality, and economic benefits. After a two-year strategic planning process, Connect Muskogee identified significant projects in three areas. 1. (current request) Three additions to the current trail network to connect residential areas with recreation and commerce, improve citizen safety, and address storm water drainage issues (~$4.5M). 2. Improve current routes and extend the transit system to meet public and private demand for increased healthcare access and economic development, including a direct line to the Port of Muskogee, which services 6,000 employees and contributes more than $300 million annually to payroll (~$1.5M); 3. Safe bicycle paths, expanded pedestrian sidewalks and improved emergency vehicle access through street redesign and rehabilitation (~$2.7M). Muskogee is asking for $4.5 million to support the trails portion of this approximately $9 million project.

EVIDENCE

For nearly two years, Connect Muskogee engaged the community using surveys of various populations; establishing focus groups for business and healthcare sectors; and developing a pinpoint map tool for public comments and identification of areas needing improvement. Also, the Connect Muskogee committee involved multi-sectoral partners from education, healthcare, government, nonprofits, small business, and large business to ensure widespread community engagement. The survey data collected through the process revealed a need for better multimodal connections throughout the community for bicycle, pedestrian, trail and transit users for sustaining and increasing economic development opportunities and improving the community environment.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Muskogee is the largest city (36,878) and seat for rural Muskogee County (67,000), which has been designated as a StrikeZone by the USDA because of its high poverty rate (24.6%) and its many economic disparities and challenges. Muskogee is a poor, diverse and rural population that has been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic due to restricted access to health services and socioeconomic challenges resulting from inadequate infrastructure, limited economic development opportunities, inconsistent broadband access, and access to employment. In addition to chronic poverty, other vulnerable populations include the elderly (15.5% over age 65); and children (25.1% under age 18). There is also a high percentage of minorities:15.3% Black; 15.9% American Indian; 0.8% Asian; 10.1% two or more races; and 8.3% Hispanic. Despite these challenges, Muskogee remains a regional hub with residents from six surrounding counties traveling there daily for employment, services, and entertainment. The Connect Muskogee project would benefit the citizens and businesses of Muskogee, Muskogee County and Oklahomans throughout the region through improved economic development opportunities, health access and community connections. While Muskogee suffered economically during the pandemic through loss of employment and tax revenue, the Connect Muskogee project would provide a solid foundation for its future.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The three project areas for Connect Muskogee (transit, bicycle/pedestrian, and trail) have been broken down into several phases, each to be completed as funding is attained. Project performance will initially be judged based on budget compliance and adherence to schedule. Upon completion, each project area will measure project performance according to its specific identified goals. With regard to the trail projects, the Connect Muskogee committee will regularly seek public feedback through community forums.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

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