City of Muskogee

PROJECT PURPOSE

The City of Muskogee is requesting funds to address dangerous vehicle and pedestrian traffic congestion as well as significant flooding due to outdated infrastructure in its Smith Ferry Road project. This project extends for over a mile in each direction, including major intersections at Smith Ferry Road, US Hwy 64, SH-165, and Gulick St.; Smith Ferry Road, US Hwy 69 and S. York St.; and a number of feeder roads. This high traffic area is in critical need of lane widening; curb & gutter improvements; sidewalks, upgraded ADA ramps, storm sewers, traffic signal modifications, street lighting, and improved drainage. These improvements are necessary to meet safety requirements for pedestrian student traffic at Hilldale HS in addition to reduced traffic congestion, preservation and enhancement of traffic flow, and economic development for public and private lands in this corridor. This project would also eliminate flooding by improving the existing roadside ditches and driveway culverts, collecting storm runoff in new curb and gutter inlets along the street, and conveying storm runoff in an adequately sized closed storm drain system. These improvements would adhere to the City?s Complete Streets Policy and enhance the overall safety and aesthetics of the approach to Hilldale High School.

EVIDENCE

Traffic in the Smith Ferry area has grown significantly in recent years due to residential expansion in the surrounding area, increased commercial and commuter traffic on the three highways and their feeder roads as well as a growing student population at Hilldale HS. As a result, traffic intersections, pedestrian avenues and stormwater drainage are no longer capable of meeting public demand and are in critical need of expansion and improvement for citizen safety.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The pandemic led directly to the residents of Muskogee suffering the closure of several major retailers and numerous small businesses, making access to basic commodities a challenge. Also, these closures will continue to negatively impact sales tax revenues for the city for years to come. As such, this makes essential infrastructure such as our Smith Ferry Road Project nearly impossible to fund without state and federal assistance. This project is absolutely critical as it is provides safe access not only to Hilldale High School, but also major intersections with US Hwy 64, US Hwy 69, SH-165, and several local feeder roads. The current drainage and road infrastructure is completely inadequate. Muskogee is the largest city (36,878) and seat for rural Muskogee County (67,000), 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, children, and minorities.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance for the Smith Ferry Road Project will initially be measured by the completion of the project according to schedule and within the established budget.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding