KIRKWOOD, Mo. — This year 65% of Kirkwood voters advocated for the passage of Proposition T to provide additional funding for street projects in the city.
Mayor Liz Gibbons says the passage allows for streets that have been deteriorating for the last decade to get a new look.
"Our budget that we've had the last few years has been $1.8 million to do our streets. So the passage of Prop T will add another $2.8 million to our budget each year," Gibbons said.
So here's how it's going to work according to Gibbons:
Kirkwood will list every street on the city website and their conditions plus the order they'll be worked on. Then every two years the list will be adjusted. There's hundreds of streets on the list including West Essex, North Geyer and Kirkwood Road to name a few. However, it does come at a cost to residents.
"It's an additional half cent sales tax that will be enacted starting the mid 2025. So, July of 2025 is when you'll actually see the extra half cent sales tax," Gibbons said.
It's not just streets that are getting a facelift come 2026, but It's also sidewalks and safety measures.
"We have many sidewalks that need work. We have a lot of sidewalks that don't exist or sidewalks that just end in someone's front yard and don't go further," Gibbons said.
Upgrades will include Things like curb bump outs, additional crosswalks and re-striping to make lanes narrower to decrease the speed of traffic. Gibbons says it's not an overnight process.
"We want our streets done today but it will take a little time," Gibbons said.
It's been more than two years since the City of Kirkwood adopted a Vision Zero Plan which affirms safety for pedestrians and drivers. To view the progress click here.
Safer Streets for Kirkwood provided this statement to 5 On Your Side:
The Kirkwood voters have approved the TDD tax hike with the expectation that it will be used to enhance safety through well-planned projects backed by cost-benefit analysis, specifically using the guidelines and programs associated with the Federal Highway Association (FHWA). Given the emphasis on leveraging Federal Funding, it's crucial to effectively utilize these funding opportunities to ensure that the anticipated benefits are realized for the community.
The mentioned projects, like Safe Routes to School, and improvements to sidewalks, road safety, lighting, and traffic calming measures, align with the FHWA's proven safety countermeasures. These projects are not only beneficial in terms of safety but also in terms of leveraging available resources efficiently, as the federal funding covers 80% of the costs, requiring only a 20% local match.
To ensure these projects move forward, it’s essential to start the application process within the existing funding cycle promptly. This proactive approach will not only maximize the use of federal funds but also ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely, fulfilling the commitments made when the TDD tax hike was approved.
Safer Streets for Kirkwood says "proper planning and timely action are critical", they'd like to see:
1. **Developing a Comprehensive Plan**: Identify and prioritize projects that align with the FHWA safety countermeasures and are eligible for federal funding.
2. **Application Preparation**: Prepare and submit detailed applications for federal funding, ensuring all required information and justifications are clear and compelling.
3. **Community Engagement**: Maintain open communication with the community to keep them informed about how their tax dollars are being utilized and the benefits they can expect.
4. **Continuous Monitoring and Transparency**: Implement a system to track the progress and impact of funded projects, providing regular updates to stakeholders and the community.
By following these steps, Kirkwood can maximize the benefits of the TDD tax hike and meet the community's expectations for improved safety and fiscal responsibility.