Funding snag delays Ramsey Road extension

HAYDEN — The Ramsey Road extension project that has been in the works for years has hit a speed bump in the form of funding.

The goal of the project is to extend Ramsey Road from Wyoming Avenue north to Lancaster Road, where a roundabout is planned. Plans show the road may extend beyond that.

The hopes are to boost regional connectivity and alleviate congestion on U.S. 95.  

City Administrator Lisa Ailport said the cost of the project was estimated at $10 million, but due to inflation and rising construction costs the price tag has climbed.

"Essentially, we're looking at a $1.7 to $2.7 million shortfall," Ailport said during a special meeting Tuesday. "In order for us to bid the project, we have to have those funds in hand." 

Karissa Nelson, an environmental engineer with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, said the council administers federally funded projects to Idaho jurisdictions.  

She said the group has to try and meet federal, state and city goals with the project, as well.

"Any time you work with federal money, there are federal strings attached and federal rules that come into play," she said.

She said the city initially applied for funding in 2012 and has about $7.8 million allocated for the project.

There have been a series of delays that have impeded the planning process, Nelson said.

"One of the primary reasons has been this portion that goes through the airport zone," Nelson said. "There was a lot of back-and-forth with the airport and, as the project was delayed, construction costs have escalated."

She said the highway council has been looking for ways to finish the project within budget.

Councilmember Matt Roetter said they might be able to get funding through the Hayden Urban Renewal Agency.

Nelson said city has been working to get all of the rights of way, and they have have 20 out of 21 parcels in their possession.  She said some of the property owners were reluctant to participate.

She said if the city can come up with the money to bridge that gap and funding is brought together, the bid can be locked in and the work could be finished in summer 2025.

*An editorial correction was made to note the city already has ownership of 20 out of 21 rights of way involved in the Ramsey Road extension.