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East Gateway Initiative City of Burley, Idaho The City of Burley, Idaho is investing significant effort and resources in the development of the East Gateway Initiative, which is a strategic framework designed to enhance community connectivity, foster economic growth, and improve overall community well-being. The East Gateway Initiative prioritizes the safety and reliability of transportation networks within the community to enhance equitable accessibility to essential services, businesses, and expansion areas. An important component of this strategic plan is securing regional, state, and federal funding which requires strategic planning, coordination, and effective advocacy. The initiative aligns with regional, state, and federal infrastructure priorities including safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity. The East Gateway Initiative highlights the importance of community engagement and collaboration. Stakeholder involvement, public input and partnerships with local organizations has been and will continue to be an integral part of the successful implementation of this plan. The City is also developing a website to inform stakeholders about the project’s progress and invite comment and collaboration to ensure that the unique needs of Burley’s population will be met. Seventeen projects were identified in the City’s draft Transportation Master Plan and are included in the East Gateway Initiative. They are listed in order of priority. Priority List Project Description Est Cost 1 16th Street RR Bridge widening $ 7,018,400 2 16th Street and State Highway 81 intersection improvements $ 839,000 3 16th Street widening from Hiland Avenue to State Highway 81 $ 2,122,000 4 Connecting roadway from 16th Street, south, to the proposed road network near South Temple Drive $ 2,115,500 5 Pomerelle Avenue widening from Main Street to 16th Street $ 318,100 6 16th Street and Pomerelle Avenue intersection improvements $ 1,575,100 7 16th Street and Hillcrest Road intersection improvements $ 1,058,100 8 Pomerelle Avenue and Main Street intersection improvements $ 1,784,700 9 16th Street and Hiland Avenue intersection improvements $ 1,784,700 10 Hillcrest Road roadway widening – 16th Street to 150 East $ 477,400 11 Hiland Avenue widening from 16th Street to 27th Street $ 3,493,600 12 27th Street widening from Overland Avenue to Hiland Avenue $ 1,624,000 13 16th Street widening from Overland Avenue to Hiland Avenue $ 379,300 14 Connecting roadway from Hiland Avenue, east, to the proposed road network near South Temple Drive $ 1,428,200 15 27th Street widening from Hiland Avenue to 150 East $ 4,763,300 16 22nd Street widening between Almo Avenue and Hiland Avenue $ 1,436,500 17 19th Street roadway improvements from Hiland Avenue to Bennett Avenue $ 675,500 The funding strategy for completing these projects will be divided into several phases. Phase 1 begins in early 2024 and includes applying for a Department of Transportation (DOT) RAISE planning grant that will be used to complete preliminary engineering for the highest-ranking projects, develop a Cost Benefit ---PAGE BREAK--- Analysis, and all other documentation that is required for a range of transportation related grant programs, including RAISE construction grants, Reconnecting Communities, Safe Street for All Implementation, and others. Planning improvements will support the creation of physical infrastructure needed to support a safe, connected transportation network that serves the distressed areas of the City, specifically connecting the east side of town along 16th Street. RAISE planning funds will be used to design and engineer: The removal and replacement of the railroad bridge over 16th Street; Fixing the intersection of 16th Street and Highway 81; Creating new roads connecting to South Temple Street; and Upgrades to Hillcrest, 16th, Hiland, 27th and other streets on the east side of town. RAISE grant dollars will support planning activities including: Reduces significant traffic delays and accidents caused by a lack of protected turn lanes at major street intersections; Improves traffic flow along major arterials with the addition of shared lanes and traffic signals; Strengthens connectivity from low-income households in the eastern area of the city; Improves pedestrian and bicycle safety by adding sidewalks along both sides of Pomerelle Avenue, creating a safe walking path from Main Street to 16th Street; Enhances streetscapes to encourage further job-creating development; Promotes environmental sustainability by encouraging alternative travel modes, reducing fuel consumption, curbing emissions, and decreasing and filtering stormwater runoff through green infrastructure and additional storm drains; Enhances quality of life and racial equity in disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly in Census Tracts 9702 and 9504 (Areas of Persistent Poverty) where nearly 20% of residents are living in poverty, 13% of persons are disabled, and 41% are minority; Improves mobility and community connectivity with alternative transportation modes, including full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Spurs economic competitiveness by supporting mixed-use, transit-oriented development as well as the ensuring the efficient movement of goods along corridors with manufacturing businesses; Encourages partnerships between the City, local businesses, neighborhood associations, cultural organizations, and other community stakeholders. The City of Burley, Idaho has embarked on a strategic mission to improve transportation infrastructure for its citizens through several initiatives. Most recently, the City is proud to have been awarded a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in October of 2023. This grant funding will be utilized to prioritize safety for the citizens of Burley, while the RAISE grant will prioritize connectivity, accessibility, and economic growth alongside safety. City staff will support engagement with community members, organizations, stakeholders, businesses, and industry to ensure the development of the SS4A Action Plan is inclusive, equitable, and reflective of the community’s transportation safety needs. The East Gateway Initiative seeks to resolve long-standing connectivity issues and create a sustainable model for long-term prosperity, positioning Burley as a thriving city in the state and broader region. # # # # ---PAGE BREAK--- East Gateway Initiative – Proposed Priority of Projects