College Place council to consider crosswalk design contract, drone grant
By Terry Murry on Monday, August 21st, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – The College Place City Council meets tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. to consider authorizing the design of pedestrian improvements on a portion of College Avenue and approve a grant the police department will use to purchase a specialized drone.
The first item on the agenda is a motion authorizing Public Works Director Robert McAndrews to sign an $38,630 dollar contract agreement for professional services with J-U-B Engineers of Nampa, Idaho to design pedestrian improvements across College Avenue adjacent to the post office.
The crossing has limited sight visibility due to street parking and the city has received multiple requests to improve the crosswalk. The Washington State Department of Transportation has selected the project for funding in the amount of $158,389 through the agency’s pedestrian and bicycle safety program.
The council will also consider accepting a $14,999 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to apply toward a thermal drone to be used for police investigations and night operations.
The College Place Police Department has also been working toward implementing a drone program. Chief Troy Tomaras said using a drone increases safety for officers and the community. Four CPPD officers have received their FAA license to pilot drones.
Photo: Crosswalk in front of College Place Post Office
