Jasper Courthouse Square project has $2 million in funding
Work on the Courthouse Square renovation project continues to move forward with the recent injection of $1 million as part of the Indiana Department of Transportation Community Crossing grant program.
In addition to the potential aesthetic improvements that are part of a place-based initiative to attract people to the area, the surface, sidewalks and infrastructure —storm sewers, sanitary sewers and an aged water main — supporting the square are in need of repair and improvements.
The Courthouse Square improvement project conceptual design was publicized earlier this summer to some criticism for the estimated $4 million to $5.9 million cost as well as design elements such as narrower driving paths, reduced parking and the use of bricks instead of asphalt.
In light of the public criticism, a request for about $350,000 to pay Rundell Ernstberger Associates to complete Phase II of the Courthouse Square project was reduced to $150,000 by the Jasper Common Council at the June meeting. The $150,000 will be used to concentrate on the design incorporating more public input as well as the geo technical surveys that are necessary for the engineering.
Facing public dissent, Jasper Council slows Courthouse Square Renovation Plans
The council did approve a $1 million match as required for the Community Crossings grant so the total allocated for the Courthouse Square project is $2 million. This is in addition to funds that have already been allocated to pay for the design. The matching funds come from Local Option Income Tax funds released by the state through Senate Bill 67 this year.
Plans for that implementation are underway and members of the Jasper Street Department, Jasper Utilities and city staff will meet with INDOT officials next week in Vincennes to determine how to proceed.
Information about the project can be reviewed at JasperCourthouseSquare.com.
In addition to the discussion on the Community Crossings grant, the Redevelopment Commission approved the payment of $61,378.31 to Indianapolis-based Rundell Ernstberger Associates for Phase I of the Courthouse Square project including the conceptual designs introduced in May.
