September 13, 2024 |
Photo – Map from Saratoga’s proposed Transportation Master Plan – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Saratoga town council decided to delay adopting the newly completed transportation master plan.
In October of 2022, the Saratoga Planning Commission received a $200,000 Wyoming Department of Transportation grant to conduct a study of what, if any, improvements are needed to the town’s existing walkways and paths. Denver-based OV Consulting was hired to create the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan.
Earlier this year, OV Consulting put together a design draft containing 42 total infrastructure projects. Eleven projects were chosen as the most feasible, including constructing a walkway between the elementary and middle high schools on Elm Avenue and adding additional crosswalks along the highway. These projects were then presented to the town’s planning commission for approval.
Speaking at the September 3rd Saratoga town council meeting, Public Works Director Emery Penner informed the governing body that the planning commission has received a competed copy of the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan, or STAMP.
Penner said the commission recommended formally adopting the STAMP into the town’s overall strategic development plan. The next step is for the town council to vote to accept the planning commission’s recommendation.
Penner explained that by adopting the transportation master plan, the town will have additional funding opportunities for future walkway improvements.
Penner said the completed STAMP does not contain any major construction projects. Instead, the public works director said the plan provides a roadmap to increase the usability and safety of the town’s existing walking paths.
Penner asked for a resolution from the town council to officially adopt the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan.
OV Consulting Transportation Principal Chris Vogelsang led the STAMP project. For the past year, Vogelsang and his team have held a series of public meetings with Saratoga residents to discuss what changes they think the town’s walking paths need. Vogelsang said residents pushed hard for the creation of a walking corridor between the schools along Elm Avenue.
Vogelsang said most of the projects proposed by the STAMP are relatively inexpensive and require minimal maintenance. The OV Consulting representative said thanks to Penner’s assistance, he was able to compile a list of easy to do pathway improvements that won’t alter Saratoga’s small-town nature.
Mayor Chuck Davis said he approved of the low-cost projects identified in the transportation plan. Mayor Davis said he supports many of the suggested changes, including the walkway between the schools and improvements to the Hobo Hot Springs and Veteran’s Island.
Vogelsang echoed Public Works Director Penner in suggesting that the town council formally adopt the STAMP. The OV Consulting rep explained that having an official transportation plan will help the town identify and pay for improvement projects long into the future.
Mayor Davis asked the council if they wanted to adopt the Saratoga Transportation Alternatives Master Plan that night or take more time to read the completed report. The governing body agreed to wait until a future meeting to vote on the plan.
