EPHRATA – The Ephrata City Council convened Wednesday evening during a regular meeting to authorize a resolution to move forward with an application for a grant from the Transportation Improvement Board to fund essential road preservation and enhancements.  

The grant, known as the Arterial Preservation Program, would facilitate significant maintenance work on 5.77 miles of the city’s arterials and collectors. 

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us to secure much-needed funding for our city's streets," said City Engineer Sean O’Brien during the meeting.  

The proposed project, slated for 2026, requires a 10% match from the city, which amounts to approximately $84,361. The total estimated project cost stands at $843,610, with the grant covering around $759,249, or 90% of the funds. 

“But to be able to do 6 miles for what looks like $80,000 out of pocket for the city is very impressive. I think that's outstanding,” said Matt Moore. “Very good use of our money. 

The city aims to use the grant to conduct chip seal maintenance, a cost-effective method of preserving streets compared to complete reconstruction.  

“Preservation through crack sealing and chip sealing not only extends the life of our roads but is also significantly more economical,” O’Brien said. 

The city’s Comprehensive Plan highlights the need for regular maintenance of roads and streets to ensure safety and accessibility for residents.  

O’Brien said, “The preservation of existing city streets is a top priority, and utilizing this grant supports our long-term goals laid out in the Comprehensive Plan." 

The council also addressed the needed amendment to the city's 6-Year Transportation Improvement Program.  This amendment allows for the city to apply for another TIB grant aimed at sidewalk improvements in the downtown area.  

“So, the first step we have to do is to get it onto our Transportation Improvement Program. The first step to do that is to hold a public hearing and take public comment,” O’Brien said. “So, we would like to set that public hearing for the next council meeting that allows them to have it on in our program, and then we can actually be eligible to apply for the grant for the downtown project.” 

The council unanimously approved holding a hearing for an update to TIP at the Aug. 6 regular city council meeting.