EPHRATA — The Ephrata City Council unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 2 authorizing a Washington State Department of Transportation agreement supplement, allowing the city to move forward with the right-of-way phase of the A Street SE Overlay Project. 

The agreement sets aside $127,464 of the project's total $987,895 budget for right-of-way work, including temporary construction easements needed to complete driveway and sidewalk improvements along the corridor. 

According to city documents, the project will add sidewalks on both sides of A Street SE, repair areas of roadway base failure and install a new asphalt overlay. Four driveways will also be modified to properly connect with the new sidewalks. 

City Project Engineer and Grant Writer Dave Bren said the council action was an important procedural step needed to keep the project moving. 

"It allowed us to move forward with the right-of-way phase," Bren said. "It's really an administrative step, but an important step." 

Bren said the project began with grant funding secured in 2024. Earlier this year, the city successfully sought additional funding to expand the project and add sidewalks to both sides of the street. 

"Earlier this year, I actually applied and got awarded to put sidewalks on both sides of the street, not just one side, but both sides," Bren said. 

The city expects to complete design and right-of-way work by the end of the year before seeking construction bids. Construction is planned for next year's construction season. 

"Our intent is to build that in the next construction season," Bren said. "The earlier you get your request for bids, the better because a lot of the contractors are trying to lock in their projects for next year, and you can get good pricing." 

City officials said the completed project will improve pedestrian access, roadway conditions and stormwater management while enhancing the appearance of the corridor for residents and businesses.