City details Pathways plan, favors concrete corridors for long‑term maintenance; 10‑year need estimated at $32.5 million

Planning and Parks staff described the city’s Pathways program and a 10‑year plan to expand walking and biking connections across Boise. Hannah Brasker (interim director, Planning and Development Services) and Parks staff said federal commuter grants — a competitive funding source — typically require concrete surfaces, a factor that strongly influences material choices and grant competitiveness.

Project scope and funding: Staff reported existing funding buckets that include a recurring local allocation (staff said FY2026–FY2029 would assume $300,000 annually) and federal awards. Hannah said current federal awards total about $8.1 million for three projects and that the city anticipates roughly $4.1 million in additional federal funds tied to awarded projects and scope increases. The 10‑year program need for completing priority pathways was estimated at about $32.5 million.

Concrete vs. gravel: Staff presented a cost‑and‑maintenance comparison: concrete was cited at about $1.1 million per mile with a useful life of 25–30 years and annual maintenance roughly $10,000 per mile; gravel/"brindal" was cited at roughly $120,000 per mile but a useful life of 1–5 years and annual maintenance near $40,000 per mile and more labor‑intensive upkeep. Parks staff said concrete pathways fit within current maintenance capacity more easily than gravel, which would require added staffing.

Access, timing and prioritization: Staff explained long lead times for pathway construction, driven by access negotiations (easements or acquisitions), neighborhood engagement and design. She said projects now timed for completion include the Boise City Canal pathway this fall and others staggered across 2026–2029. Staff described a prioritization approach that balances funding eligibility, access availability and neighborhood need.

10‑year metrics and goals: The Pathways plan aims to add 17.4 miles of pathways and increase the share of residents within a 10‑minute walk of a pathway from 10% to 46%. Hannah said the 10‑year program need is $32.5 million.

Ending: Council members pressed staff on funding options and long‑term sustainable revenue (one councilmember asked staff to model a "mile‑a‑year" general‑fund commitment). Staff said they will return with strategic funding scenarios and additional material (asphalt vs. concrete analyses and cost tradeoffs) in later materials.