The Village of Rhinebeck Board of Trustees voted to authorize a consultant agreement with a selected engineering firm (GPI and associated subs) to begin preliminary engineering under a federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. The board authorized the deputy mayor to execute the agreement.

Why it matters: The TAP‑funded project is the village’s primary near‑term active‑transportation capital initiative and will fund schematic designs, right‑of‑way investigations, permitting and public engagement for a planned multi‑use trail, sidewalk infill and intersection reconfigurations. The agreement moves the project from planning to the preliminary engineering phase and clears the way for future detailed design and bidding.

Scope and commitments: The consultant agreement covers preliminary field survey, right‑of‑way investigation, conceptual and preliminary plans, coordination with NYSDOT, preparation of permit and bidding documents, and public outreach. Projected consultant expense was discussed as part of the larger $2 million TAP grant; the consultant agreement authorizes the village to begin the engineering tasks that precede formal design and construction phases.

Board direction and amendment: Trustees asked for explicit inclusion of a sidewalk through the village mini‑park that connects to the high school; the motion passed with that confirmation. The deputy mayor was authorized to sign the agreement and the deputy mayor/locally responsible public official will oversee implementation and consultant coordination.

Next steps: The consultant will proceed with preliminary engineering, submit deliverables to the village and NYSDOT, and prepare materials for a public hearing. Trustees were reminded that the TAP grant has a capped total, and the village will need to manage change orders carefully to avoid exceeding the federal funding cap.