Public Works Director Hans Mercer told the council on Jan. 13 that the city plans to apply for a RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) planning grant to study the West Corridor alignment and to fund surveys, environmental review, geotechnical work, community engagement and a cost‑benefit analysis.

"Dating back to 1965, that's the first document we could find a reference from the west corridor, stating the need for a western corridor on the West side of Sheridan," Mercer said, summarizing the project’s history. Mercer presented a studied alignment and said parts of the right of way already have been secured through development while other segments remain to be acquired.

Staff recommended the council approve a resolution allowing the city to apply for a $1,520,000 RAISE planning grant with a required 20 percent local match of $380,000 for a $1,900,000 total program to fund up to 30 percent design. Mercer described the grant as focused on planning and noted it requires extensive public involvement, environmental and traffic studies, geotechnical work and economic analysis if awarded.

Mercer said the application is due in January 2025 and that awards would be announced around June 2025; staff told council they would bring back the grant agreement for formal authorization if the city is selected. Mercer listed several letters of support the city had received from local developers, downtown business organizations and WYDOT, and acknowledged prior public opposition when the city submitted a similar grant in the past.

Council members asked whether alternative alignments farther west could be evaluated. Mercer said staff can and will study options and that the planning grant would provide tools to assess feasibility and costs; he cautioned that shifting the alignment could increase costs and require additional right‑of‑way work. No council vote was taken at the study session; staff requested authorization for a council resolution to accompany the grant application.