Monterey Mayor to Propose Sidewalk Study

Monterey Mayor Bill Wiggins will propose undergoing a sidewalk study during the next Monterey Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting.

Wiggins said the study would highlight priority areas in need of better sidewalks.

Monterey Mayor Bill Wiggins will propose a sidewalk study during the Monday meeting.

“I am proposing that the Street Committee of the Board of Aldermen undertake a study of sidewalk needs in the town of Monterey, set some priorities,” Wiggins said. “And then we pursue funding sources and try to get those underway also.”

Wiggins said he see people walking on the road in Monterey, even in areas that have existing sidewalks.

“So we will be looking at any funding sources once the committee reports. Say ‘this is our first priority, our second, our third,'” Wiggins said. “So this could take some time, but we need to get that underway. We see a lot of people walking on the road. I feel like we need to address this.”

Funding for sidewalks would come in the form of various grants, Wiggins said.

“There are several grant opportunities and one large one, it is very competitive and you have to be patient. It is the RPO,” Wiggins said. “We could go through the Rural Planning Organization through the Development District. Those are mighty, mighty competitive.”

Rural Planning Organizations help plan transportation in less populated areas of Tennessee.

The Monterey Board of Mayor and Aldermen will discuss the proposal during the meeting on Monday evening.