An infrastructure project that would extend University Street east will be formally considered by the Pella City Council late this spring after a move to allow bids to move forward at the final meeting of 2024.

The project would include expansion of University Street and Baseline Drive, as well as associated water main and sewer projects, and costs an estimated $7.7 million.

A contract could be up for consideration by May for the 2025 summer construction season for a tentative completion by the end of 2026.

Mayor Don DeWaard says while the street extension would benefit a proposed recreation center at the Pella Sports Park, it has been in two city comprehensive plans since 2007, and would also improve traffic flow for the current summer sports and soccer fields.

Additionally, the City of Pella received $1 million in federal funding for the project. DeWaard says land agreements are tentatively in place for the right of way needed to complete the University Street extension to 250th Place.