The VPAC technical-review and staff reports covered multiple project and funding updates relevant to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Technical review: Member Schiff Miller briefed the committee on Henry Lynch Road reconstruction, saying engineers are reviewing drainage concerns that might require narrowing the corridor and removing some planned landscaping; she clarified the drainage work should not affect the connection between the River Trail and the Acequia Trail. She said that, if the current design holds, the project would include grade-separated bike lanes — which she described as likely Santa Fe’s first separated bike lanes.

Staff funding and awards: City staff reported that the public works director did not recommend any roadway or trail projects for district capital outlay funding this cycle and said federal funding for trails had declined. Staff cited prior larger federal awards (past amounts mentioned in discussion) and stated this year’s federal allocation for the program is approximately $1,000,000 split among three projects; staff also said the city applied for $10,000,000 for an underpass project. Staff added that the Canada Rincon Trail was entered in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) awards under the special projects category and said the ACEC results are expected in March 2026. Staff reminded members of a public meeting on Arroyo del Los Chamizos repairs scheduled for Nov. 18 at the Southside Public Library.

Committee concerns: Member Judith Gabriel raised a community complaint about the newly opened Galisteo Street turnoff from Zia, describing it as very narrow with no safe accommodation for bicycles and asked the concern be recorded for follow-up.

Next steps: Staff will share scheduling and award-results information as it becomes available and the technical subcommittee will continue to monitor design changes and drainage issues.