A view of Hill Street in Niagara, Wis., just before a large curve. The city has secured more than $3.6 million in state grants for surface improvements on Hill and Forest streets, to be completed in the next few years. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

NIAGARA, Wis. — Niagara will receive more than $3.6 million in state grants for a future project on Hill and Forest streets, city officials said.

In 2023 a grant opportunity came up from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for road improvements through the Surface Transportation Program, according to Audrey Fredrick, city manager/clerk/treasurer.

They received the maximum amount of 80% of the projected cost for a total grant of $3,610,816, plus some engineering costs.

“The road had to meet certain criteria, and it couldn’t be a state- or county-owned road,” she said.

Hill Street, a curvy roadway that runs uphill from Main Street, was determined to be eligible.

“It’s in bad shape. It has a lot of erosion because of the grade of the hill, and it’s not safe for students to walk down for the bus routes,” Fredrick said. “Sidewalks in some places are non-existent and very badly deteriorating.”

Forest Street, which connects to Hill Street at the top of the hill, qualified for grant funding as well because it’s also in bad condition, she said.

“The process for the grant was kind of unique because we actually talked to residents along the road and they gave some testimonials. We have statements from the ambulance crew, school bus drivers who talked about the navigation difficulties, the lack of sidewalks,” she said.

This grant, however, would only cover the cost for surface work such as paving, sidewalks, retaining walls and curbing. They are currently pursuing funding for improving what’s underneath, through the state Department of Administration or a USDA Rural Development loan.

“It’s not practical to do things on top the road without improving the infrastructure,” Fredrick noted. “We are now working on securing funding to get the infrastructure replaced before we surface it.”

They have until 2029 to complete the road project and hope they can find funding for infrastructure improvements before 2027.

Surveying the area may begin this year. They have to make sure it’s not in a flight zone, not a heritage site or have Native American artifacts or not a known bat colony, she explained.

“A lot of things go into a road project that you don’t think of,” she said.

The city is also finishing a lead line survey that will be submitted. And other roads are con a priority. Two smaller resurfacing project were recently finished.

“A lot has been happening and it’s all good things and it’s exciting,” Fredrick said.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.