FIRESTONE — Just days after sister city Frederick announced they had received a $1.3-million grant for infrastructure repairs, Firestone announced receiving a similar grant to be used for similar purposes.

Firestone officials said a $1.3-million grant from the Department of Local Affairs announced Jan. 2 will be used to implement the town’s Gateway Project. That project will include full build-out of curb and gutters, center median islands, sidewalks and landscaping on Firestone Boulevard that will create “an aesthetically pleasing gateway into the community,” according to a press release.

The estimated $3-million Gateway Project is slated to begin construction in the summer from Interstate 25 to Bailey Street. Officials said the project will not only “enhance vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement in the community, but also improve retail and employment development opportunities in the corridor.”

In addition to the Gateway Project, other Firestone projects planned for the summer of 2015 include: 

• Sable Avenue sidewalk — A new sidewalk will be added along the south side of Sable Avenue from Birch Street to Colorado Boulevard, making an important and needed safe trail connection. The new sidewalk will be funded by the sales tax increase approved by voters in November 2013.

• Colorado Boulevard rehab — Slated to begin soon in 2015 and before spring water begins flowing, the Last Chance Ditch culvert will be replaced with funding from the town’s impact fees. Beginning in the summer of 2015, Colorado Boulevard will be repaired between Mountain Shadows Boulevard and Zinnia Avenue (County Road 26). That project will be funded by the sales tax increase.

Planning for the Gateway Project wrapped up shortly before the end of 2014 and town engineer Dave Lindsay said last fall that bids for the project were expected to go out in February. 

DOLA grants are funded by state energy extraction taxes, and are awarded to municipalities at the start of each year for infrastructure upgrades and repairs. Frederick’s identical $1.3 million DOLA grant will be used for repairs and upgrades to the flood-damaged Godding Hollow Parkway (County Road 18).

For more information on the Project, visit www.firestoneco.gov.