City and county will combine efforts to improve accessibility in downtown
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Wharton's downtown sidewalks are one step closer to being easier to access for disabled residents.

The Wharton City Council on Nov. 26 approved an interlocal agreement with Wharton County for a sidewalk improvement project. The project entails correcting the slope of the walkway on Burleson Street, adding ramps and curb cuts on the sidewalks that surround the perimeter of Monterey Square and constructing corner ramps on the sections around the county courthouse. Although the plan has primarily been initiated by the city, the sidewalks around the courthouse actually belong to the county.

As a result, the project has required a partnership between the council and the commissioners court.

"In order to do this, we need an interlocal agreement," said city manager Andres Garza Jr.

That agreement - approved by the city on Nov. 26 and by the county on Nov. 13 - has the two entities splitting the costs. The project has already been awarded to Economic Construction Inc. for $218,411. Under the agreement, the county will pick up $48,951. Commissioners have expressed interest in seeking grants to help cover their share.

City officials said construction on the sidewalks will begin after the first of the year. That's to avoid creating any obstacles to shoppers frequenting downtown merchants.

"We don't want to do this during the holidays," Garza said.