City of The Dalles Brings Back 50/50 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program

by Cole Goodwin

Does your sidewalk look like this?

If so, then this might be your chance to get financial assistance to repair your sidewalk to improve accessibility, walkability, and legal liability. 

The City of the Dalles has received a $50,000 grant to bring back the 50/50 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program, to help address the issue of deteriorated sidewalks in The Dalles.

The program itself has a fairly straightforward process: property owners may submit an application requesting financial assistance with their sidewalk rehabilitation project, the application is then approved or denied by the City. If the City approves it the City will pay fifty percent of the costs for the project while the property owner pays for the other half.

The cost to repair sidewalks can vary greatly depending on the kind of repair needed with the size or the project and the level of deterioration playing the largest factor in the cost range. Other factors include whether the sidewalk will require recurbing or the replacement or a curb ramp. Officials from The City of Dalles Public Works said that concrete material alone currently costs $250 per square yard.

“The City of The Dalles Municipal Code (2.20.010) provides that it is the responsibility of property owners to maintain public sidewalks adjacent to their properties “in good repair and a safe condition.” The Dalles Municipal Code also identifies that the adjacent real property owner bears the legal liability “for any personal injury or property damage which occurs because of the owner’s failure to maintain the sidewalk in good repair or a safe condition.” The 50/50 Sidewalk Rehabilitation Program will help provide some financial assistance to property owners to meet that responsibility,” read a press release from the City of The Dalles. 

The City will consider applications for the rehabilitation or replacement of existing sidewalks in residential areas inside of The Dalles City limits. Applications for the construction of new sidewalks where none currently exist are not eligible. 

If funds remain after January 1, 2023, owners of commercial or institutional properties may apply.
Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2023 or until funds run out, whichever comes first.

Ready to apply?
Property owners can download an application at www.thedalles.org/publicworksdocs.

Have questions about your application?
Call the Public Works Department at (541) 296-5401.