Casper's future is paved with pathways.

The city council may approve a Transportation Improvement Program for 2009 through 2012 in its meeting tonight. The program outlines future projects for roads, highways, public transportation and pedestrian traffic.

Many of the projects will be funded through local governments, as well as money from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transportation Administration.

Some of the projects include completing the Beverly Street underpass, which will connect the Platte River Pathway with the Rails to Trails system, reconstructing Paradise Drive, and buying more buses for public transit.

Metropolitan Planning Office Planner Leah Reeb said the program is "all encompassing" and is "a great tool for communicating to make sure everyone knows what everyone else is doing."

The council will vote on the program in its formal meeting tonight.

In other council news:

* The council will vote on the site plan for the Prairie Sage Apartments, a low-income housing complex. If approved, the three buildings will have 64 apartments, each two or three bedrooms.

Similar to the Wyoming National Bank Apartments, tenants in the south Beverly Street complex will need to meet income qualifications.

* The council will vote to support the submission of a grant application to the Wyoming Business Council through the Business Committed Business Ready Community Grant and Loan Program on behalf of the Amoco Reuse Agreement Joint Powers Board.

The grant will be to help start a business incubator located on the Platte River Commons.

* The council will formally appoint former legislator Tom Walsh as the newest member of the city council. He will replace Page Fagan, who recently resigned.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

To attend

The Casper City Council will hold a regular session at 6 tonight in City Hall, 200 N. David St.