Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) has announced a funding opportunity through the Orphan Rail Crossing Program. This program provides $1 million in grant funding to address repairs and improvements to crossings that are no longer used, abandoned by the railroad or are currently active but have no clear ownership or responsible party for maintenance.
The City met the criteria to request grant funding from ORDC through the Orphan Rail Crossing Program. The Department of Public Service identified a project which includes the removal of abandoned railroad tracks from the roadway and sidewalk on Edgehill Road, between approximately Third Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Total project cost is approximately $149,738.76 and the City has been awarded funds in the amount of $74,869.38.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to formally accept the ORDC grant funds. It also authorizes the execution of agreements with ORDC, or others in connection with the application for the grant, the award of the grant, the expenditure of grant funds, and the return of unused grant funds if any should remain at the end of the grant.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts and/or construction contracts that will be or have been submitted for Council's approval.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to accept grant funding provided through the Orphan Rail Crossing Program; to authorize the execution of grant and other requisite agreements with the Ohio Rail Development Commission and other entities providing for the acceptance and administration of said grant award on behalf of the City of Columbus Department of Public Service; to authorize the expenditure of any awarded funds and the refund of any unused funds. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) announced $1 million available to local governments through the Orphan Rail Crossing Program, which is a program to be awarded on a competitive basis; and
WHEREAS, ORDC has awarded the City grant funds in the amount of $74,869.38; and
WHEREAS, City Council approval is needed to accept the grant funding and execute agreement with ORDC; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept grant funding from Orphan Rail Crossing Program for the abandoned railroad tracks from the roadway and sidewalk on Edgehill Road; and to execute a grant agreement and any other documents necessary to effectuate said applications, acceptance, or agreement on behalf of the Department of Public Service.
SECTION 2. That the Department of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to expend any awarded grant funds in accordance with the terms and conditions of said grant.
SECTION 3. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 4. That, at the end of the grant period, or upon request of the grantor, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.