Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. SRTS funds are available to communities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. A community may be awarded up to $1,000,000 for an infrastructure project. March 6, 2026 is the deadline for the current Safe Routes to School application cycle.
The Department of Public Service is preparing a Safe Routes to School application, with a current focus on filling sidewalk gaps along a priority corridor for Livingston Avenue, between Elderwood Avenue and Hamilton Road.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Mobility - Livingston Avenue - Elderwood Avenue to Hamilton Road: This project is a high priority countermeasure (L200) in the current Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan. This project will construct new sidewalks along the north side and south side of Livingston Avenue to ensure students and other pedestrians have continuous ADA-accessible sidewalks on both the north and south sides of Livingston Avenue from Elderwood Avenue to Hamilton Road. The current project cost estimate for this phase is approximately $1,248,066.00.
(This listing is meant to be illustrative and is believed to be accurate and complete; however, last minute project additions and substitutions are at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.)
3. FISCAL IMPACT
No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts, right of way acquisition, and/or construction contracts that will be submitted for Council's approval.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications to and execute grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to the Highway Safety Improvement Program; to accept and expend awarded grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, for approved projects after final accounting is performed. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) accepts formal applications for Highway Safety Improvement Program funds on March 31 and August 31; and
WHEREAS, ODOT accepts abbreviated applications for Highway Safety Improvement Program funds four times a year, on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Service submitted applications seeking funds to fill sidewalk gaps along a priority corridor for Livingston Avenue, between Elderwood Avenue and Hamilton Road; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications to, and to execute grant agreements with, ODOT, to accept and expend awarded grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, for approved projects; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service, on behalf of the City of Columbus, Department of Public Service, is hereby authorized to prepare, execute, and submit an application for the Safe Routes to School Program funds to the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 2. That Council understands and agrees the Mobility - Livingston Avenue - Elderwood Avenue to Hamilton Road project is intended to be submitted on the SRTS application, but authorizes the Director of Public Service to change the project submitted and/or to include additional projects on the application at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.
SECTION 3. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to execute agreements and documents necessary to accept SRTS funds and/or other ODOT funds if awarded.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to accept and expend the funds for the approved projects.
SECTION 5. That if awarded the funds, the City of Columbus agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by the State of Ohio, Department of Transportation.
SECTION 6. That upon completion of the described Project, and unless otherwise agreed, the City of Columbus shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the described Project in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, 23 USC 116; (2) provide ample financial provisions, as necessary, for the maintenance of the described Project; (3) if necessary, maintain the right-of-way, keeping it free of obstructions; and (4) if necessary, hold said right-of-way inviolate for public highway purposes.
SECTION 7. That, at the end of the grant period, 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 8. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period by law.