Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program construction funding which will be used to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail, from Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road.
The project will build 1.5 miles of significant trail infrastructure for the Big Walnut Regional Trail, including an extension starting from Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road where the trail will connect to the Gahanna trail network. Over 3,000 Columbus residents live in neighborhoods served by this new trail section. Once completed, the trail will connect residents to retail, services, and over 40,000 jobs at major destinations including Easton and the Morse Road Corridor.
This ordinance authorizes an application for grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend City funds. MORPC requires that the City agrees to obligate the funds at a later date which will satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. If the grant is awarded, future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation, and expenditure of City funds
Principal Parties:
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
111 Liberty Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
William Murdock, Executive Director, (614) 228-2663
Contract Compliance Number: 004591
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: March 25, 2024 (Renewal Pending)
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to meet the grant application deadline of August 30, 2024.
Benefits to the Public: Cycling, walking, running, and active trail uses provide highly recognized year-round benefits to urban lifestyles. Access to trails and to key destinations is one of the top rated priorities noted by residents.
Community Input/Issues: Public engagement about the Big Walnut Trail has been ongoing since 2020, including communication with area commissions, civic groups, and city departments. The project will include a full public engagement outreach process.
Area(s) Affected: Rocky Fork/Blacklick (33), Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks’ Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks, trails, and improved connectivity for Columbus residents of all ages.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program funding which will be used to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail, from Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program funding which will be used to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail, from Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for this grant funding to meet the grant application deadline of August 30, 2024, all for the preservation of public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare and, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program funding which will be used to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail, from Cherrybottom Park to Morse Road. This Council hereby supports this action.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) Transportation Alternative Program.
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.