Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The purpose of this legislation is to accept a New Freedom grant award from the Federal Transit Administration through the local agent, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), up to the amount of $159,206.00 to build sidewalks along Obetz Road between South High Street and Parsons Avenue. The project length is approximately 1000 feet. The project will provide sidewalk and wheelchair ramps on both sides of Obetz Road.
In February of 2007, Mayor Michael B. Coleman created the Operation SAFEWALKS program. This program provides priorities and strategies for sidewalk construction in the city of Columbus.
On October 22, 2007, Columbus City Council adopted the Scioto Southland Area Plan, which identified this stretch of roadway as a priority for pedestrian walkways.
In April of 2008, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission adopted the Franklin County Coordinated Plan. The purpose of this plan is to better coordinate existing transportation services, as well as document existing gaps in the pedestrian environment. This plan gives agencies and local governments in Franklin County access to federal funds that can be used to address gaps in access to transportation, one of which is sidewalk links to transit.
Voters approved the City's Vote Bond Package in November of 2008, which includes pending authority for approximately $55 million for sidewalk construction through the Opration SAFEWALKS program. The Obetz Road sidewalk project is a project proposed within the sidewalk spending authority.
In April of 2009, the city was notified by COTA that its application for a New Freedom Grant had been approved for funding. The project will remove existing barriers for residents at a school, adjacent senior housing facility, handicap residential housing and numerous citizens, by providing pedestrian access to transit routes and three COTA bus stops. There are a number of pedestrian generators within the project limits, including Children's Academy and Community Housing Network (CHN) housing for homeless families and singles with disabilities. Accepting the New Freedom grant will free up for other sidewalk projects the majority of the city spending authority for the Obetz Road sidewalk project approved by the voters last Fall.
According to the New Freedom Grant program rules, the grant will cover 80% of the cost of construction and inspection. Design of the project is expected to be completed in house in 2009 and construction is anticipated as soon as 2010, provided the City local match is available. The City has until September of 2012 to fully spend the grant.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
No funds are required at this time; however, a 20% local match is required when the City will award the construction contract. The city match required for this project is currently estimated to be approximately $39,801.50 based on preliminary cost estimates. This grant will provide reimbursement of up to $159,206.00 (80%) for project construction and construction inspection.
Title
To Authorize the Director of Public Service to enter into a grant agreement with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and to receive grant funds up to the amount of $159,206.00 for the Division of Mobility Options for the Obetz Road Sidewalk Project.
Body
WHEREAS, the city of Columbus recognizes through the Columbus Comprehensive Plan, adopted by Ordinance 2515-93, the benefits of sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities for safety, efficiency and accessibility; and
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2007 Columbus City Council adopted the Scioto Southland Area Plan, which identified this stretch of roadway as a priority for pedestrian walkways.
WHEREAS, initial findings from the Operation SAFEWALKS program identify over 121 miles of sidewalks missing on major city streets; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Coordinated Plan identified a service strategy of providing sidewalk links to transit; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of the Franklin County Coordinated Plan allowed access to federal funds for construction of sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance will result in more sidewalks in the city of Columbus where they are needed most; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of Public Service is authorized to enter into a grant agreement with Central Ohio Transit Authority, and receive grant monies up to the amount of $159,206.00 for use to build sidewalks on Obetz Road.
Section 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.