Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Shepard Connector---Alum Creek Trail; and also for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for the Berliner Scioto Single Track. The application is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals. No funds are obligated.
ODNR offers grants for trail projects through two funding sources: Clean Ohio Trails Fund and Recreational Trails Program. The deadline for the applications is February 1, 2016. All applications must include a ‘Resolution of Support’ from the local agency stating their intent to provide matching funds and proceed with the projects if selected for funding.
The Shepard Connector to the Alum Creek Trail will build a 0.5 mile direct connection to the regional trail from Leonard Avenue. The project would be built along an abandoned rail corridor. A new trailhead with parking facilities would be developed adjacent to the new Columbus Public Library branch at Shepard Park. The grant request will be for $380,000 for construction of the path.
The Berliner Scioto Single Track will develop the city’s first established single track adjacent to the Scioto Trail in Berliner Park. The project would be the first step in establishing a natural surface trail network throughout the Columbus greenway system. The proposed track would be approximately 2.5 miles in length. The grant request will be for $110,000.00.
This legislation supports our 2014 Department plan recommendation to continue to expand multi-use trail network.
Benefits to the Public:
Shepard Connector:
Providing direct access to trails is a major request from the public. The Shepard Connector provides safe, off road linkage to the regional Alum Creek Trail, and direct connectivity to a new library, schools, a community center, and two city parks.
Berliner Scioto Single Track:
Natural surface trails and their highly active related outdoor activities of mountain biking and trail running are on the rise across the nation. This project would provide nearly year round fitness cycling opportunities accessible along a major regional trail, within the downtown core of the city. Offering a diversity of trail experiences is a high priority expressed by the public. Single tracks are one of the country’s fastest growing outdoor recreational facilities, exceeding over 3 million users nationwide.
Community Input Issues: The Shepard neighborhood has expressed interest in the Alum Creek Trail and this connection. The Columbus Metropolitan Library has been working closely with Recreation and Parks on development of a new trailhead with parking adjacent to their new branch library to open in 2016.
Strong public support has been expressed for new single track facilities in Columbus, and a recent community forum and feasibility study showed over 10 sites within the city that could be easy-access, cost effective places for skills parks.
Emergency Justification: Recreation and Parks Department is requesting City Council to designate this ordinance an emergency measure in order to allow for the resolution to be included with the grant application packages. Grant packages are due February 1, 2016.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is requested. A separate ordinance would be prepared to accept the grants if the projects are funded.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for, and show support for, grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Shepard Connector, Alum Creek Trail; and for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for the Berliner Scioto Single Track; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) are currently accepting applications for funding; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for grant funding for the projects listed above; and
WHEREAS, the application is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for this grant funding so that needed improvements are not delayed, projects can proceed in a timely manner, and commitments made to the local community can be kept; 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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Shepard Connector---Alum Creek Trail; and also for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) for the Berliner Scioto Single Track. 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 follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds.
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 Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP).
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 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.