Explanation
It is necessary for the Director of Recreation and Parks to submit a Resolution of Support from the Columbus City Council along with the Department's application to the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for a Transportation Enhancement Grant for the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway.
Title
To support the Director of Recreation and Parks' application for funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Transportation Enhancement Program for the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission is accepting applications for a bikeway development grant from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund; and
WHEREAS, a Resolution of Support from City Council is required by MORPC, otherwise our application for funding will be considered incomplete and will not move forward; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for said funding for development of the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway; and
WHEREAS, this application is for funding to purchase a seven (7) mile segment of the former Mount Vernon Railroad right-of-way from Cooper Park, just south of Westerville, to 17th Avenue, just east of Cleveland Avenue; and
WHEREAS, this bikeway will serve as a commuter corridor for non-motorized travel through the Northeast quadrant of the City for workers to and from downtown and children to and from schools and recreational facilities throughout the area; and
WHEREAS, this bikeway will improve air quality by reducing the number of automobiles in use, while providing users with a low cost, safe and healthful transportation option; and
WHEREAS, converting this abandoned rail line to a community park will be an impetus to urban renewal and beautification; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to apply for said grant funding for the public health, peace, property, and safety; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS
SECTION 1. That the Columbus City Council supports the Department of Recreation and Parks' application to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for Transportation Enhancement Funds for development of the Westerville to Arena District Bikeway.
SECTION 2. That this Resolution authorizes an application only and does not obligate the Department to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That this Resolution is declared to be an emergency measure necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety of the City, and for the further reason that its immediate effectiveness is necessary so that steps can be undertaken to include this Resolution, along with the application for funding for this project, in order to meet the deadline established by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.
SECTION 4. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its adoption and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.