Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) began accepting applications for its Local Major Bridge Program on September 1, 2025, and applications were due October 15, 2025. ODOT’s Local Major Program provides Federal funds to counties and municipalities for bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, major bridge preventative maintenance, and bridge demolition projects. ODOT can cover up to 80% of eligible costs for preliminary engineering and construction. The City of Columbus is an eligible applicant, and the Public Service Department has submitted two applications for ODOT’s review and consideration.
The Department of Public Service submitted applications seeking funds in relation to ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program. This ordinance will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute project agreements for approved projects, to accept and expend grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting is performed or when notified by the Department of Public Service's Division of Design and Construction that a refund can be issued. Separate legislation authorizing the encumbrance and expenditure of capital funds to support the local share of anticipated project costs will be put forth at a later date as needed.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute agreements with ODOT in connection with the award of the grant, the expenditure of grant funds, and the return of unused grant funds if any should remain at the end of the grant.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service submitted applications for the projects listed below:
Front Street bridge over railroad tracks and Convention Center Drive: This project includes deck overlay, parapet repairs, fence replacement, and expansion joint replacement. The total cost is approximately $3,000,000.00 and the Department is requesting $2,400,000.00 from ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program.
Parsons Avenue Over Railroad South of Hosack. This project includes replacing the existing Parsons Avenue bridge over the railroad tracks, between Groveport Road and Hosack Street. The total cost is approximately $15,060,000.00 and Department is requesting $12,048,000.00 from ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program.
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.
4. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested to enable the Department of Public Service with the authorization to proceed with accepting ODOT funds within grant funding timelines.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Public Service to execute grant agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation Local Major Bridge Program, to accept and expend awarded grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting for approved projects, and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced funding for its Local Major Bridge Program, which is a grant program to be awarded on a competitive basis; and
WHEREAS, ODOT accepted applications through October 15, 2025; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting for approved projects; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director of Public Service to execute grant agreements, accept and expend grant funds, and issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting for approved projects so that there is no delay in accepting funds from ODOT, and to maintain schedules, if awarded funds; now, therefore:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service be and is hereby authorized to execute agreements and documents necessary to accept ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program funds and/or other ODOT funds if awarded.
SECTION 2. That the Department of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to accept and expend awarded grant funds.
SECTION 3. 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 those funds originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 4. 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.