Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for funding through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) and to provide the necessary matching funds for land acquisition. If awarded the funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted to enter into a grant agreement and allocate the local funds.
Background: This application will propose to build a connector bridge from the Olentangy Trail to Nationwide Boulevard in downtown Columbus. The bridge will be a direct connection from the regional trail for thousands of residents and workers in the Arena District. The project will coincide with major city projects at the west end of Nationwide Boulevard, including large scale office and residential developments, biking and walking improvements to the streets, and new park developments along the east bank of the Olentangy. The bridge also provides a significant non-motorized transportation facility to a heavily congested downtown area. Trails are a significant component of the city’s health and wellness, diversity, social equity and conservation initiatives. 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, and this project fills a significant gap in gaining access to the core of the city. Over 2 million people visit the Arena District each year. The district contains major attractions, special events, employment centers, and rapidly expanding residential living. The Olentangy Trail travels along the west side of the river, and thousands of trail users cannot ride, walk, run, or access the east side. The connector bridge will provide a safe, direct, non-motorized corridor into the heart of the Arena District. And the bridge will connect to a 120 mile trail network spanning the entire region.
This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by improving access to trails and greenway corridors. It will also improve the environmental health of the city’s waterways, recreational access to streams, provide long term protection corridors for water quality, and trail development.
Planning Area: 18
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Clean Ohio Trails Fund
2045 Morse Road, E-2
Columbus, OH 43229
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested in that it is immediately necessary to apply for this grant as the application is due on April 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 the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for funding through the Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF); to provide the necessary matching funds for land acquisition; and declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Clean Ohio Trails Fund is 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 requires a Resolution of Support for all application submittals; and
WHEREAS, if awarded the funding, a separate piece of legislation will be submitted to enter into the grant agreement and allocate the local funds; 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 so as to meet the deadline for applying of April 1, 2016; and, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) and to provide the necessary matching funds for land acquisition.
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 Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF).
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.