Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), U.S. Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program. The RAISE Fund Program is accepting applications for funding to implement critical passenger transportation infrastructure improvements. If awarded, the funding will be used to construct a portion of the Linden Green Line Linear Park.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is accepting grant applications for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Fund Program. The grant offers assistance to governmental agencies to complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure, including mobility and community connectivity projects that help remove barriers to opportunity. Grant applications are due February 28, 2024. The notification of the grant acceptance will be awarded by June 27, 2024.
In October of 2023, Ordinance 2662-2023 authorized the acquisition of the rail corridor providing a transformative opportunity for over 131,000 residents living nearby to create a unique large-scale linear park through a dense inner city community. The purpose of the Linden Green Line project is to provide a new 58-acre linear park stretching along seven miles of an abandoned rail corridor to one of the region’s most underserved areas for parks, open spaces, and natural areas. It will range from Windsor Park, near 17th Avenue, to Cooper Park in the Northland community. The Linden Green Line Linear Park also passes through the center of what will become one of the region’s premier sports parks, Kilbourne Run, now under development by Recreation and Parks and planned to open in 2025.
The Linden Green Line Linear Park will include seven miles of pathway, the restoration of the surrounding natural area, and some small-scale amenities. The natural area restoration includes tree plantings, native shrubs, wildflowers, and selective open greenspaces.
Principal Parties:
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590
Andrea Jacobson, (202) 366-9603
Contract Compliance Number: 035317
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: N/A (State of Ohio Agency)
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is being requested to meet the application deadline of February 28, 2024.
Benefits to the Public: The Linden Green Line will create the first linear park in Central Ohio, providing active transportation and easily accessible greenspace. Which will reconnect residents to jobs, schools, parks, nature, and cultural destinations.
Community Input/Issues: The Linden and Northland Communities have been actively involved in support of the project. Furthermore, affordable housing non-profits are also in support the project.
Area(s) Affected: Citywide (99)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by providing quality recreational parks and paths while offering easy connectivity for Columbus residents of all ages.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is required at this time. Future legislation will accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) RAISE grant program for construction of the Linden Green Line Linear Park; and to declare an emergency. ($0)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Program which is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, which will be used to construct a portion of the Linden Green Line Linear Park; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance shows the City of Columbus's support for all application requirements; 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 grant funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to meet the submittal deadline of February 28, 2024, all for the preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare 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 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) RAISE Grant Program for construction of the Linden Green Line Linear Park.
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 accept, appropriate, and encumber funding for this project as needed if the grant is awarded.
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 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) RAISE Grant Program.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance, for the reasons stated in the preamble, which are made a part of this ordinance and fully incorporated for reference as if rewritten, is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after this ordinance’s passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after its adoption if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes this ordinance.