Explanation
Background:
The Camp Chase Rail Trail is a nationally significant trail project, as part of the 322-mile Ohio to Erie Trail, traveling from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. This section of trail finishes the final 0.5-mile gap in the city's section of the trail, providing connectivity to the far west side to parks, schools, and retail centers on the city's west side. The project will significantly increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists along two congested arterial streets. The project provides substantial health benefits to users, and increases economic revitalization efforts for the west side.
This project will construct the final segment of the Camp Chase Rail Trail. The project will connect the current west end of the trail, at Sullivant Avenue, with the east terminus of the trail at Georgesville Road.
Fiscal Impact:
This ordinance requires $0.00 City of Columbus Funds. If awarded the grant, future legislation will accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a City match not to exceed 26 percent.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) in the amount of $385,000.00 for construction of the Camp Chase Rail Trail - Sullivant Avenue to Georgesville Road Project; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) is accepting applications for trails projects for the 2015 cycle; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for a grant for the Camp Chase Rail Trail - Sullivant Avenue to Georgesville Road Project; and
WHEREAS, future legislation would accept and appropriate the grant funds as well as identify a city match not to exceed 26 percent; 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 to meet application deadlines; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks be and he is hereby authorized and directed to apply for a grant with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) in the amount of $385,000.00 for construction of the Camp Chase Rail Trail - Sullivant Avenue to Georgesville Road.
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 Program.
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.