Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the encumbrance of funding in the amount of up to $6,000,000.00 relative to the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project and the expenditure of said funds to support construction, utility relocations and construction services for the project.
Administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project, also known as Downtown Ramp Up, consists of several phases culminating in various improvements to the Interstate Route 70 (IR70) and Interstate Route 71 (IR71) corridor in Downtown Columbus, including reconstructing and widening portions of IR70 eastbound and westbound between Fourth Street and Miller Avenue and resurfacing portions of IR70 and IR71. Construction first commenced in the spring of 2019 and is expected to continue through at least 2026. The estimated cost to complete the multi-phase project is $1.4 billion, which will be funded by a combination of federal, state, and local funds.
This legislation seeks to authorize the encumbrance and expenditure of funding in the amount of up to $6,000,000.00 to support anticipated utility relocation, construction, and inspection costs incurred during the completion of current and future phases of the project.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
Funding in the amount of up to $6,000,000.00 is available and appropriated in the Streets and Highways Bond Fund, Fund 7704, for the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project.
3. MINORITY AND WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE & SMALL LOCAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
ODOT is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio. As such, City of Columbus MBE/WBE/SLBE program requirements are not applicable.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to expend up to $6,000,000.00 from the Streets and Highways Bond Fund to support the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation to support utility relocation, construction and inspection costs. ($6,000,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is overseeing the construction of various improvements to IR70/IR71 eastbound and westbound between 4th Street and Miller Avenue as part of the multi-phase Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project, also known as Downtown Ramp Up; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned improvement project is located within the Columbus corporate boundaries; and
WHEREAS, construction of the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project will be funded by a combination of federal, state, and local funds; and
WHEREAS, this legislation seeks to authorize the encumbrance and expenditure of funding in the amount of up to $6,000,000.00 to support anticipated utility relocation, construction, and inspection costs incurred during the completion of current and future phases of the project; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service be and hereby is authorized to contribute funds to the Ohio Department of Transportation and to pay still to be determined utility companies, or companies contracted by utility companies, for construction costs and utility relocation costs related to the Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeways project.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $6,000,000.00, or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized in Fund 7704 (Streets and Highways Bond Fund), Dept-Div 5912 (Division of Design and Construction), Project P530161-100207 (Roadway Improvements - I-70/71 South and East Freeway), in Object Class 06 (Capital Outlay), per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 6. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.