Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is accepting Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Round 25 applications for the Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP) and State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). MORPC serves in a staff support capacity to the District Three (Franklin County) Public Works Integrating Committee (PWIC).
OPWC requires that a designated official be authorized to submit said applications and execute project agreements for approved projects. Additionally, OPWC is required to award a minimum of 20% of the SCIP funding as a no interest 20-year loan; in order to make City applications more favorable, some of the applications may include a request for a no interest loan. Therefore, the applications and ensuing agreements may also require a signature from the Director of Finance and Management and City Auditor, as appropriate, to sign for funding use certification, local match availability, and to certify loan portion repayment.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications and to execute project agreements for approved projects. The legislation will also authorize the Director of Finance and Management and City Auditor, as appropriate, to sign for funding use certification, local match availability, and to certify loan portion repayment.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service plans to submit applications for the following projects:
Alum Creek Phase 1 (Williams Road to Refugee Road) This project consists of the widening and reconstruction of 2.07 miles of Alum Creek Drive from Williams Road northward to Performance Way/Refugee Road South. The project will include the addition of curb and gutter, shared use paths on both sides of the street, a closed drainage system, and street lighting. The project also includes 2275 feet of widening and reconstruction of Williams Road and 850 feet of widening and reconstruction of Watkins Road. The project cost is approximately: $24,515,793; ODOT has committed 80% of Right-of-Way and Construction up to a maximum of $25,636,600 which the current estimated reimbursement will be $15,877,235; the City's application amount will be approximately $3,499,999 in Grant.
Joyce Avenue Phase 1 This project adds turn lanes on East Hudson Street on both sides of Joyce Avenue and widens Joyce Avenue from a two lane uncurbed street to a three lane curbed roadway. Sight distance issues will be addressed by realigning Joyce Avenue and lowering the former railroad crossing at Billiter Road. The existing storm sewer will be upgraded to the required capacity. The existing waterline will be increased from 8" to 12". The total project cost is approximately: $14,593,650; the City's application amount will be approximately $3,750,000 in Grant and $1,250,000 in Loan.
Gender Road (US 33 to Lehman Road) The purpose of this project is to improve safety in this section. Heavy traffic volumes on this two lane facility have resulted in numerous rear end crashes as well as other crash types. The project will widen Gender Road to install a two way left turn lane and provide exclusive left turn lanes at several intersections. Access management concerns will also be addressed. The improvements will include new pavement, drainage, traffic signals, and traffic control upgrades. The total project cost is approximately: $4,300,000; the City's application amount will be approximately $1,000,000 in Grant and $350,000 in Loan.
Fairwood Avenue (Watkins Road to Koebel Road) This project provides the total reconstruction of Fairwood Avenue, 0.52 miles from Watkins Road to Koebel Road. The project includes 26 ADA curb ramps and 1.12 miles of sidewalk, curb, and gutter. In addition, this project will provide about 3,200 feet of storm sewer. The project will complete the existing sidewalk network in the immediate neighborhood and thus provide a safe area for the pedestrians and school children that attend Beery Middle School, Franklin Marion High School, and Avondale Elementary School. The curbing and upgrade of the existing storm sewer will eliminate the recurring ponding in this area. The total project cost is approximately: $3,578,370; the City's application amount will be approximately $1,000,000 in Grant.
(This listing is meant to be illustrative and is believed to be accurate and complete; however, last minute project additions and substitutions are at the discretion of the Director of Public Service.)
3. FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this legislation will provide an opportunity to secure funds for various projects. The approximate available funding to the District Three Public Works Integrating Committee is $20,349,000.00, and it is to be awarded in the form of grants and loans. As a part of the application for grant funds, the City will apply for a maximum of $3,000,000 in loans as necessary to make the applications more favorable to OPWC and the City.
Based on population, the City of Columbus' share can be 40%, more or less, of the total amount available. No financial participation is required at this time. City funds will be approved in the form of design contracts and/or construction contracts that will be or have been submitted for Council's approval.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications for Round 25 of the Local Transportation Improvement Program and State Capital Improvement Program and to execute project agreement forms for approved projects for the Department of Public Service on behalf of the City of Columbus, and to authorize the Director of Finance and Management and City Auditor, as appropriate, to sign for funding use certification, local match availability, and to certify loan portion repayment. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Public Works Commission requires that the City of Columbus designate and authorize officials to submit Round 25 applications, execute project agreements, sign for funding use certification and local match availability, and to certify loan portion repayment for Local Transportation Improvement and State Capital Improvement Programs; and
WHEREAS, application amounts are approximate depending upon OPWC scoring criteria; and
WHEREAS, approved applications will require execution within 45 days of notification by the Ohio Public Works Commission; 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 submit applications and execute project agreements with the Ohio Public Works Commission on behalf of the City of Columbus Department of Public Service for the Local Transportation Improvement Program and State Capital Improvement Program projects, and that the Director of Public Service and Director of Finance and Management be and are hereby authorized to submit loan documents and borrow money from the Ohio Public Works Commission on behalf of the City of Columbus Department of Public Service for projects as awarded under the State Capital Improvement Program; and now therefore the Director of Finance and Management and City Auditor, as appropriate, are authorized to sign any consequential promissory notes for a grand total of no more than $3,000,000 to certify Round 25 OPWC funding for the City's SCIP loan portion of any project that is awarded a 20-year no interest loan.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period by law.