Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
To authorize the Director of Public Service to submit applications for Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom grant funding from the Federal Transit Administration administered by the local agent, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), 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 and local match availability up to the maximum grant amounts of $1,120,000.00 for JARC, to fund shared use path construction on Olentangy River Road between North Broadway and Ackerman Road and the maximum grant amount $639,194.00 for New Freedom to fund sidewalk construction in this area (e.g. North Broadway between Kenny Road and Olentangy River Road) or other areas determined appropriate.
In February of 2007, Mayor Michael B. Coleman created the Operation SAFEWALKS program. This program provides priorities and strategies for sidewalk construction in the city of Columbus.
In April of 2008, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission adopted the Franklin County Coordinated Plan. The purpose of this plan is to better coordinate existing transportation services, as well as document existing gaps in the pedestrian environment. This plan gives agencies and local governments in Franklin County access to federal funds that can be used to address gaps in access to transportation, one of which is sidewalk links to transit.
In 2009 and 2010, the City of Columbus was successful in winning New Freedom grant funds totaling $328,101.00 for sidewalks along South High Street between Highview Boulevard and Obetz Road and Obetz Road between South High Street and Parsons Avenue.
The Columbus Bicentennial Bikeways Plan (BBP) was adopted by City Council in July of 2008.
City Council approved ordinance 1363-2010 on October 5, 2010 authorizing the contract with EMH&T to design the Olentangy River Road shared use path. Design of the Olentangy River Road shared-use path is proceeding, and the project will be ready to bid in 2013. The project is approximately 5,400 feet between North Broadway and Ackerman Road.
JARC and New Freedom proposals for grant funding will be due on November 1, 2012. The Olentangy River Road shared use path project will remove existing barriers for employees trying to reach several major employers, including Riverside Methodist Hospital and the Ohio State University, adjacent senior and disabled populations and numerous citizens, by providing pedestrian and bicycle access to transit routes and ten COTA bus stops. There are a number of pedestrian generators within the project limits, including a shopping plaza. Applying for the JARC and New Freedom grants will fund construction not otherwise scheduled.
The New Freedom project could construct up to one and a half miles of sidewalk, handicap ramps and bus pads for shelters to provide access to transit.
According to the JARC and New Freedom Grant program rules, the grant will cover 80% of the cost of construction and inspection.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
No funds are required at this time; however, a 20% local match is required when the City awards the construction contract. The city match required for this project is currently estimated to be up to $158,798.50 for New Freedom and $280,000 for JARC based on preliminary cost estimates. This grant will provide reimbursement of up to $638,194 for New Freedom projects and $1,120,000 for JARC projects (80%) for project construction and construction inspection.
Title
To Authorize the Director of Public Service to apply for two grants with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and expend the grant funds, if awarded.
Body
WHEREAS, The City of Columbus recognizes through the Columbus Comprehensive Plan, adopted by ordinance 2515-93, the benefits of sidewalks and other pedestrian facilities for safety, efficiency and accessibility; and
WHEREAS, the Operation SAFEWALKS program identifies over 121 miles of sidewalk gaps on major city streets; and
WHEREAS, the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan identifies the need for improved on-street bikeway facilities on many major city streets; and
WHEREAS, the Franklin County Coordinated Plan identified a service strategy of providing sidewalk links to transit and its adoption allows access to federal funds for construction of sidewalks; and
WHEREAS, if successful in applying for New Freedom and Job Access Reverse Commute funding, the goals of Operation SAFEWALKS and the Bicentennial Bikeways Plan will be advanced; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Public Service is authorized to apply for a grant with Central Ohio Transit Authority, receive grant monies up to the amounts of $638,194 and $1,120,000, and expend grant funds, if awarded.
SECTION 2. At the end of the grant period, any repayment of unencumbered balances required by the grantor is hereby authorized and any unused City match monies may be transferred back to the City fund from which they originated in accordance with all applicable grant agreements.
SECTION 3. Funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.