Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This legislation authorizes payment for utility relocation work by Columbia Gas, Delco Water, and other utilities as needed in an amount up to $1,000,000.00.
The Public Service Department is engaged in the Roadway Improvements - Lazelle Road Phase A Project (aka FRA-Lazelle Road PID 95606). Project work includes widening Lazelle Road to 3 lanes including a center two way left turn lane and will provide sidewalks on the south side of Lazelle Road, a shared use path on the north side of Lazelle Road, drainage system, and lighting. The approximate project limits for this project are High Street to Flint Road.
In the course of effecting roadway improvements it is sometimes necessary to force the relocation of utilities from privately held easements or place overhead utilities underground to promote public health, safety and the welfare including the economic development of the City. It is necessary to move utilities to complete this project.
This project will be 80% funded by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), with the City of Columbus paying the remaining 20% of the cost. The City’s share of the utility relocation expense is $200,000.00. The City must front the entire cost of the utility relocations, but ultimately the Ohio Department of Transportation will reimburse $800,000.00 to the City for the MORPC/ODOT share.
The funding request for utilities relocation reimbursement is based upon estimates from the utilities. The utilities will invoice the City for actual costs incurred in relocating the utilities. The amount needed may exceed the amount requested in this ordinance. Additional legislation will be submitted by the Department of Public Service if additional funds are needed to complete the relocations.
2. FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for this project are available within the Streets and Highways Bond Fund, Fund 7704, and the Federal Transportation Grants...
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