Explanation
The City of Columbus, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT); NP Limited Partnership, an Ohio Limited Partnership; and Polaris Ventures IV, Limited, will undertake a roadway improvement project to reconstruct the existing interchange of Interstate 71 and Polaris Parkway and construct a new interchange at Interstate 71 and Fashion Mall Parkway. These improvements are necessitated by the tremendous increase in vehicular traffic generated by the adjacent amphitheater and retail and commercial development.
ODOT is the lead agency for this project and will bid the project construction and award, as well as administer the construction contracts. The City's cost of these interchange improvements is $27,600,000.00. ODOT is responsible for right-of-way and environmental clearances, utility relocation and permit procurement. NP Limited Partnership will provide, without compensation, free and clear title to approximately 23 acres of real estate needed for the improvement.
The City will fund this construction through a tax increment financing (TIF) package eventually financed from service payments in lieu of taxes generated within the specifically-designated TIF area. Initial financing will be from the City's sale of special revenue obligations (revenue bonds) that will not be a general obligation debt of the City, the State of Ohio or any political subdivision or agency thereof. Upon demand of the City, NP Limited will purchase up to $12,500,000.00 of these bonds. The City Charter (Section 159) requires appropriation of only that amount of money necessary to satisfy the current yearly obligation.
The construction schedule for this project is very aggressive and necessitates that the City deposit $8,500,000.00 with the State by May 4, 2004, and an additional $4,850,000.00 by October 1, 2004. Since the tax increment financing package will not be finalized nor revenue bonds sold in time to meet the initial payment date,...
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