Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Public Service Director to enter into an agreement to participate and fund a portion of the Alum Creek Drive at I-270 and Groveport Road Traffic Study. This study will be undertaken by the Franklin County Engineer's Office and will be funded by Columbus, Franklin County, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and the State of Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
In January, 2007, MORPC published the Rickenbacker Area Road Network Assessment study. The purpose of that study was to determine transportation system needs and develop a street network to accommodate, efficiently and safely, future traffic growth associated with the development of the Rickenbacker area. Improvements to the interchange of I-270 with Alum Creek Drive and the intersection of Alum Creek Drive with Groveport Road were rated in the highest priority group of recommended projects. The study to be funded by this ordinance will develop engineering alternatives and recommend a solution to solve anticipated congestion and safety problems. As required by routine accommodation policies of both MORPC and ODOT, this study will address needs for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users.
Fiscal Impact: The City of Columbus will be responsible for fifty percent (50%) of the local share cost of this study with Franklin County responsible for the remaining fifty percent (50%) of the local share. ODOT and MORPC are responsible for the remaining eighty percent (80%) of the total study cost. Funds for this study in the amount of $30,000.00 are budgeted within the Transportation Division's 2008 Capital Improvement Budget in the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into an agreement for the Transportation Division with the Franklin County Engineer's Office to undertake the Alum Creek Drive at I-270 and Groveport Road Traffic Study for the Transportation Division; to authorize the expenditure of up to $30,000.00 from the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund. ($30,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, development of the area surrounding Rickenbacker International Airport as a regional hub for freight movements and warehouse operations is considered a critical component to the health of the regional economy by state and local agencies; and
WHEREAS, MORPC, through the Rickenbacker Area Road network Assessment study, has determined that improvements to the Rickenbacker area road network are required to safely and efficiently move forecasted traffic volumes associated with this development; and
WHEREAS, this study will comply with routine accommodation policies of both MORPC and ODOT to address mobility needs for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users; and
WHEREAS, improvements to the I-270 interchange with Alum Creek Drive and the intersection of Alum Creek Drive with Groveport Road are within the group of high priority projects; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus Transportation Division, Franklin County Engineer's Office, MORPC and ODOT concur on cost, funding shares, and schedule for the Alum Creek Drive at I-270 and Groveport Road Traffic Study, to participate in the conduct of the study, and to provide funding to undertake the study; and
WHEREAS, funds are available in the Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund for this reimbursement; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Public Service Director be authorized to enter into an agreement for the Transportation Division with the Franklin County Engineer's Office up to $30,000.00 to undertake the Alum Creek Drive at I-270 and Groveport Road Traffic Study to develop a strategic plan for the purpose of addressing identified traffic flow and safety deficiencies on Alum Creek Drive in the vicinity of I-270 and Groveport Road.
SECTION 2. That the expenditure of $30,000.00 or so much thereof as may be necessary be and hereby is authorized from Fund 704, Streets and Highways G.O. Bonds Fund, Department 59-09, Transportation Division, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6682, OCA Code 644385 and Project 530103 to pay the cost of said study.
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. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.