Explanation
1.BACKGROUND
Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a federal program, which provides limited funds to states including Ohio. These funds are available to municipalities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) requires that a designated official be authorized to submit said applications and execute agreements for approved projects. Additionally, ODOT requires that the City of Columbus act as the Local Public Agency (LPA) to manage the project. This is a reimbursement program, meaning that if funds are awarded the LPA must agree to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by ODOT.
With City Council authorization, the Department of Public Service intends to apply for two SRTS grants. The Ohio Department of Transportation requires a separate ordinance be submitted for each grant applictation. This ordinance is intended for the first of two grant applications, to authorize the Director to construct curb extensions and traffic signal improvements around Weinland Park Elementary School. Curb extensions shorten the length of the crosswalk thereby reducing pedestrian exposure to traffic, and slow traffic by narrowing the roadway and increase sight distances by preventing illegally parked vehicles near the crosswalk. In order to be eligible for these funds, the projects must be contained in a School Travel Plan approved by ODOT. A School Travel Plan, which includes these projects, for Weinland Park Elementary was approved by ODOT in December 2011. The Weinland Park School Travel Plan was developed as part of a General Engineering contract task order in 2011. Ordinance 0306-2012 will authorize authority for the second grant application.
For the 2012 SRTS funding cycle, the City will apply for 100% ODOT funding covering the cost of environmental clearance, construction and...
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