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 ...
Click here for full text