Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Big Walnut Trail-Elk Run Park to Winchester Pike.
The Big Walnut Trail is one of the city’s major regional greenways. The 28 mile trail will eventually wind from Hoover Dam to Three Creek Park. This 0.6 mile section of the trail will be the first segment built in the southeast area of the city, connecting Elk Run Park to Winchester Pike. The trail will provide a direct linkage for over 2,000 residents to walking, biking, and running opportunities. A major barrier will be addressed with this project, an underpass beneath State Route 33 freeway at Big Walnut Creek. Once completed, over 2 miles of the trail will be opened. The grant request will be for $248,000 for construction of the path.
The application is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals. No funds are obligated.
Principal Parties:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
2045 Morse Road, E-2, Columbus, OH 43229
Mary Fitch, 614-265-6477
31-6402047
Emergency Justification: An emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to receive this resolution of support so that the grant may be submitted by February 1, 2017.
Benefits to the Public: Cycling, walking, running, and active trail uses provide highly recognized year-round benefits to urban lifestyles. Access to trails and to key destinations is one of the top rated priorities noted by residents.
Area(s) Affected: Eastland/Brice (24)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by increasing regional trail expansion and improve access to trails and greenway corridors; while providing safe connections for nearby neighborhoods to the regional trail network.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal action is requested. A separate ordinance will be prepared to accept the grants if the projects are funded.
Title
To authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Big Walnut Trail-Elk Run Park to Winchester Pike; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) are currently accepting applications for funding; and
WHEREAS, the Recreation and Parks Department wishes to apply for grant funding for the projects listed above; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance is a Resolution of Support required by the state for all application submittals; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to apply for the grant and have this resolution of support so the grant may be submitted by February 1, 2017;
NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of Recreation and Parks is hereby authorized and directed to apply for grant funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) for the Big Walnut Trail-Elk Run Park to Winchester Pike. This Council hereby supports this action.
SECTION 2. That this ordinance authorizes an application for the grant funds only and is not a commitment to expend City funds.
SECTION 3. That future legislation will follow to authorize acceptance, appropriation and expenditure of funds.
SECTION 4. That the City of Columbus does agree to obligate the funds required to satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF).
SECTION 5. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.