Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to prepare and execute an application for Safe Routes to School grant funds, accept and expend said funds, and issue refunds if necessary after final accounting is performed.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) is a federal program, which provides limited funds to states including Ohio. SRTS funds are available to communities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. 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 the costs associated with the project and submit documentation showing proof of payment to be reimbursed. The LPA must also pay one hundred percent (100%) of the construction cost over and above the maximum amount provided by ODOT for the project. The total funding available statewide is $4,000,000, and a community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 5, 2018 is the deadline for the current application cycle.
The Department of Public Service is preparing an application, with a current focus on constructing a new sidewalk on the west side of Kingsford Road, from Briggs Road to Eakin Road. This project would be in the Greater Hilltop area. This sidewalk would benefit students walking to school at both Eakin Elementary School and Wedgewood Middle School. The Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan identified the Kingsford Road corridor as a priority corridor for Eakin Elementary School. In 2016, walking was the most common ...
Click here for full text