Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service to grant consent and propose cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for FRA-71-14.36 (Project 6R), PID 105588, which is part of the City's Roadway Improvements - I70/71 project to improve the Interstate 71/Interstate 70 corridor in Downtown Columbus.
The aforementioned project, slated to commence in spring 2021, encompasses the reconstruction of portions of I-70/71, the construction of two new structures over State Route 315 and the Scioto River and Short Street, and the reconstruction of portions of Mound Street.
ODOT will ask the City to approve final legislation for the project at a later date. However, at that time, it is not anticipated it will be necessary for Council to authorize the encumbrance and expenditure of capital funds to support the local share of associated construction costs because funding was previously approved by Council and appropriated for that purpose pursuant to Ordinance 2066-2019. The ODOT funding requests are based upon engineer estimates. If the engineer's estimate should change substantially prior to ODOT bidding the project, or if construction bids should be substantially higher than the engineer's estimate, it may be necessary to provide funding in excess of the amount already appropriated. If that should be the case, an ordinance will be submitted seeking Council's approval to provide the additional funding.
2. FISCAL IMPACT
The local share of construction costs is projected to be $1,500,000.00 based on initial cost estimates, which are subject to change. ODOT requires this amount to be deposited in advance of the bid opening date for the project. Auditor’s certificate ACPO004553 was established pursuant to Ordinance 2066-2019 to support project costs attributable to the City so as to prevent delays in the procurement process and construction schedule for this project. It still has a balance sufficient to support this expenditure.
3. EMERGENCY DESIGNATION
Emergency action is requested in order to maintain the project schedule established by ODOT and to promote highway safety.
Title
To authorize the Director of Public Service to grant consent and propose cooperation with the Director of the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to FRA-71-14.36 (Project 6R), PID 105588, as part of the City's Roadway Improvements - I70/71 project; and to declare an emergency. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) proposes to reconstruct portions of I-70/71, to construct two new structures over State Route 315 and the Scioto River and Short Street, and to reconstruct portions of Mound Street; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned project is located within the Columbus corporate boundaries; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance authorizes the Director of Public Service to grant consent and to agree to cooperate with the Ohio Department of Transportation relative to FRA-71-14.36 (Project 6R), PID 1055883, as part of the City's Roadway Improvements - I70/71 project; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Service in that it is immediately necessary to authorize consent and cooperation for this project in order to maintain the schedule established by ODOT and to promote highway safety, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That the following is an Ordinance enacted by the City of Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, hereinafter referred to as the Local Public Agency (LPA), in the matter of the stated described project.
SECTION 1 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION
WHEREAS, the STATE has identified the need for the described project:
This project proposes to reconstruct portions of I-70/71, construct two new structures over SR 315 and the Scioto River and Short Street, and reconstruct portions of Mound Street within the City limits, together with associated work.
SECTION 2 - CONSENT STATEMENT
Being in the public interest, the LPA gives consent to the Director of Transportation to complete the above described project.
SECTION 3 - COOPERATION STATEMENT
The LPA shall cooperate with the Director of Transportation in the above described project as follows:
The City hereby agrees to cooperate with the Director of Transportation of the State of Ohio in the planning, design and construction of the identified highway improvement project and grants consent to the Ohio Department of Transportation for its development and construction of the project in accordance with plans, specifications and estimates as approved by the Director.
The Ohio Department of Transportation shall assume and bear one hundred percent (100%) of the necessary costs of the State’s highway improvement project; the City’s share of the cost for the project is estimated to be $1,500,000.00 (subject to change based on final cost estimate and contract bidding information).
The City agrees to assume and bear one hundred percent (100%) of the total cost of those features requested by the City which are not necessary for the improvement as determined by the State and Federal Highway Administration.
SECTION 4 - UTILITIES AND RIGHT-OF-WAY STATEMENT
The LPA agrees that all right-of-way required for the described project will be acquired and/or made available in accordance with current State and Federal regulations. The LPA also understands that right-of-way costs include eligible utility costs.
The LPA agrees that all utility accommodation, relocation, and reimbursement will comply with the current provisions of 23 CFR 645 and the ODOT Utilities Manual.
SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE
Upon completion of the project, and unless otherwise agreed, the LPA shall: (1) provide adequate maintenance for the project in accordance with all applicable State and Federal laws, including, but not limited to, Title 23, U.S.C., Section 116; (2) provide ample financial provisions, as necessary, for the maintenance of the project; (3) maintain the right-of-way, keeping it free of obstructions; and (4) hold said right-of-way inviolate for public highway purposes.
SECTION 6 - AUTHORITY TO SIGN
That the Public Service Director of said City is hereby empowered on behalf of the City of Columbus to enter into contracts with the Director of Transportation necessary to complete the above described project.
SECTION 7 - EMERGENCY
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 ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves and or vetoes the same.