Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to apply for grant funding from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) for Transportation Alternative Program funding which will be used to build a section of the Big Walnut Trail, from the Little Turtle Community to Cherrybottom Park and the Alum Creek Trail.
In October 2020, MORPC will be accepting applications for federal funds for bike and pedestrian improvements, including regional trail projects. This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to submit a grant application to MORPC to build a 2.5 mile section of the Big Walnut Greenway on the northeast side of the city, from the Little Turtle community to Cherrybottom Park. The project also includes a direct connection from the Big Walnut Trail to the Alum Creek Trail at Parkridge Park (Northland), thus building a key east/west trail linkage of two of Central Ohio’s major greenways. This grant will provide funding to build significant trail infrastructure for the city’s Northeast communities, including an underpass beneath State Route 161, a direct connection to Blendon Woods Metro Park, a stream crossing to connect neighborhoods on the west side of the river, and a section of trail along Sunbury Road linking to the Alum Creek Trail at Parkridge Park. Over 15,000 Columbus residents live in neighborhoods served by the new trail section. Once completed, the trail will connect residents to retail, health care, attractions, and over 40,000 jobs at major destinations including Easton and the North Hamilton Road mixed use corridor.
This ordinance authorizes an application for grant funds only, and is not a commitment to expend City funds. MORPC requires that the City agrees to obligate the funds at a later date which will satisfactorily complete the proposed project and become eligible for reimbursement under the terms and conditions of the grant. If the grant is aw...
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