TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an advanced funding agreement (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to construct an off-system shared-use trail to Brookhaven Elementary and Rancier Middle schools.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM/RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) TO CONSTRUCT AN OFF-SYSTEM SHARED-USE TRAIL TO BROOKHAVEN ELEMENTARY AND RANCIER MIDDLE SCHOOLS
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC WORKS - TRANSPORTATION DIVISION
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On August 1, 2014, the Killeen-Temple Metropolitan Planning Organization (KTMPO) issued a Call for Projects (CFP) to utilize federal funding available through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The TAP replaces several programs such as Transportation Enhancements (TE), Recreational Trails, Safe Routes to Schools and several other discretionary programs, wrapping them into a single funding source.
On October 7, 2014, the City Council authorized the City Manager to submit a TAP application for sidewalk projects (CCM/R 14-136R). On October 10, 2014, the City of Killeen submitted an application to the KTMPO requesting $548,158 for the TAP Call for Projects. On February 26, 2015, the City of Killeen was awarded $250,025 for the Brookhaven/Rancier Hike and Bike Trail.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
Currently, children who walk or bike to school often must travel in the street or across unimproved surfaces to arrive at school. To give children a safe route to school and to reduce the number of vehicles driving children to school, the City intends to construct a lighted 10-foot shared-use path that will provide pedestrian, bicycle, and handicapped trail connectivity as identified in the Killeen-Temple MPO Regional Thoroughfare and Pedestrian/Bicycle Plan. The proposed Brookhaven/Rancier Hike and Bike Trail will provide connectivity from the Brookhaven Subdivisions to Brookhaven Elementary and Rancier Middle schools.
By entering into an advanced funding agreement (AFA) with TxDOT, the City is agreeing to commit to the project's design, development, construction, maintenance, and funding. The City further agrees to provide a local match of 20%, or greater, of the total project cost, including being responsible for all non-federally funded items and 100% of all overruns. At this time, entering into the AFA requires payment of the Local Government's share of TxDOT's Direct & Indirect State Cost of $9,375.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact associated with this impact is $171,881, of which $9,375 is due upon the execution of the AFA. Funding is available in the Major Capital Outlay/Sidewalk Improvements Account 248-0000-434.60-50.
RECOMMENDATION
City staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation Alternatives Program and issue payment in the amount of $9,375 to the Texas Department of Transportation to move forward with the project.