TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to construct Segment 4 of the Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
CONSIDER A MEMORANDUM/RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN ADVANCE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) TO CONSTRUCT SEGMENT 4 OF THE HERITAGE OAKS HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Public Works - Transportation Division
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 16, 2015, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, issued a 2015 Call for Project nominations for the statewide Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). Under the program, 80% of eligible project costs can be reimbursed with the nominating entity providing at least 20% of the project's allowable costs.
On January 20, 2015, a special Council workshop was held to present the proposed Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail. The City Council indicated a consensus for the allocation of $1,300,000 for the Heritage Oaks Park project. City Council also authorized staff to enter into negotiation for the design of the proposed hike and bike trail portion of the project. Finally, City Council supported the submission of an application for the TxDOT 2015 TAP Call for Projects.
On April 28, 2015, the City Council authorized the City Manager to submit a TAP application for Segment 4 of the Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail (CCM/R 15-044R). On May 4, 2015, the City of Killeen submitted an application to TxDOT requesting $2,448,282 for the 2015 TAP Call for Projects. On September 24, 2015, the City of Killeen was awarded $2,448,281 for Segment 4 of the Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail. The Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail plan ultimately provides for over 6.5 miles of multi-use trail connecting the following: Central Texas Expressway/US 190 in Killeen, TX, Purser Family Park in Harker Heights, TX, the Heritage Oaks park area in Killeen, TX, a Killeen Independent School District (KISD) Elementary School, and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
As proposed, Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail, Segment 4, consists of a 1.5 mile segment of the ultimate multi-use trail and will connect the future residential KISD elementary school location south to US government property in Bell County. The trail construction will provide a total width of 12 foot shared use path. All trail sections will be constructed of concrete with several low water crossings and neighborhood connections, along with appropriate pedestrian ramps, striping, signage, and street crossings. In addition, the following trail amenities will be provided: a trail head, bicycle racks, emergency call boxes, pet waste stations, trash receptacles, gateway signage, seating areas, and trail lighting. The project will also include multiple pedestrian bridges that will spur neighborhood connections and provide significantly increased access across the creek. This will encourage more children to walk or bike to school without being deterred by travel distances to any of the limited roadway crossings.
By entering into an Advance Funding Agreement (AFA) with TxDOT (attached), the City agrees to commit to the project’s design, development, implementation, construction, maintenance, management and funding. The City of Killeen 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, TxDOT’s 15% administrative costs, and 100% of all overruns. As with all AFAs, TxDOT requires advanced payment of the State’s projected direct and indirect costs associated with review, inspection, administration, and oversight of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total fiscal impact associated with this agreement is $48,444, of which $13,242 is due upon the execution of the AFA with the remaining amount being due within 60 days prior to construction bid advertising. Funding is available in the account 348-3490-800.58-80.
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 for the Transportation Alternatives Program and issue an initial payment in the amount of $13,242 and subsequent payment in the amount of $35,202 prior to bid advertising to the Texas Department of Transportation to accept the grant funds and move forward with the project.