TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) application to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to construct a hike and bike trail.
SUMMARY
AGENDA ITEM
CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT A TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) APPLICATION TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT) TO CONSTRUCT A HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
Public Works - Transportation Division
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On January 16, 2015, the Texas Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, issued a call for project nominations for the statewide Transportation Alternative Program (TAP). Under the program, 80% of eligible projects costs can be reimbursed with the nominating entity providing at least 20% of the projects' allowable costs. Cost-reimbursement programs require sponsors to pay for project costs up front with the funding agency providing reimbursement for costs throughout various stages of the project. Projects are funded through a statewide competitive process with funds limited to those authorized in the TAP.
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. City Council supports the submission of an application for the TxDOT 2015 TAP Call for Projects.
Subsequent to the Council workshop, TxDOT provided further guidance to nominating entities that indicated that, in order for projects to be eligible, they had to be constructed within the boundaries shown on Exhibit A - MPO Boundary Map. Therefore, staff is proposing a re-scope of the project to extend the proposed hike and bike trail south to US Government property in Bell County. The proposed Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail calls for nine miles of multi-use trail connecting the following: Central Texas Expressway/US 190 in Killeen, TX; Purser Family Park in Harker Heights, TX; Heritage Oaks Park in Killeen, TX; a Killeen Independent School District (KISD) Elementary School; and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
Due to the length of the regional trail, the overall nine-mile multi-use trail is planned to be constructed in five segments and are described as follows: Segment 1 - US 190 to Stagecoach Road which is constructed as part of the US 190/FM 2410/Rosewood Drive Pass Through Funding (PTF) project; Segment 2 - Rosewood Drive from Stagecoach Road to Chaparral Road is to be constructed as part of the Rosewood Drive Extension project; Segment 3 - Intersection of Rosewood Drive and Chaparral Road to the eastern boundary of the WBW Land Investments property is to be constructed as part of the Chaparral Road Widening project; Segment 4 - KISD Elementary School south to the US Government property in Bell County; and Segment 5 - US Government property in Bell County to Stillhouse Hollow Lake.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
With this grant application, the City of Killeen is proposing a three-mile (Segment 4) multi-use trail connecting the future residential KISD Elementary School location south to the US Government property in Bell County. The construction of the proposed trail will dictate a total width of 16 to 18 feet 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 proposed project will 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. This project will also feature the inclusion of a future transit fixed route by the Hill County Transit District (HCTD).
FISCAL IMPACT
In order to meet the spirit of TxDOT goals, priority consideration is given to those projects that request federal funds for construction associated costs only. The project budget estimates the total project construction costs of $3,500,000. The City would provide approximately $1,000,000 (29% of construction-related costs) and will be reimbursed $2,500,000 (71% of construction project costs) as the project progresses.
|
Project Components |
Funded By |
COK Participation |
TAP Participation |
Cost |
|
Engineering Fees |
100% COK |
$300,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
Construction Costs |
29%COK/71%TAP |
$1,000,000 |
$2,500,000 |
$3,500,000 |
|
Total Costs: |
|
$1,300,000 |
$2,500,000 |
$3,800,000 |
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program application to the Texas Department of Transportation for the Heritage Oaks Hike and Bike Trail.
"The City of Killeen supports funding this project as shown in the nomination budget (including the 29% local match for construction costs) and commits to the project's development, implementation, construction, maintenance, management, and financing. The City of Killeen is willing and able to enter into an agreement with TxDOT by resolution or ordinance should the project receive funding."