Title
A Resolution approving the Second Amended and Restated Intergovernmental Agreement Among El Paso County, Colorado, the City of Colorado Springs, the City of Manitou Springs, the Town of Green Mountain Falls, and the Town of Ramah Regarding the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority
Presenter:
Councilmember Merv Bennett
Body
Summary:
This amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) provides for $5,000,000 in Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA) funds in each of two (2) years, for a total of $10,000,000, to be dedicated to the “CDOT I-25 Roadway Improvements - Local Contribution: State Highway 105 North to County Line Road” regional collaborative project, which involves the widening of I-25 between Monument and the El Paso County line. All other funds for the widening project will come from other revenue sources, including but not limited to El Paso County transportation funds and funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Previous Council Action:
City Council approved the Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) and the First Amendment to the IGA between the participating PPRTA entities.
Background:
The PPRTA was established by voters in 2004, and in 2012, City Council supported and the voters of the region approved a ten (10) year extension on the collection of a one-percent sales tax to be used on a voter-approved list of capital projects, maintenance programs and City-sponsored transit activities from 2015 to 2024. In August 2004, City Council entered into the “Intergovernmental Agreement Among El Paso County, Colorado, The City of Colorado Springs, The City of Manitou Springs, and The Town of Green Mountain Falls Regarding the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority” (“IGA”), thus setting forth the City’s inclusion in the PPRTA. The IGA was first amended to include the Town of Ramah in 2009.
Earlier this year, the PPRTA’s Board of Directors voted to refer a ballot question to the November 2017 coordinated election that, if approved, would amend the project list for PPRTA capital projects to include funding for a regional collaborative project to widen I-25 within unincorporated El Paso County north of Monument to the El Paso County line. Pursuant to the IGA, any amendment to the IGA requires the unanimous consent of all of the participating entities by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of each governing body.
This second amendment to the IGA provides for, pending additional funding through other non-PPRTA sources, $5,000,000 in PPRTA funds in each of two (2) years, for a total of $10,000,000, for the widening project. All other funds for the widening project will come from other revenue sources, including but not limited to El Paso County transportation funds and funding through the Colorado Department of Transportation.
This second amendment to the IGA adds language regarding the widening project and only becomes effective if the voters of the region approve the ballot measure at the November 7, 2017 coordinated election.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to investing in infrastructure and building community and collaborative relationships by improving the traffic capacity of the I-25 corridor through the Front Range in collaboration with the City’s PPRTA partners.
Financial Implications:
The additional $10 million in PPRTA funds for the widening project will be pulled from excess revenues into the PPRTA fund and will not impact the City’s funding allocation for its project list under the IGA.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The PPRTA Board recommends approval of the proposed motion.
Stakeholder Process:
The PPRTA Board undertook an extensive public process prior to referring the question to the coordinated election.
Alternatives:
If City Council does not approve the resolution by at least a 2/3 majority of its members, the second amended and restated IGA will not be adopted and the funding for the regional collaborative project will not be allocated by the PPRTA. If City Council amends the proposed second amended and restated IGA, the other member governments will need to approve the document
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve the resolution as presented.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A