Title
A Resolution Authorizing the City of Colorado Springs to Enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments Regarding Design Planning of the East US Highway 24 and Peterson Road/Boulevard Interchange Improvements
Presenter:
Gayle Sturdivant, P.E., City Engineer/Deputy Public Works Director
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs, Department of Public Works (City) will take on the role as the lead agency for the US Hwy 24 and Peterson Road/Boulevard Interchange Improvements on behalf of the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments (PPACG), El Paso County Department of Public Works, and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). PPACG has obtained a federal grant to assist with the engineering effort and will reimburse the City for costs incurred up to the grant amount. Future grants and other appropriated funds may also be used to advance the project.
Background:
In September 2020, the City began collaborating with PPACG, CDOT, El Paso County and Peterson Space Force Base (PSFB) to improve the interchange configuration outside of PSFB’s north gate at US Hwy 24 and Peterson Road/Boulevard. The interchange also provides access to non-base related commercial/retail businesses and El Paso County residents. Based on these efforts, the recommended improvements should separate the base traffic from non-base traffic at a new roundabout while providing bike, pedestrian, and transit access where none exist today. CDOT previously completed a Planning and Environmental Linkage study which identified the need to improve traffic operations and to close gaps in the multimodal infrastructure. Further collaboration with stakeholders recommended a pair of roundabouts at the ramp terminus with improved bike and pedestrian facilities connecting to the infrastructure to the north (shown in Concept of PSFB Hwy24 Interchange Design).
Funding strategies for the interchange improvements were discussed and included, but not limited to, PPACG taking the lead on obtaining Department of Defense grants and the City spearheading earmark requests for future infrastructure legislation.
In June 2021, PPACG was awarded a federal grant from the Department of Defense, Office of Local Defense Community Corporation (OLDCC) for preliminary engineering and environmental clearance (NEPA) work for the interchange. PPACG does not have the expertise on staff to lead engineering efforts and the associated project administration for this type of grant. Although several jurisdictions intersect in proximity to the interchange, it is anticipated the City will take over ownership, operation and maintenance efforts on the local streets in the area and the City has the necessary expertise; therefore, the City has volunteered to be the lead agency to complete the work associated with the grant, and may obtain additional grants or appropriated funds to further advance the engineering efforts.
The Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between PPACG and the City outline the roles and responsibilities for the interchange design work and associated grant, and the funding and reimbursement arrangement between the parties. The total is $381,000 ($342,900 federal/$38,100 non-federal local match) and the City will be providing in-kind services to offset the local match requirement.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
Deferred recommendation
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
Disapprove the resolution and remove the ability for the City to be reimbursed from the grant for engineering and grant administration support to advance the interchange improvements.
Approve the resolution and permit the City to oversee the engineering and grant administration for the interchange improvements and be eligible for reimbursement from available grant funds.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Recommend approval of the resolution to approve the resolution authorizing the City of Colorado Springs to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments regarding design planning of the East US Highway 24 and Peterson Road/Boulevard Interchange Improvements as presented.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A