Title
A Resolution Supporting the Acceptance of a Grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Sand Creek Trail from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue Project
Body
From:
Karen Palus, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Chris Lieber, Parks Development Manager
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has received a Transportation Enhancement grant in the amount of $800,000 for the construction of the Tier 1 Sand Creek Trail from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue. This new 1.2 mile long trail will allow trail users to travel safely under Powers Boulevard from the neighborhood west of the Palmer Park Road and Powers Boulevard intersection to facilities and services located on the east side of Powers Boulevard. The Sand Creek Trail will allow users to access multiple amenities including schools, parks, major shopping centers, movie theaters, popular restaurants, along with fast food restaurants, medical services and general businesses. This project will also create a connection to the existing Rock Island Trail which will allow trail users access to downtown and the larger Colorado Springs bicycle trail network.
The total cost of this project is anticipated to be approximately $1.8 million dollars. $800,000 will be provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation through the Transportation Enhancement Grant. The remaining $1,050,000 will be funded by TOPS Trail Funds previously appropriated in budget years 2013 and 2014. These TOPS Funds will serve additionally as a grant match to meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Transportation grant agreement.
In order to receive the $800,000 in Transportation Enhancement grant funds, City Council is required to pass a Resolution of Grant Acceptance that approves the acceptance of the grant and states that the Mayor of Colorado Springs will sign a Grant Agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation for the Sand Creek Trail project. On April 9th, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously recommending that City Council pass a Resolution of Grant Acceptance for this project.
Previous Council Action:
City Council appropriated $1,050,000 in TOPS Funds in 2013 and 2014 for this project.
Background:
The Sand Creek Trail is one of the major multi-use trail corridors in Colorado Springs. The 2014 Park System Master Plan, as well as multiple prior planning documents, identified improvement of the Sand Creek Trail as a high-priority for improving the overall connectivity, function and recreation opportunities provided by the Colorado Spring urban trail network. Construction of the Sand Creek Trail from Constitution Avenue to Palmer Park Boulevard will allow safe trail passage under Powers Boulevard and will extend the Sand Creek Trail northeast 1.2 miles, increasing trail access for many thousands of citizens.
In 2012 the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department submitted a grant application for the 2013-2018 Transportation Enhancement grant round for this project. The $800,000 application was successful and pending passage of a Resolution of Acceptance by the Parks Advisory Board and City Council, construction of the Sand Creek Trail from Constitution to Palmer Park project will proceed in 2015. The funds provided by this grant will leverage already allocated TOPS funds to create a trail project that is larger in scope and more beneficial in outcome than would be possible with the support of Transportation Enhancement funds.
Transportation Enhancement grants are Federal funds made available to the Colorado Department of Transportation to support projects including the construction of Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities. The City as well as the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department have been the recipient of multiple Transportation Enhancement grants in the past. In order to receive Transportation Enhancement funds, City Council must pass a Resolution of Acceptance and the City must enter into a grant agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Financial Implications:
The Sand Creek Trail-Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue project is estimated to cost $1,800,000. $1,050,000 in TOPS funds have been appropriated in 2013 and 2014 and are currently available for expenditure. By passing a Resolution of Acceptance, the City will receive an additional $800,000 in Transportation Enhancement Grant funds to complete the Sand Creek Trail from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue. Acceptance of this grant does not require further appropriation of funds.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
On April 9th, the Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted unanimously recommending that City Council pass a Resolution of Grant Acceptance for the Sand Creek Trail from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue project.
Stakeholder Process:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies the Sand Creek Trail as a high-priority trail corridor for both active transportation commuters and recreational trail users. The plan encourages continued development of the Sand Creek Trail in order to serve citizens across Colorado Springs. The Park System Master was developed with public input gathered through an extensive public outreach process. The plan was adopted by City Council in 2014.
Alternatives:
City Council may choose not to pass a Resolution of Acceptance for the Transportation Enhancement grant funds for the Sand Creek Trail from Palmer Park Boulevard to Constitution Avenue. Doing so would forfeit $800,000 in Transportation Enhancement grant funds that would otherwise supplement $1,050,000 in already appropriated TOPS funds dedicated to this project.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Pass a Resolution of Acceptance to receive $800,000 in Transportation Enhancement grant funds for the Sand Creek Trail Project.
Ordinance Language
N/A