Title:
A Resolution Approving the “Third 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:
David Geislinger, Councilmember, City Council
Marc Smith, Corporate Division Chief, Office of the City Attorney
Body
Summary:
This IGA amendment generally allows for the disbursement of PPRTA funds as set forth by specific language in ballot measures sent to the PPRTA voters. This IGA amendment would allow for the distribution of $10,000,000 total over a period longer than two (2) consecutive years for the I-25 widening project between Monument and the unincorporated El Paso County line.
Previous Council Action:
City Council approved the Intergovernmental Agreement (“IGA”) and the First and Second Amendments to the IGA between the participating PPRTA entities.
Background:
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, administered by the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (“PPRTA”). The City Council approved the “First 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” (“IGA”), thus setting forth the City’s inclusion in the PPRTA.
The PPRTA Board referred to the voters of the region a ballot question to the November 2017 coordinated election to amend the project list for PPRTA capital projects to include the widening of I-25 within unincorporated El Paso County north of Monument to the El Paso County line.
The PPRTA voters passed the ballot measure and the participating entities approved the second amendment to the IGA which set forth, pending additional funding through other non-PPRTA sources, the provision of up to $5,000,000 per year in PPRTA funds for two (2) consecutive years, for a total of up to $10,000,000, for the widening project.
The ballot language did not include a limitation regarding the length of time for the disbursement of the $10,000,000 in PPRTA funding for the project. The requirement for the funds to be spent in two (2) consecutive years was adopted through the Second Amendment to the IGA.
There has been less than $5 million in excess PPRTA revenue in the first year and, as a result, the project will not be funded to $10 million if the proposed amendment to the IGA is not approved.
The PPRTA Board wishes to amend the IGA with this Third Amendment to allow for the disbursement of PPRTA funds as set forth by specific language in ballot measures sent to the PPRTA voters. This Third Amendment will allow for the distribution of the entire $10,000,000 dedicated for the I-25 widening project over a longer time period than that set forth in the Second Amendment, thus ensuring full distribution of PPRTA funds for the project.
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 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 adoption of this IGA amendment will allow for the disbursement of the entire $10 million in excess PPRTA revenues for the widening project 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 ballot question regarding I-25 widening to the coordinated election.
Alternatives:
The Council could choose not to adopt the resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve the resolution authorizing the Council President to execute the “Third Amended and Restated Establishing 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.”
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A