Title
Resolution to Approve the Safe Routes to School Application for Thurston Elementary
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is a resolution for the support of a grant application and commitment of resources for Thurston Elementary School's Safe Routes to School initiative. City staff has worked with the Thurston safe routes team, including school parents, Community Health Personnel and AAPS staff since 2008 on developing the project. At this time a grant application is prepared and as a part of that MDOT requires a formal commitment from the local agency to go forward.
The proposed project, depending on the scope of approval by the MDOT, includes signing and pavement marking upgrades, installation of two (2) pedestrian crossing islands on Green Road, conversion of Green Road to a three lane section with bike lanes via pavement marking, and flasher / sign combinations. This scope was developed by the project team and is supported by the local community. The Arbor Hills will maintain the island crossing near their frontage. The total request with this application is for $157,555.00, with an average award of $250,000.00 it is likely to be fully funded.
The Safe Routes to School grants are unique in that 100% of the construction costs are included, no local match is required, and improvements may include sidewalk construction. Design and construction inspection however are not covered by grant funding. This work will be provided by the Project Management Services Unit and will be funded by the Alternative Transportation Fund. The following estimates are prepared for a full $157,550.00 award for the construction contract.
Revenue
Federal Surface Transportation Funds (SR2S) - $157,555.00
Alternative Transportation Fund - $30,000.00
TOTAL - $187,555.00
Expense
Contract Construction - $157,555.00
Design & Construction Inspection - $25,000.00
Contingencies - $5,000.00
TOTAL - $187,555.00
Staff
Prepared by: Homayoon Pirooz, P.E., Project Management Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Safe Routes to School program, a federally funded program enacted with the passage of the federal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU), is administered in Michigan by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT);
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor, in partnership with Ann Arbor Public Schools, is applying for funds through MDOT from the Safe Routes to School program to construct certain infrastructure projects throughout the City, including street lighting and sidewalks, to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bike to school;
Whereas, MDOT requires a formal commitment from an ACT 51 public agency that will be receiving these funds and will be implementing and maintaining these infrastructure projects; and
Whereas, The funding for the City's commitment to this project ($30,000.00) is available in the approved Alternative Transportation Fund capital budget;
RESOLVED, That the City authorizes Patrick Cawley, Sr. Project Manager, to act as agent on behalf of the City to request Safe Routes to School funding and to act as the applicant's agent during the project development;
RESOLVED, That the City commits funds from the approved Alternative Transportation Fund capital budget that are necessary to carry out the project, including design engineering and construction oversight, permit fees and administration costs up to $30,000.00 for a project with an estimated construction cost of $157,555.00 funded by Safe Routes to School;
RESOLVED, That the City commits to owning, operating and implementing a maintenance program at its own expense over the design life of all non-sidewalk facilities constructed with Safe Routes to School funding; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.