Title
Resolution to Approve the Appropriation of $137,591 from the Information Technology Fund as Matching Funds for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grant Award for the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Broadband Conduit Project ($137,591) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
City Council approved support for a grant application (File#20-0796) with the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for an Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Broadband Conduit project between the City of Ann Arbor and City of Ypsilanti. The City of Ann Arbor, the City of Ypsilanti, and SPARK was awarded a $2,400,000.00 investment from the EDA for this project. As a requirement for the EDA investment, $600,000.00 in matching funds are required and will be provided as follows: SPARK - $200,000.00, LDFA - $150,000.00, Washtenaw County - $112,409.00, and the City of Ann Arbor - $137,591.00.
This project will establish a backbone fiber and conduit route via the Washtenaw Avenue corridor connecting Ann Arbor’s Tech Park, downtown Ypsilanti, and the American Center for Mobility. The backbone would benefit businesses along the route and establish an infrastructure to connect and support the SmartZone as an innovation district.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: It is being requested that an $137,591 be appropriated from the Information Technology Fund fund balance to cover the City’s matching share of this grant. The funding is available within fund balance from remaining FY 21 I-Net budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Tom Shewchuk, Information Technology Service Unit Director
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Financial Services Area Administrator and CFO
Betsy Blake, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: John Fournier, Assistant Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for economic growth and success in the worldwide economy;
Whereas, The EDA solicits applications from applicants in order to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works program and EAA program;
Whereas, An integral part of this goal is to connect the City of Ann Arbor and City of Ypsilanti Smart Zones, and provide the ability to connect the American Center for Mobility;
Whereas, Matching funds in the amount of $600,000.00 are required to meet the requirement of the EDA investment award;
Whereas, SPARK, LDFA, Washtenaw County, and the City of Ann Arbor will provide $600,000 in matching funds that are a cash match, readily available, and unencumbered; and
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are recipients and SPARK will be the lead recipient;
RESOLVED, That $137,591 be appropriated from the Information Technology Fund fund balance to the FY22 Information Technology Fund I-Net activity budget for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award for the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti Broadband Conduit Project;
RESOLVED, That the amounts authorized herein may be used without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is the authorized representative on behalf of the EDA Grant, and is authorized to sign any and all documentation related to the application for the grant; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution including the execution of any documents or amendments that do not exceed the amounts authorized herein.