Title
Resolution to Submit Funding Applications under the Local Bridge Program to Replace the E. Stadium Bridges
Memorandum
The attached resolution is a support document for the FY 2013 Local Bridge Program funding applications being prepared for submission to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). We have prepared the funding application packets for the replacement of the East Stadium Boulevard Bridges over the Ann Arbor Railroad and over S. State Street. This is our third attempt to secure MDOT Local Bridge funds for the replacement of the E. Stadium Bridges.
In August 2009 we presented the City Council with the anticipated E. Stadium Bridges Replacement project schedule and the possible scenarios for funding the construction of the project. Currently we are preparing the construction contract and plans and we are on schedule to begin the construction in late 2010 or early 2011. The total project cost estimate is unchanged at $23,000,000.00 to date and to secure Federal funds for the construction phase of the project, we have made several efforts and have had some successes. The following is a summary of that work to date:
A) In June 2009 we applied for the FY 2012 MDOT Local Bridge Program. In November 2009, the MDOT Local Bridge Advisory Board (MDOT-LBAB) decided to distribute its $5.7M 2012 budget for large bridges among three other bridge projects in the State. In our follow up correspondence, the MDOT explained that they were unable to assist us with our request for funding because "
no additional funds other than from the city had been secured for the project as had been requested in the November 2006 LBAB meeting
" and that "
They believe they have been consistent in their handling of Ann Arbor projects and still want to see additional funds secured before LBP funds will be allocated to them. Once other funds have been secured, the LBAB encourages you to resubmit applications during a subsequent call." A copy of the MDOT letter is attached.
B) In September 2009 we applied for the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Grants for Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)." In February 2010 the US-DOT announced the final recipients of the TIGER grant, which did not include the City of Ann Arbor. It is our understanding that 97% of the applicants for the TIGER grant were not selected due to the lack of funding.
C) In January 2010, the "Washtenaw Area Transportation Study (WATS)-Technical Committee" approved its five-year financial plan for the Federal Unban Surface Transportation Program (STPU). The updated WATS financial plan included an estimated total of $8,000,000.00 for the E. Stadium Bridges, in four years beginning FY 2011. The WATS approved financial plan is now scheduled for review and for approval of the South East Michigan Council of Government (SEMCOG). While these are not new dollars to our local transportation system, this approach secures full utilization of formula funds typically applied for annually for major street reconstruction.
D) Currently we are working with the MDOT staff to apply for the Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant, for the improvements to the non-motorized facilities included in the E. Stadium Bridges reconstruction project scope. If we are approved we may receive up to $1,500,000.00 from this funding source.
E) We are now beginning the effort to apply for the MDOT FY 2013 Local Bridge Program. Applications are due on June 1, 2010, with a LBAB decision due in November 2010.
The Local Bridge Program is funded with State funds. In theory the program pays 95% of a project's eligible construction costs. The local authority is required to fund the remaining 5% of the construction cost as well as 100% of the design, construction engineering, and testing costs. For FY 2013, it is our understanding that the program may have as much as $6,000,000.00 for all the qualified applications for the large bridges. With the attached resolution we plan to apply for the FY 2013 MDOT Local Bridge program in an amount of $3,000,000.00. The attached resolution authorizes the staff to submit applications for Local Bridge Program funding with the intent to commit the necessary funds for design, construction engineering, testing, and the match for construction cost.
Earlier we had estimated that project construction would begin in November 2010 to comply with the requirements of the TIGER grant (see B above). However in absence of the TIGER funds and to take advantage of the new FY 2013 Local Bridge Program dollars, we may have to postpone the reconstruction of the E. Stadium Bridges to a date after May 2011. This will also allow the contractors to begin the construction in less severe weather conditions.
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, As a part of the Michigan Department of Transportation's Local Bridge Program, State funds will be available to replace bridges approved by the Local Bridge Program's Advisory Committee;
Whereas, The City owns two bridges that may qualify for State funding. They are the E. Stadium Boulevard Bridge over S. State Street and the E. Stadium Boulevard Bridge over the Ann Arbor Railroad;
Whereas, Funding under the Local Bridge Program may provide for up to 95% of the relevant construction costs for the bridges; and
Whereas, It will be the City's responsibility to pay for all design, construction engineering, testing, right-of-way costs, and the match for construction cost.
RESOLVED, That the City Council authorize the City Administrator to submit the applications for State funds available through the Michigan Department of Transportation's Local Bridge Program for the replacement of the E. Stadium Bridges and that if these structures are chosen for funding, that the necessary funds be committed for the City's share of the design, construction engineering, testing, and the match for construction costs for these structures; and
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution shall be included with the Local Bridge Program funding applications and be forwarded to the appropriate Michigan Department of Transportation personnel for their review and consideration.