Title
Resolution to Accept Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Funds and Approve an Agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements Project ($200,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and consideration is a resolution authorizing acceptance of Shared Streets and Spaces Grant (SSSG) funds from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and approving a contract with MDOT for the grant funds related to the City’s Fourth Avenue Streets and Transit Improvements project.
The City’s Fourth Avenue Streets and Transit Improvement (FAST) project aims to enhance usability and accessibility on Fourth Avenue between William and Liberty Streets. It will create a link to Liberty Street businesses and the Blake Transit Center while supporting affordable housing developments in the corridor. The FAST project is included in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, and the Downtown Development Authority, Ann Arbor Housing Commission, and Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority are project collaborators and will be contributing financially toward the project.
On June 3, 2024 City Council approved R-24-216 authorizing an application to the SSSG program for the FAST Project. In October 2024, MDOT awarded $200,000.00 of SSSG for use in the City’s FAST Project.
It is now time to accept the grant and enter into an agreement with MDOT for the SSSG grant funds.
Design and engineering for the FAST project are ongoing, with construction anticipated in 2026 as a DDA-led project.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The total FAST Project is anticipated to cost more than $8 Million. The SSSG grant in the amount of $200,000.00 will be used to pay for portions of the work in the FAST project. The City and its collaborators will contribute the remaining project cost and, as needed, enter into cost sharing agreements.
Staff
Prepared by: Maura Thomson, Executive Director Ann Arbor DDA
Reviewed by: Marti Praschan, Chief Financial Officer
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Transportation has awarded the City a $200,000.00 Shared Streets and Spaces Grant for the Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvements project;
RESOLVED, That City Council accepts a Shared Streets and Spaces Grant of $200,000.00 from the Michigan Department of Transportation for improvements along Fourth Avenue between Liberty Street and William Street included in the Fourth Avenue Street and Transit Improvement project;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the Agreement, Contract Number 25-5192, between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Ann Arbor, which sets out the parties’ rights and obligations as to the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant funds;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute Michigan Department of Transportation Contract No. 25-5192 following approval as to substance by the City Administrator, and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution, including authority to execute any additional administrative documents on behalf of the City, to effectuate the terms of the Agreement.