Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Washtenaw County Connecting Communities Grant for the Replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) for the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge in Barton Nature Area.
The Connecting Communities grant program provides up to $600,000.00 a year to communities in Washtenaw County for the development of non-motorized trails. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria such as sustainable design features, providing critical access, planned network connectivity, financial need of applicant, and past grant assistance. The grant requires a commitment to maintain the proposed facilities to be safe and open for use by the general public for a minimum of twenty years, if constructed.
The South Barton Bridge is a 304-foot-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area. The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. With the tunnel now open and providing enhanced access to Barton Nature Area, trail use across the bridge has increased significantly.
Constructed in 1991, the bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life. In addition to structural concerns, the existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) recommends a 14-foot clear width for shared-use bicycle facilities. Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience.
City staff retained OHM Advisors to conduct a bridge alternatives analysis and develop a preferred concept design and cost estimate. The recommended replacement is a steel beam bridge with a concrete deck. Total project costs, including design and engineering, are estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00.
Given the scale of this capital investment within the City’s park system, outside funding partnerships are essential to advancing the project. A Connecting Communities grant could provide up to $250,000.00 toward total project costs. Staff will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities and funding partners to support full project implementation.
A public meeting was held on February 12 to present the proposed improvements, and attendees expressed support for the project.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The funding for this project is anticipated to be provided by a future bond for several Parks and Recreation projects. The Parks Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage will be the funding source for the bond payments. Parks and Recreation will also explore local funding partners for monetary support for this project.
Staff
Prepared by: Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect Capital Project Manager
Reviewed by: Josh Landefeld, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Connecting Communities grant program provides up to $600,000.00 for the development of non-motorized trails;
Whereas, The bridge serves as a key connection along both the Border to Border Trail and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel;
Whereas, The bridge has experienced deterioration of its steel support structure and has reached the end of its useful life;
Whereas, The existing 8-foot clear width does not meet current bicycle and pedestrian design standards;
Whereas, Replacement of the bridge provides an opportunity to bring the structure up to current standards and improve the overall trail and park user experience;
Whereas, City staff retained OHM Advisors to conduct a bridge alternatives analysis and develop a preferred concept design and cost estimate;
Whereas, Total project costs, including design and engineering, are estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00;
Whereas, Given the scale of this capital investment within the City’s park system, outside funding partnerships are essential to advancing the project;
Whereas, An WCPARC Connecting Communities grant could provide up to $250,000.00 toward total project costs;
Whereas, The grant requires a commitment to maintain the proposed facilities to be safe and open for use by the general public for a minimum of twenty years, if constructed; and
Whereas, A public meeting was held on February 12 to present the proposed improvements, and attendees expressed support for the project;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to apply to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Connecting Communities Grant for replacing the South Barton Bridge at Barton Nature Area and authorizes the City Administrator to execute all documents required for or incidental to the application process.