Title
Resolution to Accept and Appropriate a $500,000.00 Grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge Replacement Project (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
This resolution accepts a $500,000.00 grant from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) toward replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge. It also and approves a grant agreement and appropriates the grant funds to the project.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan provides grants ranging from $100,000.00 to $500,000.00 to support the repair, renovation, and maintenance of regional trail infrastructure and capital assets.
The South Barton Pedestrian Bridge is a 304-foot-long bridge spanning the Huron River within Barton Nature Area that is in need of replacement. The bridge serves as a key connection along the Border to Border and Iron Belle Trails and is located near the recently completed Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel. The CFSEM grant was awarded specifically to support replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge as a critical trail connection.
Given the significant cost associated with replacing this essential piece of trail infrastructure, staff pursued outside grant funding to reduce the amount of City funding required for the project. Total project costs, including design and engineering, are currently estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00. Given the scale of this capital investment within the City’s park system, outside funding partnerships are important to advancing the project.
The CFSEM grant will provide $500,000.00, or approximately 10% of the estimated total project cost. Staff have also submitted grant applications to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Washtenaw County Connecting Communities program to further support the project.
The CFSEM grant period extends through June 30, 2028.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for the project includes the $500,000.00 CFSEM grant, with remaining project costs anticipated to be funded through a future Park Capital Improvement Bond.
Additional grant funding, if awarded, would further reduce the amount of City funding required for the project.
Staff
Prepared by: Hillary Hanzel, Landscape Architect Capital Project Manager
Reviewed by: Josh Landefeld, Parks & Recreation Services Manager
Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan administers the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund to support the repair, renovation, and maintenance of regional trail infrastructure and capital assets;
Whereas, The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has awarded a grant of $500,000.00 to the City of Ann Arbor to support the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge over the Huron River on the Border to Border and Iron Belle Trails;
Whereas, The South Barton Pedestrian Bridge is a key connection within the City’s non-motorized trail network and provides pedestrian and bicycle access across the Huron River within Barton Nature Area;
Whereas, The total project cost, including design and engineering, is currently estimated at approximately $5,000,000.00;
Whereas, The $500,000.00 grant will provide approximately 10% of the estimated total project cost; and
Whereas, Remaining project costs anticipated to be funded through a future Park Capital Improvement Bond;
RESOLVED, That City Council accepts $500,000.00 in grant funding from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan for the replacement of the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge;
RESOLVED, That City Council appropriates the $500,000.00 in grant funding to the South Barton Pedestrian Bridge replacement project budget;
RESOLVED, That all amounts herein are without regard to fiscal year;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the attached grant agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to the sign the grant agreement after approval by the City Administrator and City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution and the grant agreement, including execution of sub agreements, change orders, or related documents, and to make all determinations and exercise all authority delegated to the City under the grant agreement.