DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Off-System Bridge Program
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the execution of two Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements (LPAFA) with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the completion of two bridge projects by TxDOT, funded through the federal Off-System Bridge Program. These agreements authorize TxDOT to enter and perform the construction, maintenance or other activities necessary to replace or rehabilitate two bridges: North Walters Road at the Union Pacific Railroad Crossing Bridge structure and the Old Seguin Road at Salado Creek Bridge structure.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Off-System Bridge Program is a federally-funded program administered by TxDOT that is designed to fund the replacement or rehabilitation of structurally deficient and functionally obsolete (collectively referred to as deficient) bridges located on public roads and streets off the designated state highway system.
This ordinance expresses City Council's support for the completion of two bridge projects by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), funded through the federal Off-System Bridge Program. This action authorizes approval of two Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements through which the City agrees to perform, or cause to be performed, an equivalent dollar amount of structural improvement work on other deficient bridge(s) or deficient mainlane cross-drainage structure(s) within the City's jurisdiction.
ISSUE:
The Texas Transportation Commission has identified several bridge structures throughout the state that currently are considered to be deficient and in need of remedying. Of the bridges located in San Antonio, two bridge structures have been identified for funding under this program: North Walters at the Union Pacific Railroad Crossing (Structure No. 15-015-0-B360-85-001) and Old Seguin Road at Salado Creek (Structure No. 15-015-0-B255-85-002).
Projects to remedy these two bridges are included in the approved TxDOT program of projects by Texas Transportation Commission Minute Order Number 113675, dated August 29, 2013, and TxDOT is requesting the City of San Antonio's support for the completion of these two bridge projects and for the City to agree to perform, or cause to be performed, an equivalent dollar amount of structural improvement work on another deficient bridge(s) or deficient mainlane cross-drainage structure(s) within the City's jurisdiction in return for waiver of fund participation.
The usual fund participation ratio for projects under this program is 80 % federal, 10 % state and 10 % local government, however the Texas Administrative Code, Title 43, Section 15.55 (d) (43 TAC Section 15.55(d)) provides, under specified conditions, the 10 % local government match fund participation requirement may be waived with agreement by the local government to perform, or cause to be performed, an equivalent dollar amount of structural improvement work on other deficient bridges or deficient mainlane cross-drainage structures within its jurisdiction. A project of structural improvement work is referred to as an "equivalent-match project." The City currently has a project scheduled to construct a new bridge on East Commerce at Salado Creek that qualifies as an "equivalent-match project." The East Commerce bridge, the City will reconstruct, has an estimated construction cost of $3,431,915.07, which exceeds the $964,021.83 cost of the City's match to rehabilitate the North Walters Street and Old Seguin Road bridges. This project qualifies as the City's "equivalent match."
These Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements express support for TxDOT's completion of the two bridge projects funded through the federal Off-System Bridge Program.
Approval of these Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements is consistent with Council policy to leverage federal funds for the improvement of the City's infrastructure.
ALTERNATIVES:
In review of potential alternatives, TCI Staff has determined that supporting these Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements is a feasible means of improving City infrastructure and is in the best interest of the City. As an alternative, City could choose not to execute these agreements; however, City would not be able to participate in the Off-System Bridge Program and the bridge construction for these bridges would not be completed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with these Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of these Local Transportation Project Advance Funding Agreements.