DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council Districts 2 & 3
SUBJECT:
School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements
SUMMARY
An Ordinance establishing project funding and oversight agreements for the School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements project to include authorizing the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation, accepting reimbursement in an estimated amount of $1,565,975.00 from TxDOT for construction-related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount of $19,424.00 to TxDOT for state oversight costs for construction, a School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements project, located in Council District 2 and Council District 3.
BACKGROUND
In an effort to increase the safety of pedestrians, near and around schools and transportation sites, the City submitted for funding to the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) for infrastructure improvements. Projects were submitted that supported the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) intention to promote non-motorized transportation as an integral part of the overall transportation system. Projects also were submitted for which the local funding portion of the project costs would leverage existing projects and not require additional allocation of funds in the City’s budget. The School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project was selected by the AAMPO to be funded.
The School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvement Project provides for the construction of sidewalk improvements near Poe Middle School, Connell Middle School, Charles Ball Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School and Herff Elementary School in an effort to improve safety for school children in the area. Project construction is anticipated to begin to May 2016 and completed by December 2016.
ISSUE
This Ordinance establishes project funding and oversight agreements for the School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements project to include authorizing the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation, accepting reimbursement in an estimated amount of $1,565,975.00 from TxDOT for construction-related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount of $19,424.00 to TxDOT for state oversight costs for construction, a School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements project, located in Council District 2 and Council District 3.
Sidewalk improvements will be constructed near Poe Middle School, Connell Middle School, Charles Ball Elementary School, Douglas Elementary School and Herff Elementary School. Project construction is anticipated to begin May 2016 and estimated to be completed in December 2016.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve the Advanced Funding Agreement; however, by not approving this item, the City will lose the opportunity of receiving federal funding from TxDOT for the sidewalk improvements and maximizing the 2015, 2016, 2017 Sidewalk IMP budgets.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This is one-time capital improvement, accepting $1,565,975.00 in federal funds allocated to the City by the Federal Highway Administration through TxDOT as a federal pass through grant associated with the construction of the School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project, and authorizes payment in the amount of $19,424.00 for state oversight fees. Funds are available in the Sidewalks to Schools Project and are included in the FY 2015 - 2020 Capital Improvements Program.
Project costs above the federal participation, estimated to be $1,019,281.00, will be funded over three years by the City’s 2015 Sidewalk Infrastructure Maintenance Program (IMP): 2015 ($549,905.00), 2016 ($375,000.00) & 2017 ($94,376.00). Funds in the amount of $549,905.00 for FY 2015 are available in the Sidewalks to Schools Project and are included in the FY 2015 - 2020 Capital Improvements Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the negotiation and execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the School Pedestrian Infrastructure Improvements Project.