DEPARTMENT: Public Works
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 5
SUBJECT:
Advance Funding Agreement: South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road (2017 Bond Project)
SUMMARY:
An ordinance approving the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), accepting reimbursement in an estimated amount not to exceed $18,876,000.00 from TxDOT for construction-related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $266,729.00 to TxDOT for administrative oversight of federal funds for the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road project, a 2017 Bond and federally funded project, located in Council District 5. Funds are available from the 2017 General Obligation Bond Program and are included in the FY 2020 - FY 2025 Capital Improvement Program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project Background
On May 6, 2017, voters approved the 2017 Bond Program which authorized $10,000,000.00 for the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road Project located in Council District 5. This Project was selected for funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) as a Local Agency Managed (LAM) project by TxDOT and the City of San Antonio. LAM projects are managed by the City, but receive federal funds administered through TxDOT.
The South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road project will provide for the construction of a bridge on Zarzamora Street crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to Frio City Road from U.S. Highway 90 to Jennings Avenue. The City will design and construct the improvements leveraging funding from TxDOT. The funds paid to TxDOT by the City are for costs associated with oversight for administration of the federal funds. Project construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2024 and estimated to be completed by Summer 2026.
ISSUE:
This ordinance approves the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), accepting reimbursement in an estimated amount not to exceed $18,876,000.00 from TxDOT for construction-related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $266,729.00 to TxDOT for administrative oversight of federal funds for the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road project, a 2017 Bond and federally funded project, located in Council District 5.
The project will provide for vehicular and pedestrian connectivity by constructing a bridge on South Zarzamora Street crossing the Union Pacific Railroad to Frio City Road from U.S. Highway 90 to Jennings Avenue. The City will design, advertise and oversee the construction of the improvements leveraging funding from TxDOT. Project construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2024 and estimated to be completed by Summer 2026.
This project was selected for funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). As a requirement of the TIP, the local agency is responsible for 20% of the construction cost with the remaining 80% being provided federally through TxDOT. This Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT will allow construction-related project costs to qualify for federal cost sharing up to the federally approved amount not to exceed $18,876,000.00. The remaining cost of $9,735,291.00 will be the responsibility of the City of San Antonio.
Approval of this ordinance will be a continuation of the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving existing infrastructure in collaboration with other governmental agencies.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this ordinance; however, the City will lose the opportunity to receive reimbursement from TxDOT, delaying the project or requiring a change in scope within budget. The most cost effective option would be to approve the Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes acceptance of funds from TxDOT for reimbursement of construction costs in an amount not to exceed $18,876,000.00 in federal funds allocated to the City from TxDOT and administered by TxDOT as a federal pass through grant associated with the construction of the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road project. Actual costs to be reimbursed by TxDOT will be finalized with the award of a construction contract.
The match for this project is $9,735,291.00 and the City also will pay $266,729.00 for administrative oversight of federal funds associated with the project. This ordinance authorizes a one-time capital improvement expenditure in the amount not to exceed $266,729.00 to TxDOT for the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad/Frio City Road project. Funds are available from the 2017 General Obligation Bond Program and are included in the FY 2020 - FY 2025 Capital Improvement Program.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance approving the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement with the TxDOT, accepting reimbursement in an estimated amount not to exceed $18,876,000.00 from TxDOT for construction-related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $266,729.00 to TxDOT for administrative oversight of federal funds for the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad and Frio City Road project.