Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 16-20, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the Canyon Rim Trail Underpass Project.
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 16-20, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the Canyon Rim Trail Underpass Project.
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 16-20.
Body
NMDOT announced a call for projects under the TAP program and established an application deadline of November 28, 2016. Applicatons under this program require a resolution of sponsorship as part of the application process. Acquisition of right of way or easements are not eligible activities under this program. However, design development and construction activities are eligible within this two year funding cycle with design funding available for federal FY18, and construction funding for federal FY19.
The Canyon Rim Trail Underpass Project contemplates a grade separated structure beginning near the western terminus of Entrada Drive and extending beneath NM 502 to the beginning of the Canyon Rim Trail near the existing trailhead. This is only segment of the Canyon Rim Trail capable of being constructed within existing public rights of way which is not yet completed.
The Canyon Rim Trail has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. With the construction of the segment between Fire Station 6 and Smith’s Marketplace nearing completion, completion of the Knecht Street connection, and pending installation of additional crossing improvements proposed with NMDOT’s NM502 Reconstruction Project in 2017, pedestrian and bicycle use is expected to increase. Development of the Entrada Drive and Camino Entrada area - including the Coop Market, Hotel, and Consortium offices - and nearby Los Alamos Mesa and Pueblo Canyon recreation trails to East Park have attracted increased trail use. The proposed underpass would provide a connection to the Canyon Rim Trail which is free of vehicular conflicts. Completion of this project would also help bolster the County’s resumé to become a nationally recognized bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Given the operating traffic speeds in this area are 50 MPH and greater, an at-grade crossing is not a viable or safe alternative. After a pre-application project feasibility review with NMDOT and the Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the project was determined to be viable and eligible to proceed to the final application process and grant request under the TAP Program.
The County anticipates a project award of FFY18 TAP funding for project study and design in the amount of $320,000 and FFY19 TAP funding for project construction in the amount of $2,020,000 for a total award of $2,340,000. If funding is awarded, it would be comprised of $1,999,296 (85.44%) in federal funds and a County match of $340,704 (14.56%). During a CIP budget meeting on March 1, 2016, County Council appropriated $1 Million for easement acquisition to extend the Canyon Rim Trail west of Smith’s. At this meeting, Council asked staff to pursue all trail grant opportunities to leverage the $1 million set aside to continue the Canyon Rim Trail. Staff proposes the minimum match amount of 14.56% come from these funds. If the County’s application is successful and upon providing the local match as indicated, estimates indicate that the remaining funds available remain sufficient to continue with Council’s original intent of easement acquisition and conceptual layout of the Canyon Rim Trail west of Smith’s to 20th Street.
Staff has advertised an on call engineering RFP and is scheduled to request Council approval of that contract award in November 2016, which can be used to further Council’s direction regarding the trail.
Prior to formal grant award, the County must provide a resolution affirming its commitment to fund, build, and maintain the project. Resolution No. 16-20 has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Resolution has been advertised as required. A copy of Resolution No. 16-20 and the Notice of Legal Publication and is attached for reference (Attachments A and B).
Alternatives
Failure to approve the resolution will result in the County being ineligible to apply or receive TAP funds for FFY2018/2019.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
On March 1, 2016, Council appropriated $1 Million for the Canyon Rim Trail. The proposed funding application in the amount of $2,340,000 is comprised of a federal contribution of $1,999,296 and would require a County match of $340,704.
Should the County receive the grant award, staff will return to Council with a Budget Revision to establish the formal project budget.
Attachments
A - Resolution No. 16-20
B - Notice of Legal Publication
C - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix Form