Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-23, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the Urban Trail Phase I Project.
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-23, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the Urban Trail Phase I Project.
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-23.
Body
NMDOT announced a call for projects under the TAP program and established an application deadline of November 30, 2018 and requires 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 and construction activities are eligible within this two-year funding cycle with design funding available for federal FY20, and construction funding for federal FY21.
In FY 2018, County CIP funds in the amount of $70,000 were budgeted for the Urban Multiuse Trail Project as a possible grant match to leverage federal grant opportunities. As part of the County’s 2019-2020 Biennial Budget, an additional $500,000 is proposed in both FY 2021 and FY 2022 of the CIP budget that establishes two project phases to further fund development of the project and leverage grant opportunities.
The entire Urban Trail alignment is part of the “High Priority Corridor” shown in the Bicycle Transportation Plan adopted by Council on June 27, 2017 (Attachment A). The Urban Trail Phase I Project proposes a multiuse path that begins north of Trinity Drive at 20th Street and continues north to Spruce Street. This starting point provides a connection to the Canyon Rim Trail system, a portion of which was constructed in 2017 with the 20th Street Extension Project south of Trinity Dr., with the last remaining segment currently under design. A future traffic signal at the Trinity Dr./20th Street intersection contemplated with the development of 20th Street properties will facilitate trail crossing at Trinity Drive. Phase I will follow 20th Street along the west side, crossing Central Ave. and along existing pathways through the east side Fuller Lodge lawn and 19th Street, then meandering along neighborhood streets to Spruce Street. A future Phase II segment will continue north through a forested undeveloped landscape surrounding the Canyon Road tennis courts and eventually linking the Nature Center and Aquatic Center along the north side of Canyon Road. A separate funding application and resolution for Phase II through another federal program is scheduled for Council consideration in late October. The Urban Trail corridor is being developed entirely within existing public rights of way. See Project Map, Attachment B.
The project is being designed in-house by Engineering staff. Professional services are anticipated to conduct environmental and cultural resources studies and obtain clearances required by the federal grant.
With the upcoming completion of the Canyon Rim Trail including the underpass at Entrada Drive and NM 502 funded through a successful TAP application in 2016, and the pending installation of additional crossing improvements proposed with NMDOT’s NM 502 Reconstruction Project, this project will provide non-vehicular thoroughfare to the downtown business district. Additionally, the project will help connect businesses, tourism, retail, schools, parks, recreation, and residences as envisioned in the Bicycle Transportation Plan. Completion of this project will also improve the County’s chances to move from a bronze to a silver level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists.
The County anticipates a project award of federal FY 20 TAP funding for environmental study in the amount of $25,000 and federal FY21 TAP funding for project construction in the amount of $675,000. If funding is awarded, it would be comprised of $598,080 (85.44%) in federal funds and would require a County match of $101,920 (14.56%).
Prior to formal grant award, the County must provide a resolution affirming its commitment to fund, build, and maintain the project. Resolution No. 18-23 has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Resolution has been advertised as required. A copy of Resolution No. 18-23 and the Notice of Legal Publication and is attached for reference (Attachments C and D).
Alternatives
Failure to approve the resolution will result in the County being ineligible to apply or receive TAP funds for FFY2020/2021.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
Council appropriated $70,000 in FY 2018 for the Urban Trail with an additional $500,000 proposed for FY 2021. The proposed funding application in the amount of $700,000 is comprised of a federal contribution of $598,080 and would require a County match of $101,920. See, Funding Summary, Attachment E.
Should the County receive the grant award, staff will return to Council with a Budget Revision to establish the formal project budget.
Attachments
A - 2017 Bicycle Transportation Plan - Bicycle & Pedestrian Route Map (High Priority Corridor)
B - Project Map
C - Resolution No. 18-23
D - Notice of Legal Publication
E - Funding Summary
F - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix Form