AGENDA DATE: 12/18/2019
TITLE: Biscuit Run Park Phase 1A
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution Request for Funding Through VDOT Recreation Access Program to Construct New Entrance and Roadway to Biscuit Run Park
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Kamptner, DeLoria, Crickenberger, Stewart, Gifford
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffery B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Biscuit Run Park is a nearly 1200-acre property located in Albemarle County. The Commonwealth of Virginia acquired the property in 2009 under Governor Kaine’s administration. On January 4, 2018 Governor McAuliffe announced a partnership with Albemarle County to open Biscuit Run park to the public.
Governor McAuliffe and the Department of Conservation and Recreation signed a 99-year lease with Albemarle County for the property. The park will be the first of its kind in Albemarle’s development area, as it will serve as an urban and regional recreational facility. This partnership will allow the park to open sooner than expected and will provide high-quality recreational opportunities/experiences for residents in Albemarle County and surrounding communities.
The lease assures protection of the park’s natural resources; a minimum of eighty percent of the park will remain forested, all sensitive natural heritage resources will be protected, and management concerns like invasive species will be minimized.
The property on which this facility is located has no adequate access to a public street or roadway, and will require the construction of a new roadway that will connect to Avon Street Extended (Route 742) and will provide access to the first parking area which will serve as trail head parking to access the many existing multi-use trails. Capital Improvement Project funds have already been appropriated in the amount of $2,171,702.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations: ensure capacity of county government to achieve community priorities
DISCUSSION: Phase 1A road/entrance construction of this project is eligible through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Recreation Access Program for $250,000 unmatched State dollars and up to an additional $100,000 in State dollars with $100,000 in Local Government matched dollars. A requirement of the grant process is an official request by resolution of the local governing body, Attachment A, which also authorizes the County Executive and/or his designee(s) to act on behalf of the Board of Supervisors to execute any and all documents necessary to secure the funding up to, but not exceeding, $350,000 in State funds which will be matched with not less than $100,000 in Local funds.
BUDGET IMPACT: Capital Improvement Project funds have already been appropriated in the amount of $2,171,702. The VDOT Recreational Access Grant Funds will provide an additional $350,000 from VDOT, which is needed to procure the complete access road construction services for Biscuit Run Phase 1A. The Capital Improvement Project funds already appropriated will provide the required $100,000 in matched Local funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment A) to authorize the County Executive and/or his designee(s) to execute the application for Recreational Access Funds for this project.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Resolution Request for Funding Through VDOT Recreation Access Program to Construct New Entrance and Roadway to Biscuit Run Park
Attachment B: Biscuit Run Conceptual Site Plan