AGENDA DATE: 9/9/2015
TITLE:
Title
Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant, Moore’s Creek Trail and Trailhead Park
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Inform the Board of future grant application for funding to construct multi-use trail and trailhead park
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Kamptner, Benish, Gatobu, Crickernberger
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) is working with the County and City to submit a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant application for funding to support the construction of multi-use trails and a trailhead park along Moore’s Creek. TAP Grants require a minimum 20 percent local match. Cash proffers received from the Fifth Street Station development, contributed for the purpose of greenway development, can be used to cover the required match. The grant application is due to VDOT by November 2, 2015. Development of the Moore’s Creek Greenway trail is identified as one of the priority pedestrian, bikeway and trail improvements in the County’s Priority List of Transportation Improvements, which was approved by the Board in April 2015.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Goal 2. Critical Infrastructure: Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
Goal 3. Development Areas: Attract quality employment, commercial, and high density residential uses into development areas by providing services and infrastructure that encourage redevelopment and private investment while protecting the quality of neighborhoods
DISCUSSION: If the County is awarded this grant, the funds would be used to: 1) construct a multi-use trail along Moore’s Creek from the Fifth Street Station commercial site to Fifth Street and to make connections to other existing nearby bike and pedestrian facilities in the County and City; 2) design and install pedestrian/bike crossing(s) on Fifth Street to connect to existing Rivanna Trails Foundation trails on the west side of Fifth Street; and 3) determine the location and design of trails along Moore’s Creek from Fifth Street west to Old Lynchburg Road/Azalea Park.
These improvements would be developed in coordination with the greenway/trail facilities approved as part of the Fifth Street Station rezoning and would result in enhanced facilities in this area, above what could be constructed with the proffered funds alone. Proffer funds would be used for the construction of a bridge and trailhead park. In addition to the above three items, awarded grant funds would also be used for professional services for the design of the bridge and park, the design and construction of additional connecting trails, and the design of additional bicycle and pedestrian improvements to serve as the basis for future grant proposals to extend the network in the City and County.
The TJPDC would function as the grant and construction manager for the project. The total cost for the project is still under development at this time, but the requested amount of grant funds is estimated at $350,000.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no direct budget impact. Proffer funds can be used for the required 20 percent match. If awarded, the grant would leverage additional funds to advance trail construction in this area. Some grant funds will be used to cover the TJPDC’s administrative and grant management costs. Department of Parks and Recreation staff time will need to be dedicated to the project.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This is for information only, and no action is required at this time. A Board Resolution of support will be needed for inclusion with the grant application. Staff will provide a Resolution to the Board for its consideration once the scope and cost of the project and the grant application are finalized.