AGENDA DATE: 9/20/2023
TITLE:
Title
Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Resubmission
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution of Support for Resubmission of the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Application
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Rosenberg, Herrick, Filardo, McDermott, Hersh-Ballering
PRESENTER (S): Hersh-Ballering
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In October 2022, Albemarle County staff applied for planning funds through the US Department of Transportation Reconnecting Communities Pilot grant program. This discretionary grant program is dedicated to reconnecting communities that have experienced negative safety, mobility, accessibility, and/or economic impacts due to transportation infrastructure. Program funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofitting, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.
Though Albemarle County’s 2022 application was unsuccessful, staff learned in a debrief with Federal staff that the application had scored very highly; Federal staff noted minor points of improvement for the application if the County chose to resubmit.
In 2023, the US Department of Transportation has combined the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) and Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) programs into a single Notice of Funding Opportunity. This new funding opportunity is referred to as the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) program.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: Staff has revised the previous RCP application and is prepared to submit a RCN planning grant application for approximately $300,000. Like the 2022 RCP request, this funding would support a corridor study for US 29 (and the surrounding neighborhoods) from Hydraulic Road to Hilton Heights Road. The corridor study would feature a strong public engagement component.
The purpose of the corridor study would be to identify solutions to any negative impacts of US 29 on the safety, mobility, and overall well-being of Albemarle County residents, especially vulnerable road users and those who live in the neighborhoods adjacent to this section of US 29. This purpose is consistent with the goals identified in the Places 29 Master Plan.
Future funding would be needed to design and construct any proposed solutions identified in the corridor study.
This application would also be submitted with support from the City of Charlottesville, which borders the study area.
BUDGET IMPACT: RCN planning grants must identify non-federal funds for 20% cost-sharing. In-kind donations may be used as part or all of the non-federal share.
The 20% cost-share for this project would be entirely in-kind, including staff time from the County Community Development and Communications & Public Engagement departments, as well as staff time from the City of Charlottesville Transportation Planning Manager.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board endorse the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant application by adopting the attached proposed Resolution (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Albemarle County Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant Resolution