AGENDA DATE: 8/7/2024
TITLE:
Title
PPTA Finding of Public Interest - Eastern Avenue Extension
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Presentation of a Finding of Public Interest to procure design and construction of the Eastern Avenue Extension Project through the Virginia Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA) procedures adopted by the County on March 20, 2024.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Wall, Stewart, Bessette
PRESENTER (S): Lance Stewart, Brian McPeters
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The purpose of the Eastern Avenue Extension project is to provide a connection between residential areas in Crozet that are located on the north side of Lickinghole Creek and Route 250 (Rockfish Gap Turnpike). This connection will mitigate the traffic congestion in Downtown Crozet and enhance the convenience of driving, biking and walking for residents in this area. This long-awaited project is consistent with the Downtown Crozet Master Plan, adopted in 2004, as well as subsequent updates to that Plan. The Virginia Department of Transportation committed future funds of $8,121,000 toward the project. However, escalation in total cost of the project led to a 2023 staff recommendation that the County consider alternative means to execute this project. At its meeting on March 20, 2024, the Board adopted guidelines to enable local implementation of the PPTA. Staff recommended at that time that the Eastern Avenue Extension project be among a short list of planned transportation projects that could benefit by seeking a public-private partnership.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: Following the adoption of the PPTA guidelines, staff further explored the appropriateness of the Eastern Avenue Extension project as a possible public-private partnership. The consulting engineering firm Kimley-Horn & Associates, which had previously conducted several studies for this project, was engaged to provide assistance for this effort. The PPTA and our own guidelines require that we evaluate projects based upon the public benefits of the project scope; the benefits of delivering the project as a public-private partnership as compared to more traditional methods; the risks involved with executing the project under PPTA guidelines; how those risks can be mitigated; and the estimated amount of public funds that would be required to execute the project. Based on this evaluation, staff recommended that procurement through the PPTA is in the County’s best interest and prepared a Finding of Public Interest for consideration by the County Executive.
BUDGET IMPACT: Acceptance of the Finding of Public Interest will have no direct budgetary impact
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board support the County Executive signing the Finding of Public Interest (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Finding of Public Interest - Eastern Avenue Extension