AGENDA DATE: 5/20/2020
TITLE: Resolution Supporting the VDOT Albemarle Design-Build Bundle
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: VDOT is requesting a Board of Supervisors Resolution supporting the five final projects moving forward in the Albemarle Design-Build Bundle.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Herrick, Filardo, Rapp, McDermott, Butch
PRESENTER (S): Kevin McDermott
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Smart Scale grant program is the primary method for funding large-scale transportation projects in the State. The program provides State and Federal funding for the design/engineering, right-of-way, and construction of transportation projects and runs on a biennial cycle. In the 2016 Smart Scale round the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) awarded six applications within Albemarle County which were included in the VDOT Fiscal Year 2018 Six-Year Improvement Program. VDOT has decided to utilize the design-build method of procurement to implement the six projects, known as the Albemarle Bundle, in a single contract. One contractor was selected to both complete the final design and construct all six projects. The six bundled projects are: I-64 at Exit 118 Interchange Improvements; Exit 124, I-64 and Route 250 Diverging Diamond Interchange; Fontaine Avenue Exit Ramp Improvements; Route 250/151 Roundabout; Route 20/649/1494 Roundabout; Rio Mills Road Extension/Connection to Berkmar Drive Extended.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment: Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: At the time these projects were submitted and awarded for Smart Scale, a Resolution of Support was not required. VDOT now requires a Resolution of Support from the local governing body to be submitted with the Smart Scale application. With the projects contained in the Albemarle Bundle moving to the right-of-way and construction phase, VDOT has requested a Resolution of Support from the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors to ensure that the County remains in agreement with the proposed projects. On August 3, 2016 the Board recommended support of the projects Funding Requests for the Smart Scale applications related to these projects. The Board previously passed a Resolution of Support for the Rio Mills Road - Berkmar Drive connector on July 17, 2019.
VDOT has held two Public Hearings for the six projects. The first one, on October 9, 2018, 20 citizens attended, and the second one, on October 10, 39 citizens attended. Public Comment on the projects was mixed in all cases, however, the Exit 124: I-64 and Route 250 Diverging Diamond and the US 250/Rt 151 Roundabout both received more comments opposing the projects than in favor of the projects. VDOT and staff have evaluated these projects and still believe that the projects as proposed remain the best options to address the existing safety and operational issues.
BUDGET IMPACT: These applications are approved for State and Federal funding to implement these projects. No County match is required with the applications and they will be administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Additionally, VDOT will accept future maintenance of these facilities. Therefore, no County funds are necessary to support the projects.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board of Supervisors adopt the Resolution in Support of the Smart Scale Applications in Albemarle County provided in Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS:
Att. A- Resolution Supporting the VDOT Albemarle Design-Build Bundle