Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2023-077 supporting the City’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Call for Projects, and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The residential development on the west side of Farmers Branch is nearing completion. Connecting the residents in this part of Farmers Branch to various City amenities is critical. City staff and consultants are attempting to finalize design, right-of-way and easement agreements, and construction timing with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for Phase I of the Westside Art Trail. In addition, the John Burke Nature Preserve recently completed renovations to improve the user experience of the park. These two projects are on opposite sides of a major thoroughfare, Valley View Lane. There is no existing crosswalk at Valley View Lane and Mercer Parkway to allow safe pedestrian passage across Valley View Lane. Connecting these spaces aligns with the Strategic Plan to plan for, build, and maintain high quality public assets (CB04), and to execute sustainability initiatives (CB07).
DISCUSSION:
In December 2022, TXDOT opened a Call for Projects for Transportation Alternatives for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Based on the criteria provided in the Call for Projects, staff identified Valley View Lane pedestrian crossing as a possible project, because it would provide connectivity between the John F. Burke Nature Preserve and the future Westside Art Trail. As previously stated, there is not a designated pedestrian crossing at this location. For the 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) Call for Projects, TXDOT implemented a two-step application process. In January 2023, the City submitted a Preliminary Application for the TXDOT 2023 TA grant application program for a pedestrian crossing located at the intersection of Valley View Lane and Mercer Parkway. This was step one of the application process.
This project was reviewed by TXDOT officials and has moved forward to the next round of review, the Detailed Application process. The City plans to submit a Detailed Application to TXDOT by the deadline of June 5, 2023. This will step two of the application process. As a part of the Detailed Application process a resolution of support from the governing body of the applicant is required as part of the application. The City Attorney has reviewed the resolution for form and that the resolution meets the TXDOT application requirements. If approved by the City Council, the resolution will be included in the Detailed Application packet that will be submitted to TXDOT.
If approved by TXDOT, the City will be responsible for 100% of the construction costs for the proposed project. Once completed, the City would be reimbursed 80% of the funds used for the construction of the project by TXDOT. Estimated costs for this project are being finalized, but the Preliminary Application conservatively estimated construction cost of $750,000. If funding is awarded, the project will not be fully designed and bid until next fiscal year. The initial proposed budget for fiscal year 2023-2024, identifies the City’s 20% match would come from non-bond CIP funding, 301-752010, or Trail Bond Fund, 333-675030.
FISCAL IMPACT:
In the current budget year, $10,000 was budgeted for General Engineering services in 4124-630070. This account allows staff to contract with consultants for small, unanticipated projects that arise during the fiscal year.
DISTRICT:
District 3
RECOMMENDATION:
City Administration recommends approval of the Resolution to complete the Detailed Application process for the TXDOT Transportation Alternatives Grant Program.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2023-077, as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2023-077, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution 2023-077