title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement for the Surface Transportation Block Grant - Direct Attributable Funds with the North Carolina Department of Transportation in the Amount of $2,681,347 for Construction of the Kerr Avenue Trail Project
body
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Department: |
Design & Construction |
Meeting Date: |
9/22/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Kim Gordon |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-341-5812 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: Resolution; Attachment #2: City Resolution of Financial Support; Attachment #3: WMPO FY26-28 DA Award Letter; Attachment #4: NCDOT Agreement; Attachment #5: Kerr Ave. Trail Map |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) to receive Surface Transportation Block Grant - Direct Attributable Funds (“STBG-DA”) from the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (“WMPO”) in the amount of $2,681,347 for the utility relocation and construction of the Kerr Avenue Trail Project (“Project”).
BACKGROUND:
The Project was identified in WMPO’s 2009 Walk Wilmington Plan, as a priority to be included in the current Transportation Bond as part of Wilmington/New Hanover County’s Comprehensive Greenway Plan. The Project will provide a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the east side of Kerr Avenue from Patrick Drive to Fountain Drive, on the north side of Fountain Drive, and on the west side of North College Road to Hoggard Drive, where it will connect to an existing signalized crosswalk that will provide a safe crossing of College Road to UNCW and the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail.
The WMPO’s STBG-DA program provides funding for various types of locally administered projects, including bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. The WMPO call for projects has federal funding through NCDOT, which requires a 20% local grant match.
On September 9, 2025, City Council approved applying for the allocated direct attributable (“DA”) funds from the STBG-DA program. On November 21, 2025, the City was notified that the WMPO Board voted to award funding in the amount of $2,681,347 to the Project.
This agreement is anticipated to be executed in October 2026, will secure $2,681,347 in STBG-DA funding from the WMPO, and will require a 20% local grant match of $670,337 from the City, for a total of $3,351,684. The increase in Project funding is intended to cover anticipated construction and related costs. There is already sufficient funding in the Project budget to cover the required local match.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
$2,681,347 in STBG-DA funding will be received from the WMPO for utility relocation and construction, with a local match of $670,337. There is already sufficient funding in the Project budget to cover the required local match.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Passage of the resolution is recommended.