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Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to Develop a Multimodal Network Plan
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
9/22/2026 |
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Contact Name: |
Linda Painter |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910.341.7806 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
N/A |
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Attachments: |
Attachment 1: Resolution; Attachment 2: Grant Agreement |
PURPOSE:
The proposed resolution would authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop a multimodal network plan.
BACKGROUND:
On April 7, 2026, the City Council authorized the submission of a grant application to the NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) for funding to develop a Multimodal Network Plan through the annual Multimodal Planning Grant Program. This program helps communities develop comprehensive bicycle, pedestrian, and multimodal network plans to foster more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly environments. Previous grants from this program in 2007 and 2021 funded both iterations of the Walk Wilmington Plan.
IMD has notified the City that it has been awarded a 2026 grant to develop a multimodal network plan. The total estimated project cost is $210,000, with NCDOT providing $115,000 in funding. While the required cost share for cities over 100,000 is typically 50%, IMD has allocated an additional $20,000 to each 2026 grantee for which no match is required. As such, the City’s cost share for this project is $95,000. Should actual costs be less than $210,000, the City will be reimbursed for any overpayment of its matching share. The City would also be responsible for 100% of costs above the estimated project cost of $210,000, which would require an additional supplemental appropriation from the City Council.
The proposed Multimodal Network Plan would build on the Walk Wilmington Plan and the City’s Vision Zero Initiative by integrating planning for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements. Community input received through Greater Downtown Plan outreach identified mobility as a top priority for residents. The plan would include a vision for multimodal transportation in the community, the establishment of a multimodal network, and the identification of priority multimodal projects. Project deliverables would include:
• Multimodal network map
• List of short-term and long-term multimodal improvements and implementation plan
• Cutsheets for priority projects with additional detail and planning-level cost estimates for the top four to six projects
Under this program, NCDOT selects and manages the project consultant. The scope of work will be determined through discussions between NCDOT, the City, and the selected consultant.
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BUDGET IMPACT:
The City’s required local match for this project is $95,000. Funding for this project is available from the 2026 Sundry studies account, which includes funding for a transportation and mobility plan.
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RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement with NCDOT for a 2026 Multimodal Planning Grant to develop a multimodal network plan, with the City’s cost share being $95,000 and any additional costs that exceed the total project estimate of $210,000.