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Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Supplemental Agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to Accept $2,400,000 in Surface Transportation Block Grant - Direct Attributable Funds with a Required Local Match of $600,000 for the South 17th Street Multi-Use Path Project (2TRSW22102)
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Department: |
Engineering |
Meeting Date: |
3/4/2025 |
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Contact Name: |
Rachel McIntyre |
Public Hearing: |
No |
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Contact Phone: |
910-765-0581 |
Advertising Date/Advertised By: |
Click or tap to enter a date. |
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Attachments: |
Attachment #1: S. 17th Street MUP Resolution Attachment #2: Resolution Auth City Manager to Apply for STBG-DA Funds Attachment #3: WMPO Resolution Awarding FY25 DA Funding Attachment #4: S. 17th Street MUP Future Trail Connections Map |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize the City Manager to enter into a supplemental agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) for the South 17th Street Multi-Use Path project to provide a multi-use path along the west side of S. 17th Street from Harbour Drive to US 117/Shipyard Boulevard, as well as crosswalks and pedestrian signals at the intersection of S. 17th Street and US 117/Shipyard Boulevard.
BACKGROUND:
The S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path project was submitted by the WMPO for Prioritization 2.0 in 2011. The project, which included a multi-use path along S. 17th Street from Hospital Plaza Drive to Independence Boulevard, was the highest scoring bicycle project in the State, and was included in the 2013-2023 State/Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Programs (“STIP”). The 2013-2023 STIP was adopted by the North Carolina Board of Transportation in September 2012. The project scope has since been reduced to the current limits because of budgetary constraints.
On May 24, 2022, the City entered into the original agreement with the NCDOT to accept federal funding through the Surface Transportation Block Grant (“STBG”) program for the design and construction of the S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path project. The local grant match for the project’s current funding was provided by the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Committee.
In the Fall of 2023, at approximately 30% design, staff determined that additional funding would be required to complete the design and construct the full scope of the project. This determination was based on the opinion of overall project cost by NCDOT and the City’s engineering design consultant. The total estimated project cost is $3,917,423.50.
In September 2024, City Council approved a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for Surface Transportation Block Grant - Direct Attributable (“STBG-DA”) funds from the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (“WMPO”). Applications for the WMPO’s FY25 STBG-DA and Carbon Reduction funds were due on September 13, 2024. Nine eligible submittals were received and ranked according to the WMPO’s adopted process. The S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path was the highest scoring project, and was awarded the full $2,400,000 in STBG-DA funds requested.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The project is programmed in the 2024-2033 STIP utilizing the State's allocation of federal funds via the STBG program, which requires a twenty percent (20%) local grant match. This supplemental agreement will provide an increase in overall project funding in the amount of $3,000,000 to cover anticipated construction and related costs. This amount is comprised of $2,400,000 in STBG-DA funding awarded by the WMPO, and the required 20% local grant match of $600,000 from the City. The local grant match will be covered with available City funds from the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Committee and interest earnings on capital balances. .
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Recommended for your consideration are two actions:
1. A resolution to enter into the supplemental agreement with the NCDOT to accept $2,400,000 in STBG-DA funds awarded by the WMPO for the S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path project, with a required 20% local grant match of $600,000.
2. A companion ordinance, under separate cover, appropriating $2,400,000 in STBG-DA funds awarded by the WMPO, and the 20% required local match of $600,000, to be covered with an additional contribution from the City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements Committee in the amount of $100,000 and available City funds from interest earnings on capital balances in the amount of $500,000.
Passage of these items would accept these funds and appropriate them for the S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path project. Moving forward with and completing the S. 17th Street Multi-Use Path project is consistent with the adopted Wilmington/New Hanover County Greenway Plan, as well as the goals and recommendations of the 2023 Walk Wilmington Pedestrian Plan Update.
Passage of both the attached resolution and the companion ordinance are recommended.