title
Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a 2026 Multimodal Network Planning Grant
body
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Department: |
Planning & Development |
Meeting Date: |
4/7/2026 |
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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 |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this resolution is to authorize staff to apply for a Multimodal Network Planning Grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (“NCDOT”) to plan for an integrated multimodal network that addresses bicycle, pedestrian, and transit needs and identifies priority improvements.
BACKGROUND:
The NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division (“IMD”) has issued a call for applications for the annual Multimodal Planning Grant Program (“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.
Staff is requesting authorization to apply for a grant to develop a Multimodal Network Plan (“Plan”) that would build on the Walk Wilmington Plan and the City’s Vision Zero Initiative by integrating planning for bicycle, pedestrian, and transit improvements into a cohesive plan. 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
If awarded, NCDOT selects and manages the consultant for the project. The scope of work and specific contract cost would be determined through discussions between NCDOT, the City, and the selected consultant. This Plan would be the first step in development of a transportation and mobility update to the Comprehensive Plan, helping to inform development of an overall strategic mobility plan that encompasses all forms of transportation and identifies priorities for future investment based on need and growth strategies.
budget
BUDGET IMPACT:
The NCDOT Multimodal Planning Grant requires a 50% cost match from communities with populations over 100,000. Cost estimates provided by NCDOT range from $85,000 to $190,000; accordingly, the maximum estimated cost to the City for the development of the plan is $95,000. Funding for this project is available from the 2026 Sundry studies account, which includes funding for a transportation and mobility plan.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution authorizing the City to apply to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a 2026 Multimodal Network Planning Grant to develop a multimodal network plan is recommended.