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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Roopa Anjanappa, Civil Engineer
DATE: September 12, 2024
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to reserve funds for Eola Road - Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path project to cover engineering and construction cost if the project were selected for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant.
PURPOSE:
To appropriate funds for Eola Road Multi-Use Path project if project were awarded ITEP grant funds.
BACKGROUND:
The proposed improvement will be an extension of an existing bike path on west side of Eola Road just south of Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail on the north end of the project. The improvement is recognized in the Bicycle Pedestrian plan and should encourage alternate mode of transport. The path will connect residential neighborhoods to schools, library, community center and businesses.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed improvements will involve installing 8-10 feet wide asphalt multi-use path, sidewalk installation, drainage work, improvements to pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, pavement markings, striping, restoration and other pertinent work.
ITEP is a reimbursable grant program with an 80/20 split for non-R.O.W. expenses (80% federal share and 20% local share) and a 50/50 split for R.O.W. If the project is selected, the City is required to pay up-front cost for all Engineering Phases and submit paperwork to be reimbursed. The maximum ITEP award, per project, is capped at $3 million.
The proposed project is just over 1 mile (approx. 1.12 miles) in length. The construction cost is estimated at $2.89 million, and the estimated total cost of the project is approximately $3.75 million (includes all Engineering phases, and Construction). The 20% engineering/construction local share would be approximately $750,000. Since all engineering phases must be front funded and 20% construction cost is upon City, the total cost that needs to be appropriated for this project would be $1.45 million.
The deadline to apply for ITEP grant is September 30, 2024. To be eligible for the grant, the City is required to execute a resolution that shows City's financial commitment towards the project. The City does not currently have a CIP account established for the project, but would do so if ITEP grant is awarded to this project. The City's local share would likely be Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact anticipated.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends execution of the proposed resolution, permitting the City to apply for ITEP grant funding and appropriate funds required to complete the project if grant funds were to be awarded to the project.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to reserve and appropriate funds for the proposed Eola Road - Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-Use Path project, a shortlisted project for ITEP grant (2024 cycle-16).
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, City intends to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities for its residents and visitors and improve overall connectivity to regional trails and other amenities including businesses and Transportation Center/commuter stations, thereby encouraging non-motorized travel modes, and promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing overall well-being; and
WHEREAS, City wishes to apply for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant - cycle 16 for the proposed project "Eola Road-Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-Use Path Project"; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to construct a 8-10 feet wide multi-use path on Eola Road from just south of Autumn Grove Circle to connect to Waubonsie Creek Trail in the north, basically extending an existing multi-use path to connect to existing regional trail on west side of Eola Road and to fill an existing sidewalk gap on the east side of Eola Road. Other improvements will include, signage installation, improvements to pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, pavement markings, striping, restoration and other pertinent work; and
WHEREAS, City is required to execute a resolution to show the financial commitment & support for the proposed project "Eola Road-Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-Use Path project", a mandatory eligibility requirement for a project to be considered for the ITEP Grant; and
WHEREAS, ITEP grant is a reimbursable grant program with 80/20 split (80% federal & 20% local share) for non-R.O.W. expenses and 50/50 split for R.O.W. expenses; the estimated total project cost is $3,747,877 (includes engineering, and construction costs; City's local share of the project is approximately $750,000; while the City is required to pay the up-front cost of all Engineering phases (approximately $864,895) + 20% construction cost (approximately $576,597), a total approximating $1,441,492.The ITEP funds are to be administered through State and 80% of engineering cost will be reimbursed at a later stage with appropriate paperwork, if the project were selected for the ITEP Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora will establish a CIP account to fund this project if awarded an ITEP grant.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to reserve and appropriate funds for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant (2024, cycle-16), for Eola Road-Autumn Grove Cir to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-Use Path Project, if grant is awarded to the City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any other such documents related to advancement and completion of the said project