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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Dan Feltman, P.E., Engineering Division - New Development Coordinator
Stephane Phifer, Planning and Zoning Director
DATE: May 19, 2016
SUBJECT:
The City is seeking to apply for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in the maximum amount of $2M, to provide additional funding for the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facilities Enhancement Project.
PURPOSE:
The City of Aurora has been working with its engineering consulting team to advance the Phase I and II design for the ATC Regional Facility Enhancement Project, enabling the City to seek a variety of third party funding for the project. Located in downtown Aurora, the proposed improvements will help serve as a catalyst to future development. The project is comprehensive in nature and focused on renovating the ATC, IL Route 25 (Broadway Avenue) and providing a pedestrian bridge that will span the Fox River. The new pedestrian bridge will provide access to the west side of the river, connect two regional path facilities, and provide additional parking opportunities for the ATC and RiverEdge Park.
BACKGROUND:
The current scope of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facilities Enhancement Project combines two previously individual projects that were in concept stage a year ago, when they were combined in order to pursue Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) federal funds. The City submitted and was awarded a grant in the transit category. The project scored very well and secured approximately $8.65M for the engineering and construction of the proposed improvements. CMAQ funding is administered at an 80/20 split which means the project can receive a maximum of 80% in federal funding towards eligible items, and the City is responsible for the remaining 20% and any ineligible items. The current project budget is approximately $14.6M, which means the City is receiving approximately 60% of the project funding from federal sources. In order to supplement the CMAQ funding, the City is eligible to pursue additional funding sources, including federal ones such as ITEP, as long as they do not exceed 80% of the total budget. In addition, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has pledged $2M towards the bridge engineering and construction through an IGA and resolution, which can be used towards satisfying the City’s 20% local match responsibility.
ITEP funding is a $29M program designed to promote and develop alternative transportation options including bike and pedestrian travel. The federal funds are awarded competitively, and projects must be related to surface transportation. Applicants can apply for up to $2M in ITEP funding, and the City is eligible for and plans to apply for the full amount. Based on preliminary discussions with the local project sponsor it is believed that the ATC Regional Facility Enhancement Project will score well and has a good chance to receive additional federal funds. Phase I planning is close to completion and Phase II engineering is scheduled to start in June 2016.
DISCUSSION:
The City Staff has been working with WBK Engineering to investigate additional third party funding sources for the project, including the feasibility of applying for an ITEP grant. Feedback from Kane County staff, the local project sponsor, indicates that the project meets the eligibility criteria and will make a strong case to receive additional funds. The Project has not yet maximized its federal funding capacity and is eligible to apply for the full $2M available as part of the ITEP program. If awarded, the ITEP grant would help reduce the City’s share of engineering and construction costs for the ATC improvements. ITEP applications are due to IDOT by June 17, 2016, and WBK Engineering and City staff have begun developing the application to meet this deadline. WBK is completing this effort under their Phase I services contract, so that it is at no additional cost to the City.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The ATC Regional Facility Enhancement project has been a long time in the making and has the support of several local entities including the Forest Preserve District, and the Fox Valley Park District. Improving transportation center and building a pedestrian bridge across the Fox River will be another positive step in the renovation of the City's Downtown.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The City Staff recommends approval of the Resolution Authorizing the City to apply for and accept an Illinois Transportation Enhancement (ITEP) grant for the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facility Enhancement
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
cc: Alderman O’Connor, Chairman
Alderman Mervine
Alderman Bohman
Alderman Mesiacos, Alternate
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution Authorizing the City to apply for and accept an Illinois Transportation Enhancement (ITEP) grant for the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) Regional Facility Enhancement Project
body
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, the City of Aurora seeks to enhance the infrastructure Downtown with the construction of the Aurora Transportation Center (ATC) and Regional Enhancement Project included in the Capital Improvement Plan as project A059; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has been awarded $8.65M in federal funds via CMAQ and an additional $2M for funding the project from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora seeks to augment these funds by applying for, and of granted accepting, an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in the maximum amount of $2M; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the City of Aurora Engineering Division is authorized to apply for and accept IDOT’s ITEP grant to be applied to the ATC Regional Facility Enhancement Project.