Title
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR AN APPLICATION TO USE FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUNDS TO CONSTRUCT THE AVIATION PATHWAY FROM WICHITA TO DERBY. DISTRICT 5.
Presented by: David C. Spears, P.E., Director of Public Works/County Engineer.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve the resolution and authorize the Chairman to sign.
Body
The Transportation Enhancement (TE) program provides funding to projects that fall into three categories; historic, scenic and environmental or pedestrian and bicycle. KDOT is currently accepting applications for fiscal year 2013/2014 projects.
Public Works is preparing an application for a project to construct a bike/pedestrian path along the K-15 corridor that will connect the Wichita pathway system to the Derby pathway system. The project would begin at MacArthur and Englewood (Wichita pathway system) and follow Englewood, Clifton, 47th St. South Oliver and Buckner to end near the intersection of Buckner and Commerce (Derby pathway system). The project would provide a critical connection between two major existing pathway systems and provide access to the Oaklawn, Sunview and Deer Lakes Estates residential neighborhoods. The new path would provide service to the Spirit/Boeing complex, Oaklawn School, Oaklawn Activity Center, The Opportunity Project and the Wichita Area Technical College. The project would also provide additional bike/pedestrian connectivity with the Wichita Transit system.
There are two rounds of funding. In the first, KDOT is administering a statewide call for projects and this project would compete with projects from all over the state. If not funded at that round, the project would be eligible for a pool of funds that has been allocated directly to WAMPO for projects within the WAMPO region.
In order to obtain funding for construction projects under the TE program, the following major steps must be completed:
1. A project application must be submitted to KDOT and WAMPO by Public Works.
2. This resolution of support by Sedgwick County must be included with the applications.
3. The project must be selected by KDOT or WAMPO.
4. Amend the 2013 or 2014 CIP to include funding for the project.
5. The project must be amended into the WAMPO Long Range Transportation Plan.
6. The project must be amended into the WAMPO Transportation Improvement Program.
Applications are due by February 15th. Submittal of the resolution of support expresses the County's desire to move forward with the project if it is selected by KDOT. The project would require a local match of 20%. The total construction cost for the project is estimated at $1,270,000 and would require a local match of $254,000. The local match would be provided through amendment of the CIP to use reserves in the sales tax fund. Project selection is scheduled for Summer of 2013.
Alternatives: Direct Public Works not to proceed with the application process.
Financial Considerations: The local share of the construction cost is estimated to be $254,000. Prior to signing a project agreement with KDOT, Sedgwick County would need to amend the CIP to designate a funding source for the local match. The most likely source of funds would be unallocated reserves in the sales tax fund.
Legal Considerations: K.S.A. 12-1662, et seq. governs application for and receipt of federal aid, including grant funds, by local public agencies such as counties whether received direct from the federal government, or through a state agency such as KDOT.
Policy Considerations:
Outside Attendees:
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