Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Garry Ford, City Engineer
Contact Info
(830) 221-4020 - gford@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a resolution authorizing the submission of projects for the 2019 Safe Routes to School Program.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a call for projects for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure projects. SRTS funds are 100% federal funds, meaning no local match is required. The city is responsible for all non-reimbursable costs including TxDOT administrive costs and overruns. TxDOT has approximately $8.7 million in SRTS infrastructure funds available statewide for the 2019 SRTS call for projects. SRTS projects may be located anywhere in the state regardless of population size. To be eligible for SRTS funds, projects must be located within public right of way within 2 miles of a public, charter, or private school serving K-8th grade students.
Two SRTS infrastructure projects supporting NBISD elementary schools have been identified for submission. The first project is located at Lamar Elementary School and includes sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk improvements on Houston Ave, Central Avenue, Veramendi Ave, Main St and Commerce St. The sidewalk network connects to sidewalks planned for Union Ave and Common St. The construction cost is estimated at $950,000.
The second project is located at Carl Shurz Elementary School and includes sidewalk and pedestrian crosswalk improvements on Guenther Ave, Magazine Ave, Coll St, Butcher St and Business 35/Elliot Knox Blvd. The construction cost is estimated at $350,000.
Both projects are being developed with 2019 Bond Program and the City is looking to leverage the funding with the SRTS Program. The program requires the local agency to pay for the TxDOT administrative cost which is 15% of the construction cost. The estimated TxDOT administrative cost for the Lamar Elementary School project is $142,500 and $52,500 for the Carl Shurz Elementary School project.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Envision New Braunfels, Action 7.1 - Implement a sidewalk improvement program to install and replace sidewalks or walking trails where they do not exist or have gaps, particularly near and to/ from schools.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the anticipated TxDOT administrative costs are estimated to be $142,500 for the Lamar Elementary School project and $52,500 for the Carl Shurz project. Construction costs are reimbursed at 100%.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution.