PRESENTER: Presenter
Scott McClelland, Assistant Director of Transportation and Capital Improvements
Body
SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing, discussion, and possible action approving an expenditure of up to $700,000 to the City of New Braunfels for the construction of Common Street Pedestrian Improvements, a project authorized under 501.103 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Header
DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
Body
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In September 2022, at a quarterly workshop meeting, staff presented the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (“NBEDC”) with results of a survey in which NBEDC Board members ranked eligible economic development projects. The Common Street Pedestrian Improvements project was ranked as the 4th highest priority. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, the NBEDC has addressed projects from this ranking exercise at their regular and special-called meetings.
The Common Street Pedestrian Improvements project will improve pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, city parks, New Braunfels Public Library, Lamar Elementary School, and the Comal County Fairgrounds by enhancing pedestrian mobility and safety. The project scope includes new sidewalks and curb ramps on both sides of Common Street between S. Liberty Street and Loop 337 and protected pedestrian crossings at key intersections.
The City of New Braunfels was awarded funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Alternatives Program to construct pedestrian improvements on Common Street from Liberty Avenue to Loop 337. The project was selected for inclusion in the program which provides 80% of construction cost. The City is responsible for the 20% local construction match and the cost of project development, including full design services.
Below are the financial details:
Construction Cost Estimate - 90% Design: $ 1,696,000
Federal Participation (80%): $ 1,356,800
City Participation (20%) (NBEDC): $ 339,200
Other Construction Phase Expenses (NBEDC): $ 325,286
(Material Testing, Construction Administration, Contingency)
Direct State Costs - City Participation (NBEDC): $ 35,514
Total NBEDC Funding Request: $ 700,000
An initial informative presentation regarding this project was provided to the NBEDC at its February 7th Special-Called meeting.
ISSUE:
Continue an ongoing program of infrastructure construction and maintenance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This project was originally contemplated and presented as a $1,615,000 investment by the NBEDC. With the MPO award, the remaining City participation costs for the Construction Phase of the Common Street Pedestrian Improvements Project are estimated to be $700,000. Any allocated funding above the awarded contract amount will be returned to the NBEDC for future allocation.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of $700,000 for the construction of the Common Street Pedestrian Improvements Project.