The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) requests Council approval to apply for, accept, and expend grant funds for the Uptown/Memorial Park Path Connector and Bridge hike and bike project to improve multi-modal accessibility, connectivity and safety to Memorial Park.
The Houston-Galveston Area Council is seeking grant applications for the funding of transportation projects within the eight-county transportation management area, to include the City of Houston. The 2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Call for Projects will commit federal and state funds allocated to the region to implement roadway, transit, and alternative mode projects over the next 10 years. Projects selected for funding are eligible for reimbursement of up to 80% of eligible design and construction costs. TIP applications are due on October 31, 2018 and awards are anticipated to be announced in Spring 2019.
The proposed Uptown/Memorial Park Connector Path and Bridge Project will provide approximately 2 miles (10,000 linear feet) of shared use path connections between Memorial Park and the Uptown Houston District. The project will provide a connection beneath IH-610 allowing users to avoid the freeway crossing at Woodway. The project will utilize a bridge span to allow a connection to the existing IH-610 shared use path adjacent to the frontage road to accommodate a connection to the Uptown Houston District. The project will ultimately provide a connection to the Memorial and San Felipe Hike & Bike Connection, funded via the 2015 TIP Call.
HPARD is requesting grant funds in the amount of $8,812,444 or 80% of project costs. Harris County Improvement District #1 and the Uptown Development Authority approved a joint resolution on June 27, 2018 committing to provide the local share in the amount of $2,203,111 and maintenance for the project. If the project is selected for TIP funding, interlocal agreements will be brought before Council for the commitment of matching funds and cost overruns.
Director's Signature:
____________________________________
Steve Wright, Director
Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.