ORDINANCE approving and authorizing submission of Grant Application to the TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION for Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program Grant to support McReynolds Middle School Safe Passage Bridge Project; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grants; authorizing the Director of Houston Public Works or Director’s Designee (“Director”) to act as the City’s representative in the Grant Application Process, to accept such Grant Funds, if awarded, and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any pertaining to the program - DISTRICTS B - JACKSON and H - CASTILLO

RECOMMENDATION:

Approve an Ordinance for authorization to apply to the Texas Department of Transportation for the Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Program; declaring the City's eligibility for such grants; authorizing the Director of Houston Public Works (HPW) or Director's designee to act as signatory on the grant application.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) statewide call for projects under the Transportation Alternatives program is aimed at improving safety and mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians. The McReynolds Middle School Safe Passage Bridge Project seeks to enhance safety and traffic flow by creating a pedestrian grade separation across Union Pacific Railroad, providing a direct and safe path for students to access the school. 

This project will be developed in partnership with Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), who will fund and manage the design phase of the bridge, and Harris County Precinct 2 (HCP2), who will provide 60% of the estimated local match. If selected for funding, HPW will submit a Request for Council Action to approve and interlocal agreement with HCP2 defining the cost share commitment and responsibilities for the construction phase of the project.

The total projected cost is over $5.8 million, with an anticipated local share of 20% of the total project cost. If awarded, the City of Houston will be responsible for all non-reimbursable costs and 100% of overruns, if any, for TA funds. The table below identifies the requested funding amount, estimated local share and projected construction cost. If awarded, grant agreement approval and appropriation of the local share will be requested at a later date.

FISCAL NOTE:

No significant fiscal operating impact is anticipated as a result of this project.

No fiscal note is required on grant items. 

___________________________

Randall V. Macchi, JD

Director, Houston Public Works 

$4,653,643.00  Fed/Local/State Pass Fund (5030)

$465,364.40 Dedicated Drainage and Street Renewal Capital Fund - Ad Valorem Tax Fund 4046 (Future Appropriation)

$698,046.60.00 Local Government - Grant Funded (5020) (Harris County Precinct 2)