Mayor and Council are asked to consider authorizing and executing a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Billings and State of Montana (MDT) for planning and construction of Zimmerman Trail from Rimrock Road to Highway 3.  Staff presented highlights of the project and the agreement at the October 21, 2013 Council work session. 

MDT will be responsible for the design, development, and construction for the project.  MDT will also advertise, bid, award and administer the construction contract for the project. The City will work as a partner with MDT during the project development and will continue to maintain Zimmerman Trail once the project is completed.

The general scope of work for the project is anticipated to include:

• The existing grade and alignment will be maintained.
• Loose and unstable rocks along the roadway will be removed. 
• The bottom section of roadway will include two, twelve foot drive lanes, with four foot shoulders.
• Storm drain improvements will be constructed in the lower section.
• The middle section will only include a pavement overlay. 
• Guardrail and concrete barriers will be replaced and additional reflectors will be added.
• The top section of roadway will be widened to two, twelve foot drive lanes, with four foot shoulders.
• Intersection improvements at Highway 3 will be designed and bid as an alternate. 

These items may be modified as needed during the project.  Note that the existing Zimmerman Trail roadway includes two, thirteen foot lanes and no shoulders.

The Council may:  

• Approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Billings and State of Montana (MDT) for the project; or 
• Not approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the project and the project will not be designed or constructed.

The total funding available for this project is:
 
Federal Earmark                                $6,242,553
Local Match (City Funds)                    $   967,603
Total Funds Available                         $7,210,156
 
The city funds listed above are from the Arterial Fee and are included in the approved Capital Improvement Plan and are included in the FY2014 budget.  Note that a minimum of $650,000 ($562,770 federal, $87,230 local match) will be reserved during the design phase for unforeseen issues that may arise during construction.  In addition, the City is responsible for all costs for the project above the funding shown above.

Staff recommends that Council authorize the Mayor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Billings and State of Montana (MDT) for planning and construction of Zimmerman Trail from Rimrock Road to Highway 3.