Adopt Resolution #22-234 Authorizing Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for 161st Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-01.

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #22-234 authorizing a Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for between $50,000 and $500,000 to fund a portion of the construction costs associated with the off-street trail as part of the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-01.
 
Background:
The City of Ramsey’s current 2022 - 2031 Capital Improvement Program includes reconstruction of 161^st Avenue between Armstrong Boulevard and Variolite Street. To avoid reconstructing the street after PACT Charter School opens, Staff is proposing to move street reconstruction up to 2023.
 
On June 21, 2022, the Ramsey Public Works Committee (PWC) reviewed bicycle and pedestrian facilities as part of the 161st Avenue Street Reconstruction. The PWC recommended extending a trail along 161st Avenue, generally located north of the boulevard trees within Central Park, with a goal of minimizing tree impacts, and existing park facilities, along the entire corridor.
 
On August 23, 2022, the Ramsey City Council ordered the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Improvement Project #23-01, 161^st Avenue Street Reconstruction. This includes extending a 10-foot wide off-street trail, connecting existing facilities along Variolite Street and Armstrong Boulevard with the new PACT Charter School and Central Park.
 
The Minnesota Active Transportation Infrastructure Program has up to $3,500,000 available in funding for construction of eligible bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. To qualify, the project must:

• Improve safety for those waling or biking in the community
• Project funding request must be between $50,000 and $500,000
• Be able to go into construction in the 2023 or 2024 construction seasons
• All infrastructure improvement must have a useful life of at least 10 years
• Must obtain and submit a resolution of support from the City Council

 
The deadline for applicants to submit letters of intent is Friday, October 14, 2022, full applications must be submitted by Friday, December 30, 2022. Project selection is finalized Friday, March 24, 2023, and award letters are distributed to selected projects at that time.
 
If awarded and accepted, the funds cover only construction costs associated with the pedestrian and bicycle facility construction, reimbursed per the awarded lowest responsible bid.
 
The preliminary project estimates $65,000 for the bituminous trail construction costs. The potential award amount would be based upon actual bid pricing, as a reimbursement. If not awarded, Municipal State Aid funds are proposed to be used as the funding source for the improvements.

Notifications are not required for this case.

Letters of Intent for the Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant are due on Friday, October 14, 2022.
 
Alternative:
Adopt Resolution #22-234 authorizing a Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for between $50,000 and $500,000 to fund a portion of the construction costs associated with the off-street trail as part of the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-01.

The grant application will be performed as part of Staff’s regular duties.

City Staff recommends adopting Resolution #22-234 authorizing a Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for between $50,000 and $500,000 to fund a portion of the construction costs associated with the off-street trail as part of the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-01.

Adopt Resolution #22-234 authorizing a Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for between $50,000 and $500,000 to fund a portion of the construction costs associated with the off-street trail as part of the 161^st Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-01.