Adopt Resolution #22-235 Authorizing Minnesota State Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Application for 167th Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-04

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #22-235 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 pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the 167^th Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-04.
 
Background:
The City of Ramsey’s current 2022 – 2032 Capital Improvement Program includes reconstruction of 167^th Avenue between Nowthen Boulevard (CSAH 5) and Saint Francis Boulevard (TH 47) in 2023.
 
On August 22 2022, the Ramsey Public Works Committee received an update on 167^th Avenue and discussed the improvements. The committee recommended pedestrian facilities are necessary for this road and should be included in the design.
 
On August 23, 2022, the Ramsey City Council ordered the City Engineer to prepare plans and specifications for Improvement Project #23-04, 167^th Avenue Reconstruction.
 
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 walking 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 $350,000 for the pedestrian and bicycle facilities construction costs. The estimated costs were based off constructing a 10-foot wide off-street trail along 167^th Avenue, with ADA compliant concrete ramps at street crossings. As well as a pedestrian crossing system, similar to the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon system recently installed on Variolite Street at 161^st Avenue. The potential award amount would be based upon actual bid pricing per final project designs, 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 #22-235 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 pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the 167^th Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-04.

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

City Staff recommends adopting Resolution #22-235 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 pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the 167^th Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-04.

Adopt Resolution #22-235 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 pedestrian and bicycle facilities as part of the 167^th Avenue Reconstruction, Improvement Project #23-04.