Subject:
Title
Ratification of the County Administrator’s approval of a Shared-Use Non-motorized Trail grant application to the Florida Department of Transportation for the completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Ratify, confirm and enter into the minutes a Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) Trail grant application to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to complete the remaining segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
The grant application was previously approved by the County Administrator due to the time sensitivity required for submittal of the application. The requested amount of grant funding is $22.1 million; a match is not required, however the County is proposing a contributing match of $9.0 million provided by various Capital Improvement Projects that support the Trail corridor.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
This grant application was submitted to FDOT in order to meet the grant application submission deadline of June 20, 2016. This grant, if approved, will provide the necessary funding to complete the design and construction of the remaining segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
Background Information:
The County and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Forward Pinellas) have adopted the Countywide Trailways Plan that includes a 75-mile trail loop. There are two remaining gaps in the Pinellas Trail Loop that can be completed with the financial assistance provided from this grant opportunity. The north gap of the Trail is 9.6 miles in length and will connect the northern terminus of the Pinellas Trail Loop to the existing segment of the Duke Energy Trail. The south gap is 8.9 miles in length and will connect the North Bay Trail with the existing segment of the Duke Energy Trail. The Florida Department of Transportation will be constructing approximately two miles of trail as a component of an existing road project.
The Pinellas Trail Loop provides a vital link to the emerging Southwest Coast Regional Trail, the Courtney Campbell Causeway Trail, as well as providing a critical connection to the Coast to Coast Trail which is currently under construction in north County. Completing this Trail Loop will connect low income and minority areas, as well as provide connection to employment opportunities, educational facilities, and other community resources through a vibrant non-motorized, multi-modal transportation network. The economic and safety benefits of completing this Trail Loop remain a priority for our local and regional governmental agencies, businesses, citizens and visitors. The Trail Loop also provides safe, multi-modal opportunities with connectivity to transit, ride share, bike lanes and other facilities.
Should the application be determined eligible, feasible and subsequently funded, an FDOT grant agreement will be forthcoming and submitted to the Board for approval.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the County with the submission of this grant application. Should funding be approved, the FDOT will provide up to $22.1 million in grant funding toward completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop. The County will provide a contributing match of approximately $9.0 million, for a total anticipated cost of $31.1 million.
The County’s contributing match is budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program and funded by the Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas) through the following transportation projects:
• PID No. 000186A-Duke Energy Trail Extension ($4,900,000)
• PID No. 000967A- Pinellas Trail Extension Program ($3,100,000)
• PID No. 001020A - 32.4% of Northeast Coachman Intersection ($400,000)
• PID No. 001034A -32.4% of Old Coachman Bridge Replacement ($300,000)
• Remaining matching funds are from various project development and environment studies ($300,000)
County staff is also working with the cities of Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg to share in the cost of this project.
Staff Member Responsible:
Ken Jacobs, Transportation Division Manager, Public Works
Partners:
FDOT, FDEP, Forward Pinellas (MPO), Cities of Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg.
Attachments:
Intent to Apply form and email from the Office of Management and Budget