Subject:
Title
Shared-Use Non-motorized trail grant application with the Florida Department of Transportation for the completion of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) Trail grant application with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to complete the remaining segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
Based on the outcome of the June 14, 2016 Work Session and due to the grant submission deadline, the County Administrator’s approval is 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
Summary:
Funding from this grant, if approved, will provide the necessary financial resources to complete the design and construction of the remaining segments of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
Background/Explanation:
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.
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.
Delegated Authority:
The application process requires a submission deadline of June 20, 2016. Staff requests the County Administrator’s approval for submission of the application based on discussion from the June 14, 2016 Work Session. Staff will follow-up with an item for ratification by the Board of the grant application at the June 21, 2016 regular Board meeting. Corresponding Agenda item: Legistar 16-933A.
Staff Member Responsible:
Ken Jacobs, Transportation Division Manager, Public Works
Partners:
FDOT
FDEP
Forward Pinellas
City of Clearwater
City of Largo
City of Pinellas Park
City of St. Petersburg
Attachments:
Intent to apply form
Email from the Office of Management and Budget