Subject:
Title
Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network agreement and maintenance memorandum of agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for funding to complete the north end of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network agreement, the maintenance memorandum of agreement (Exhibit H), and accompanying resolution (Exhibit F) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to complete the north end of the Pinellas Trail Loop.
Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of the Circuit Court to attest the agreements.
FDOT FPN No. 440093 1 54 01 for grant funding in the amount of $5.7 million.
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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 agreement is necessary to provide grant funding toward the completion of design and construction of the north end of the Pinellas Trail Loop, as well as to define the maintenance responsibilities once this portion of Trail construction is complete.
Background Information:
The County and 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, and the north gap can be completed with 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.
FDOT 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 and 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.
The County application was approved for $5.7 million to complete the 9.6 miles of the north gap of the Pinellas Trail. Pinellas County will manage the Trail design and construction.
Fiscal Impact:
The application for this grant funding was approved by the Board on June 21, 2016. The County is receiving $5.7 million as a result of the grant application. The total estimated cost to complete the north end of the Pinellas Trail Loop is approximately $8 million. The County will provide the difference of $2.3 million, which is budgeted in the County’s Capital Improvement Program. The funding source for the County’s portion will be provided by the Local Infrastructure Sales Tax (Penny for Pinellas): Transportation and Traffic Flow, Pinellas Trail Extension program allocation, County PID No. 000967A.
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, P.E., Director of Public Works
Partners:
FDOT
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Forward Pinellas
City of Clearwater
Duke Energy
Attachments:
Agreement
Project Location Map