Minutes 10/10/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 10. 2006 Background: . The federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program will fund these transportation projects. CMAQ funds are allocated to localities through a competitive process managed by the HRPDC. . This money was requested by City Staff in the form of multiple grants and was approved based on the potential of the projects to improve traffic flow and reduce air pollution. . The City is required to establish these projects through Council resolution in order to receive the CMAQ funding. Discussion: . Three of the projects are related to a new downtown shuttle service that will increase access to hotels, businesses, and entertainment opportunities, thereby encouraging economic development while decreasing congestion. The shuttle service will extend into downtown areas, including the Elizabeth River ferry landing, that are presently not conducive to pedestrian traffic due to extended walking distances. . The buses will be powered by hybrid technology, the first of their kind in Virginia. . The grants from CMAQ will provide $900,000 to purchase the buses (T4207), and another $155,000 a year for the next three years (T 4210, T 4211) to cover operational expenses. . Two of the projects will improve the signal system along Airline Boulevard. Development in this area is growing steadily (Victory Crossing, Victory Village, Kings Gate subdivision), but the thirty-year-old traffic signal system has not been upgraded to respond. As a result, traffic congestion has increased. . One grant from CMAQ will provide $900,000 (T4209) to upgrade the intersection at Alexander's Corner, and another grant will provide $1,500,000 (T4208) to upgrade the signals along Airline Boulevard to the Chesapeake city line. Financial Impact: . These projects will be funded with $3,610,000 of federal money. The related City project costs will be minimal. After all CMAQ funding has been expended, the City will need to evaluate the shuttle service, and if continued, will need to absorb the operational costs in the City's HRT budget. Economic development will increase in both downtown and the Alexander's Corner area due to the increased ease of travel, increase in the number of potential customers, and further strengthening of the connection with downtown Norfolk. Staff Recommends: Adoption of proposed resolution. Vision Principle: Bold New Directions, Neighborhood and Community Transformation, a Robust and Prospering Economy, and Pride of Past Promise of Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Begin project implementation following VDOT guidelines for local project administration. Motion by Mr. D. Smith, and seconded by Mr. R. Smith, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR CERTAIN TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH. WHEREAS, in accordance with Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) construction allocations procedures, it is necessary that City Council request by resolution that VDOT program urban highway projects in the City of Portsmouth: