Minutes 11/26/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 26, 2013 "ORDINANCE (A) ACCEPTING A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $168,550 FROM THE VIRGINIA LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND AND APPROPRIATING THE GRANT FUNDS IN THE FY 2013-14 GRANTS FUND, (B) AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A PROJECT AGREEMENT WITH THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION FOR USE OF THE GRANT FUNDS, AND (C) APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $168,550 FROM THE ELIZABETH RIVER PROJECT IN THE FY 2013-14 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TO BE USED FOR THE PARADISE CREEK NATURE PARK." Ayes: Cherry, Edmonds, Meeks, Moody, Psimas, Randall, Wright Nays: None 13 - 482 -Adoption of a resolution supporting the City of Portsmouth priority projects for the Virginia Department of Transportation Six-Year Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2015-2020. Vision Principles: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, and a Robust Economy for Working Men and Women. Background: • The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) develops a list of transportation projects to include in its Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) each year. • Transportation projects within the proposed SYIP include interstate, road, rail, bicycle, pedestrian and public transportation initiatives. They emphasize bridge and pavement projects along with those to improve safety and reduce congestion throughout the transportation network. • The public comment period is currently open for the proposed SYIP 2015-2020. Discussion: • City staff has identified priority projects to include in a comment letter to VDOT on its proposed Six-Year Improvement Program for fiscal year 2015-2020. • A funding request for the Churchland Bridge Replacement Project (current project) and the Paradise Creek (Victory Boulevard) Bridge Replacement project (future project). • A request that VDOT revisit contract for the Elizabeth River Tunnels project, specifically where tolls are used to pay for maintenance. An additional request that VDOT find an alternative funding source to pay for maintenance of the Downtown Tunnel-Midtown Tunnel-MLK Expressway Extension Project. • A request that VDOT set aside funding to offset a potential increase in tolls for projects (Mega Projects) that impact the Downtown Tunnel-Midtown Tunnel-MLK Expressway Extension Project. Financial Impact • Funding provided by VDOT for existing and future bridge replacement projects frees CIP funds for use on other City of Portsmouth projects. • Funding provided for maintenance of the ERT project and for future impacts due to Mega Projects will help keep the tolls down on these facilities to benefit of our residents and visitors to the City of Portsmouth. Recommended Action: • Adoption of the resolution. Vision Principles: Neighborhoods and a Sense of Community, and a Robust Economy for Working Men and Women. Next Steps Following Council Action: • Submit resolution and comment letter to VDOT by December 6, 2013. Motion by Ms. Psimas, and seconded by Mr. Meeks, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SIX-YEAR IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2015-2020.