Title
Resolution to Approve the Acceptance of a Grant from the Virginia Port Authority's Commonwealth Port Fund of up to $50,000.00 for Construction of Bulkhead, Wharf and Walkway on the Downtown Waterfront
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
In 2017 the City of Hampton applied for grant monies of up to $50,000.00 from Virginia Port Authority's (the "Port Authority") Commonwealth Port Fund for certain Downtown waterfront repairs, maintenance, and improvements, in the area of the intersection of King Street and Rudd Lane. The Port Authority approved, authorized and awarded to the City $50,000.00, to be drawn by June 30, 2018. Through the efforts of Steven Lynch, Interim Director of Economic Development, the Port Authority has carried over this award, most recently by resolution dated May 9, 2023, with the date to draw down funds now extended to June 30, 2024. The Port Authority also authorized the City to use those funds for the construction of the new bulkhead, wharf, and walkway, also in the area of King Street and Rudd Lane. Public Works has recently awarded a contract for the work to be (partially) funded by this grant award; so it is anticipated those awarded funds will be utilized without the need for further extension.
Discussion:
See Purpose/Background above.
Impact:
See Purpose/Background above.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve the Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, in September 1986, the Virginia General Assembly established the Commonwealth Port Fund in order to support port capital needs of all ocean, river or tributary ports with the Commonwealth;
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Port Authority (the "Port Authority") found it necessary and in the public interest, pursuant to its statutory responsibility, to establish a policy governing disbursement of a portion of the Commonwealth Port Fund to local governmental entities in order to foster and stimulate the flow of commerce through the ports of Virginia, such policy ("Aid to Local Ports Policy") being adopted on July 28, 1987, and last amended on November 18, 2014;
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Aid to Local Ports Policy, the City of Hampton applied for a grant of up to $50,000.00 for certain improvements to the Downtown waterfront in the area of the intersection of Kings Street and Rudd Lane;
WHEREAS, by Board Resolution dated May 23, 2017, the City of Hampton grant was approved and the requested funds became available to be drawn upon until June 30, 2018;
WHEREAS, the City requested and the Port Authority granted annual extensions for the use of those funds;
WHEREAS, most recently, the Port Authority, by Board Resolution dated May 9, 2023, authorized the City of Hampton to carry over those funds until June 30, 2024;
WHEREAS, the Port Authority further authorized the City to use the awarded funds for the construction of the new bulkhead, wharf, and walkway, in the area of King Street and Rudd Lane (the "Construction");
WHEREAS, the City has awarded a contract for the Construction; and
WHEREAS, the City will draw down the awarded funds as payments become due to the recipient of that contract award.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2024 Council Approved Budget to accepts the Virginia Port Authority Aid to Local Ports Funding in an amount up to $50,000.00, and any supplemental funding, and appropriates those funds to the Grants Fund for the purposes set forth in this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager, or her designee, is authorized to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award.