Title
Resolution Requesting Endorsement, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Programming, and City Manager Project Agreement Execution Authorizing the Waterwalk Trail Project under the Recreational Trails Program
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The City of Hampton has identified the Waterwalk Trail (formerly Newmarket Creek Master Plan and subsequently Central Park) project to potentially qualify for DCR’s consideration of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The RTP is a federal matching reimbursement program for building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities under Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act that funds 80% of a project with Federal allocations and requires a 20% Local match.
Discussion:
The proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvements are included in the Bike Walk Hampton Plan, adopted by Council on December 14, 2016.
Impact:
This project/the RTP Program has a 20% local match requirement. Funding for this match will be requested in the FY20 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve Resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton (the "City") has identified the Waterwalk Trail project as a potential candidate for DCR’s consideration of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP);
WHEREAS, RTP is a federal matching reimbursement program for building and rehabilitating trails and trail-related facilities under Federal Highway Administration ("FHWA”) and authorized by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act that funds 80% of a project with Federal allocations and requires a 20% Local match;
WHEREAS, in accordance with construction allocation procedures, a resolution must be received from the sponsoring local jurisdiction or agency requesting the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (“DCR” or “the Department”) to establish a RTP project in the City;
WHEREAS, the City agrees to enter into a project administration agreement with DCR and provide the necessary oversight to ensure this project is developed in accordance with all state and federal requirements for design, right of way acquisition, and construction of a federally funded transportation project;
WHEREAS, the City will be responsible for maintenance and operating costs of any improvement constructed with RTP funds unless other arrangements have been made with the Department;
WHEREAS, if the City subsequently elects to cancel this project, it agrees to reimburse DCR for the total amount of costs expended by the Department through the date the Department is notified of such cancellation; and
WHEREAS, the City also agrees to repay any funds previously reimbursed that are later deemed ineligible by the FHWA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA:
1. requests DCR to establish a Recreational Trails Program in the City to include the Riverwalk Trail project for the construction of trail and trailhead improvements;
2. agrees to provide a minimum 20 percent matching contribution for the project expenditures; and
3. authorizes the City Manager or her authorized designee to execute project agreements and any additional agreements necessary to implement this Recreational Trails Program project.