HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 02/19/2008 - RESOLUTION 2008-016 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER ITEM NUMBER: 21
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY DATE: February 19, 2008
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL STAFF: Kathleen Bracke
SUBJECT
Resolution 2008-016 Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into an Agreement with the Colorado
Department of Transportation for the Mason Corridor Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Grade-Separated
Crossing Project at the BNSF Railroad Tracks and Troutman Parkway.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The local matching funds for this grant funding will be provided by existing Building on Basics
(BOB) funds specifically intended for bicycle and pedestrian related projects.
These funds have previously been appropriated into the Mason Corridor project account as part of
the Council approved Budget for 2008-09:
2008 2009 Total
Federal Funds (82.79%) $ 600,000 $600,000 $1,200,000
Local Agency Matching Funds (17.21%) 150,000 $150,000 300,000
Total Budget: $ 750,000 $750,000 $1,500,000
This grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation(CDOT)will fund the preliminary and
final design, right-of-way, and construction costs for the Mason Trail Grade-Separated Crossing
Project, connecting across the BNSF railroad track at Troutman Parkway.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Resolution will authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with CDOT for the City to
receive the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant for the Mason Trail Grade-
Separated Crossing of the BNSF railroad tracks at Troutman Parkway. This grant from CDOT will
fund the preliminary and final design, right-of-way, and construction costs for this project. The
Mason Trail Grade-Separated Crossing of the BNSF railroad tracks at Troutman Parkway Project
will connect the neighborhoods west of the railroad corridor to/from the existing commercial and
employment areas on the east side of the tracks as well as to the future Mason Express or"MAX"
bus rapid transit station planned at Troutman Parkway. The Project is consistent with the adopted
Master Plan for the Mason Corridor Project.
February 19, 2008 -2- Item No. 21
BACKGROUND
When the first phase of the Mason trail was constructed (completed Fall 2006), the BNSF railroad
required the installation of a 6-foot high, wood post/rail fence covered with wire mesh in order to
keep people from unlawfully crossing the active freight line railroad tracks and its private property
due to safety/liability concerns. Since this fence has been installed, people have no choice but to
walkibike over 1/2 mile out of direction to reach their destinations; thus most people will resort to
driving their cars for these trip purposes or climbing over or through the new fence.
This new grade separated trail crossing of the BNSF railroad tracks is intended to solve this problem
by allowing people to safely and directly walk/bike for these trip purposes instead of driving their
cars.
The Mason bicycle/pedestrian trail system,including this grade separated trail crossing of the BNSF
railroad tracks at Troutman Parkway, will provide safe and direct connections for cyclists and
pedestrians of all ages and abilities to access the major commercial, employment centers, civic
activity centers along the Mason Corridor, as well as east and west to/from the adjacent
neighborhoods, schools, commercial/retail areas, and existing transit service along the South
College/US 287 corridor and to the future Mason Express—or"MAX" Bus Rapid Transit station
planned on the east side of the railroad tracks at Troutman Parkway.
The bicycle and pedestrian improvement is a critical community project and will help achieve City
and regional goals for increased use of alternative modes,reduced traffic congestion, and improved
air quality. This project is consistent with the City Master Transportation Plan, Bicycle Program
Plan, Master Street Plan, Pedestrian Plan, Mason Corridor Master Plan, and the goals of the Land
Use, Transportation, and Air Quality Boards. This project is also highly supported by local area
businesses, employers, and residents.
The following is a proposed schedule for the grade separated trail crossing of BNSF railroad at
Troutman Parkway site:
1. Preliminary Engineering April - December 2008 (This work will include the analysis
and evaluation of both underpass and overpass alternatives)
2. Final Engineering January—May 2009
3. Right-of-Way Acquisition Spring/Summer 2009
4. Construction: Fall/Winter 2009
ATTACHMENTS
1. Map of Mason Trail Grade-Separated Crossing of the BNSF railroad tracks at Troutman
Parkway
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RESOLUTION 2008-016
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE
COLOR-ADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE
MASON CORRIDOR BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN TRAIL GRADE-SEPARATED
CROSSING PROJECT AT THE BNSF RAILROAD TRACKS AND
TROUTMAN PARKWAY
WHEREAS, the Colorado Department of Transportation ("CDOT") has awarded the City
a grant in the amount of$1,200,000,with local matching funds in the amount of$300,000,for a total
budget of$1,500,000, for the Mason Corridor Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Grade-Separated Crossing
project at the BNSF Railroad Tracks and Troutman Parkway(the"Project"); and
WHEREAS,the aforesaid grant will fund the preliminary and final design,right-of-way,and
construction costs for the Project,which Project will connect the neighborhoods west of the railroad
corridor to and from the existing commercial and employment areas on the east side of the tracks as
well as to the future "Mason Express"bus rapid transit station planned to be located at Troutman
Parkway; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that the Project is consistent with the adopted
Master Plan for the Mason Corridor Project and that it is in the best interests of the City that the
grant agreement be executed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the Mayor is hereby authorized to enter into an agreement with CDOT in order for
the City to receive grant funding in the amount of $1,200,000, for the Mason Corridor
Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Grade-Separated Crossing Project at the BNSF Railroad Tracks and
Troutman Parkway and provided further that the City's matching funds to be contributed toward the
Project are in the amount of$300,000 for a total budget of$1,500,000.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 19th
day of February A.D. 2008.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk