Title
A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 24-82 TO INCREASE THE GRANT REQUEST AMOUNT WITH THE OHIO RAIL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION FOR THE HINES HILL ROAD GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT THROUGH THE OHIO GRADE CROSSING ELIMINATION PROGRAM; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
Brief Description: The City is partnering with the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) for a grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Grade Crossing Elimination Program. The original contribution request was $8,580,000, which was based off a total estimated project cost of $14,300,000. The new estimate project cost is $19.5 million; therefore, staff is requesting a grant in the amount up to $13,705,000.
Body
Legislative History
24-82 - Authorized Application and Enter into Agreement with ORDC; 7/16/2024
Purpose & Explanation
The Ohio Grade Crossing Elimination Program, through the ORDC provides funding to help local communities eliminate dangerous railroad crossings.
The ORDC is now preparing to apply for a Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Program grant later this year. The original grant request was for approximately $8,580,000 to be used for the Hines Hill Road Grade Separation project.
In August, the project estimate was reviewed by the Ohio Dept. Of Transportation (ODOT), design consultant and staff and increased to a total project cost of $22.2 million. The cost increase was due to inflation and unknown utility relocation costs associated with the project. Due to an increased cost estimate staff is requesting to increase the grant application amount up to $16,405,000 which is the total project cost minus previously secured funds and City costs ($19.5 million - $2.86 million ORDC grant funds - $2.86 million in City funds - $75,000 Norfolk Southern Funds = $13.705 million).
In addition, the estimated project schedule was updated and the project’s design and permitting is anticipated to last through 2027 and construction anticipated in 2028.
Legal Authority for Proposed Legislation
Pursuant to Charter Section 6.04:
Competitively bid and advertised for two consecutive weeks
Joint or Cooperative Purchase Program
Professional Services
X Other
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
_X__ No Appropriation needed
Does this legislation require use of an emergency clause?
X Yes - Legislation is needed for application submission
No
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends that City Council authorize the City Manager to accept funding from and to enter into an agreement with the Ohio Rail Development Commission for the Hines Hill Road Grade Separation Project.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer