R-2006-11 approve submittal of two nominations to TXDOT statewide transportation enhancement program

Browse Search

REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requested: April 24, 2006 Appropriation Requested By: Debra Dye Source of Funds: Department: CMO Main Street Program Acc't Number: Report: ~Resolution: X Ordinance: Amount Budgeted: Exhibits: Photographs Amount Requested: Exhibits: Bud!!"eted Item: YES NO X Exhibits: SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Below is a summary of the La Porte Main Street Connection which the City Council took under consideration on January 23. 2006 and approved moving forward with applying for the Texas Department of Transportation's Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program: I. STREETSCAPE - This portion will impact the North and South sides of West and East Main Street and includes new sidewalks, bump outs, angle parking, single lanes of traffic, ramps, curbs, landscaping, irrigation, infrastructure replacement, dropping the power lines under ground, new pedestrian and traffic lighting with decorative elements, wayfinding signage, street signs, benches, trashcans, decorative intersections, cross walks, and stop lights, abandonment and replacement of the 50 year old 4" waterline in the right-of-way with 8" line to be located in the north alley. II. WALKWAY - This portion will impact San Jacinto Street, from Main Street to Park Street, and includes installing a sidewalk with landscaping and irrigation, pedestrian lights with decorative elements, and benches along the southwest side of San Jacinto. This is part of the hike and bike trail previously approved by City Council and voted on by the citizens, it will also begin connecting with sidewalks along the Safe Routes to School route along Broadway. This project will help connect the neighborhoods surrounding Main Street and San Jacinto to downtown and the bay by making the entire area walkable and enjoyable. Much of this area is not serviced with sidewalks, making it difficult to travel on foot from one location to another. By making this an attractive, practical asset it will increase the quality of life for the community and be a draw for visitors and tourists. One of the by-products will be a high impact visual enhancement which will aid in revitalizing our historic downtown and serve as an economic driver in La Porte and the region. This will help define La Porte as a tourist destination and enable us to partner with other entities to keep tourism dollars in this region. This project will cost approximately $5 million dollars, with the City of La Porte being responsible for 20% of the project, or approximately $1 million dollars. It should be noted that any cost overruns must be funded entirely by the match partner, so the City would be obligated for 100% of any cost overruns for approved projects. The estimated time of completion for funded TXDOT STEP programs are 2011. The potential of overruns are great with inflation being a factor - we have added 30% to the figures to help accommodate the inflation, but it remains to be seen if that is enough.