2006-01-09 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing and Workshop Meeting of La Porte City Council

Browse Search

Program Guide . Call of 2005 - 2006 In order to justify the use of public funds for the purchase or improvement of properties, the amount of public funds expended should reflect the length of time the property is dedicated to public use for the activities being proposed. Recommended limits are as follows. COSTITIME Dedication: . Projects valued up to $200,000 should include = a minimum of 10 years dedication of property use . Projects valued from $200,000 to $1 million dollars should include = a minimum of 20 years dedication of property use . Project valued from $ 1 - 3 million dollars should include = a minimum of 30 years or more dedication of property use . Projects valued $ 3 million dollars or more should include = a dedication in perpetuity of property use Once a project is selected for funding, the nominating entity must enter into an agreement with TxDOT; stating that the facility will continue to be used for the purpose for which it was approved by the Commission, for the specified time proposed, and agrees to its maintenance and operations by the nominator during that time. Phase V - Construction Prior to construction, TxDOT requests approval from FHWA for obligation of federal funds for construction cost including associated costs such as project advertising, bid opening, awarding the contract, labor compliance, contract change order and project management. In order to ensure federal funding eligibility, projects must be authorized by TxDOT prior to advertising for construction. Approval for construction will be issued after environmental clearance is obtained, TxDOT approves construction plans, and all issues related to real property acquisition are resolved. Additionally, TxDOT must issue a State Letter of Authority (LOA) in order for a project to be authorized and let to construction. Projects may be constructed and administered by TxDOT. If requested and approved by TxDOT, the nominating entity may assume responsibility for construction and administration activities; however, TxDOT will retain oversight responsibility. Compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations is required. Additionally, if more than $50,000 of the project's work activities are pedestrian related or includes buildings, the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration must review the plans of the project to verify that they comply with the ADA. TxDOT assumes final approval and oversight of construction. The construction contractor will be chosen through a competitive bidding process approved by TxDOT. The selected bid must be approved by TxDOT's authorized representative prior to the award of the construction contract. When bids are accepted by the Commission, the award of the contract must go to the lowest responsive bidder. In the event competitive bidding is determined not to be a cost-effective method, the nominating entity may request 33 Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program