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DMATS TAP Grant Application for Bee Branch Creek Trail Phase I
City of Dubuque ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Copyrighted November 20, 2017 Consent Items # 12. Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transit Study (DMATS) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant Application for Bee Branch Creek Trail. City Manager recommending approval of a resolution authorizing submittal of the DMATS TAP Grant application for the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 Project. RESOLUTION Authorizing DMATS TAP Grant application for Bee Branch Creek Trail Phase I Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) ATTACHMENTS: Description DMATS TAP Grant App Bee Branch Trail Phase 1 - MVM Memo Staff Memo Grant Application Exhibit A - Narrative Exhibit B - Map Resolution Type City Manager Memo Staff Memo Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation Resoluti ons THE CITY OF Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: DMATS TAP Grant Application for Bee Branch Creek Trail -Phase 1 DATE: November 15, 2017 Dubuque klitetri *America City �1i1t' 2007.2012 2013.2017 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending City Council approval of a resolution authorizing submittal of the DMATS TAP grant application for the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project written assurance of the required 20% of local match and maintenance of the completed project for a minimum of 20 years. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. 17brilva MicKael C. Van Miiiigen' MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Rick Dickinson, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, President and CEO Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque trittel All•Anerica City 2007.2012 2013.2017 TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager SUBJECT: DMATS TAP Grant Application for Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 DATE: November 15, 2017 Introduction This memo transmits for City Council review and approval, the City of Dubuque's application to the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funds for the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project adjacent to the 16th Street detention Basin. The application form, narrative discussion, location map, and a resolution are enclosed. Background DMATS is seeking applications for the TAP grant funds in the urbanized area. The Iowa Department of Transportation Study (IDOT) administers DMATS Transportation Enhancement Program grant funds as part of the federal pass-through funding in the IDOT Transportation Alternatives Program. TAP grants provide 80% of project costs. Cities must provide written assurance of the required 20% of local match and maintenance of the completed project for a minimum of 20 years. Discussion The Bee Branch Creek Trail - Phase 1 project will extend south from the existing Lower Bee Branch Trail across the Sycamore Street bridge at the intersection of 16th Street and Sycamore Street, then southeast under US Highway 61/151 along the shoreline of the 16th Street Detention Basin, then south to 12th Street adjacent to the Alliant Energy solar array, then east approximately 600 lineal feet towards Kerper Blvd. The project will consist of a 10 -foot paved multi -use trail to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The project is part of a multi -phase trail to be built along the restored Bee Branch Creek that will extend connections to two regional trails -- Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail — as well as to the citywide trail system. The project is part of a phased trail connection to the Jule public transit service and bicycle/pedestrian amenities at the City's Intermodal Transportation Center on Elm Street. The project will provide a connection to the new solar array installed by Alliant Energy adjacent to the project. Alliant Energy plans to construct a 10 -foot paved trail adjacent to the educational features of the solar array site that will be open to the public. 1 The project fulfills the top and high priorities, goals, and objectives of the DMATS 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan. The project is included in the DMATS Plan. Budget Impact The 0.38 -mile Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project has an estimated total cost of $525,000. The 80% TAP grant request will be $420,000. The City has the 20% local match of $105,000 available in FY202 Sales Tax Increment (STI) from the State Flood Mitigation Program for the Bee Branch Creek Watershed Flood Mitigation project. The project cost breakdown is as follows: Construction $420,000 Engineering (15%) 63,000 Contingency (10%) 42,000 Total $525,000 The project funding breakdown is as follows: DMATS TAP Grant (80%) $420,000 City FY2020 STI Funds (20%) $105,000 Total $525,000 Recommendation recommend the City Council approve the resolution authorizing submittal of the DMATS TAP grant application for the Bee Branch Creek Trail - Phase 1 project written assurance of the required 20% of local match and maintenance of the completed project for a minimum of 20 years. Enclosures cc: Marie Ware, Leisure Services Manager Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Steve Brown, Project Manager Jenny Larson, Budget Director 2 Prepared by: Laura Carstens. City Planner Address: City Hall. 50 W. 13th St. Dubuaue, IA 52001 Telephone: 589-4210 Return to: Kevin Firnstahl. Citv Clerk Address: Citv Hall. 50 W. 13th St. Dubuaue. IA 52001 Telephone: 589-4121 RESOLUTION NO, 366-17 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING DMATS TAP GRANT APPLICATION FOR BEE BRANCH CREEK TRAIL — PHASE 1 Whereas, the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) is seeking applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funds; and Whereas, the Iowa Department of Transportation Study (IDOT) administers DMATS Transportation Enhancement Program grant funds as part of the federal pass-through funding in the IDOT Transportation Alternatives Program; and Whereas, the City of Dubuque has allocated local Sales Tax Increment funds in the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project to match the requested TAP grant funds for construction of the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign the TAP grant application for construction of the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project. Section 2. That the City Council hereby provides its written assurance that the local match funds required for the project will be provided and that the completed project will be adequately maintained for its intended use for a minimum of 20 years in accordance with grant requirements. Passed, approved and adopted this 20th day of November, 2017, Attest: Kevin g. `Firnstahl, Cty Clerk Roy D. 1? -f ol, Mayor &IOWADOT Form 240004 (10-17) APPLICATION FORM FOR IOWA'S TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) FUNDS General information Regional planning affiliation (RPA)/ Metropolitan planning organization (MPO) Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Eligible sponsor/ applicant agency City of Dubuque Contact person (name and title) Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Street address and/or box number 50 W. 13th Street City Dubuque Phone number State IA 563-589-4210 Email lcarsten@cityofdubuque.org If more than one agency or organization is involved inthis project, please state the name, contact person, mailing address, and telephone number of the second agency. (Attach an additional page if more than two agencies are involved.) Applicant agency Contact person (name and title) Street address and/or box number City Phone number Email State Proiect information Project title Bee Branch Creek Trail- Phase 1 Project description (Provide summary details of only the project scope that is the subject of the funding request. Do not provide details of completed or future phases of a larger project.) The Bee Branch Creek Greenway Trail -Phase 1 project extends south from the existing Lower Bee Branch Trail across the Sycamore Street bridge at the intersection of 16th Street and Sycamore Street, then southeast under US Highway 61/151 along the shoreline of the 16th Street Detention Basin, then south to 12th Street adjacent to the Alliant Energy solar array, then east approximately 600 lineal feet towards Kerper Blvd. The project will consist of a 10 -foot paved multi -use trail built to SUDAS and AASHTO Standards to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The project will extend a connection to two regional trails: Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail. If this project includes construction of a trail, what is the length of the trail in miles? 0.38 If this project includes land acquisition, how many acres? Safe Routes to School (SRTS) project (All information required by Attachment B must be included with this application.) If a construction project, is this project located within 2 miles of a primary or middle school (grades K-8)? ❑ Yes ❑ No Iowa Byways project Is this project located within a designated scenic or historic byway corridor? ❑ Yes 0 No If yes, has the project been endorsed by the appropriate byway board? ['Yes ❑ No Will this project be open to the public? 0 Yes ❑ No Do you intend to charge a fee to users? ❑ Yes ❑® No If yes, how much will the fee be and how will the revenue be used? 1 Estimated project costs Provide summary details of only the project scope that is the subject of the funding request. Do not provide details of completed or future phases of a larger project. Right of way acquisition cost $0.00 Preliminary design/engineering cost $0.00 Utility relocation cost $0.00 Construction engineering cost $63,000.00 Construction cost $420,000.00 Indirect cost (if applicable) $0.00 Noninfrastructure cost (SRTS only) $0.00 Other (please specify) 10% Contingency $42,000.00 Total cost $525,000.00 Iowa's TAP program funding request $420,000.00 Applicant match (20 percent minimum) $105,000.00 Applicant match source 1. City of Dubuque STI Fund 2. 3. Assured or anticipated Amount (date anticipated) $105,000.00 Assured FY2020 CIP Budget Are any state funds involved in this project? 0 Yes ❑ No If yes, please explain the source and conditions. The City of Dubuque has been awarded Sales Tax Increment (STI) funding by the State of Iowa for the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. Bike/Hike trails along the restored Bee Branch Creek Bee, like Phase 1 of the Branch Creek Greenway Trail, are part of the planned improvements for the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. The City of Dubuque STI Fund has $105,000.00 budget for the local match of the TAP grant application in Fiscal Year 2020 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Are any other federal funds involved in this project? ❑ Yes 1 No If yes, please explain the source and conditions. (Please note here if you have previously been awarded funding for this project from the Statewide TAP program or from a Local Project TAP program administered by an MPO or RPA.) 2 Estimated project development schedule Design Start date Jul 1, 2019 Completion date Jan 31, 2020 Land acquisition Start date Completion date Construction Start date Mar 1, 2020 Completion date Oct 31, 2020 Noninfrastructure Start date Completion date Has any part of this project been started? ['Yes ❑ No If yes, please explain. The City of Dubuque Engineering Department has completed preliminary engineering and cost estimates. Documentation and narrative information The following documents and narratives must be submitted with this application. In the upper right corner of each document or narrative write the corresponding letter shown below. El A. A narrative discussion of the project. Please limit to five pages in length. Your narrative should incorporate answers to the following questions. 1. What is the proiect? Provide a clear description of the concept of the proposed project, including such information as existing site conditions, trail length, number/acreage of parcels to be acquired, general construction activities planned, etc. For a nonconstruction project, provide a summary of the planned activities to be part of the project with a description of each. Remember to provide summary details of only the project scope that is the subject of the funding request. Do not provide details of completed or future phases of a project. 2. Whv is the proiect needed? Provide adequate project justification based on existing or estimated future use of the facility. If the project is a SRTS project, your discussion should address the existing hazards to walking or biking to school and how your project will mitigate these hazards. 3. If your proiect is a trail or sidewalk proiect. how will it enhance connectivity to other existina transportation facilities or provide linkaaes with local amenities. activity nodes, or points of interest? This may include a description of how the project will assist older citizens, the economically disadvantaged, persons with disabilities, nondrivers, or other special populations or groups to access the transportation system. 4. How does your proiect relate to the transportation system and what is its functional relationship. proximity, or impact to an existina or planned transportation facility? If this is a regional project, what is its value to your region and how will it be a functional addition to the transportation system and region as a whole if no additional development funds are received? If this is a statewide or multiregional project, assess the value of this project from a statewide or multiregional perspective. 5. If this oroiect is part of a laraer multiphase proiect. how will your proiect complement the phases already completed or planned for the future? Keep in mind that the discussion of other completed or future phases of your project should not be the focus of your application or this narrative. 6. How ready is your proiect to begin? For example, is all funding in place or are some initial steps completed (e.g., environmental studies, preliminary design)? If some parts of the project have already been started, describe how that head start will allow your project to move quickly once awarded. 7. Are there environmentally sensitive or culturally sianificant areas that may be affected by your proiect? If so, how might those areas influence your project's ability to gain compliance with Section 106 or National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 requirements? 8. To what dearee will the proposed proiect fulfill the aoals and/or priorities of the most recent MPO or RPA Iona -range transportation plan? B. A detailed map identifying the location of the project. The project scope should be clear and the map may also include other important information referred to in the narrative such as important transportation linkages, clearly marked completed or future project phases, etc. If the project is a SRTS project, the map shall indicate the K-8 school(s) to be served by the project, show a 2 -mile radius of the school, identify neighborhoods served by the school, and hazards for children to walk or bike to school. More than one map may be submitted if the scope of the project is such that the desired detail is not feasible to be included on just one map. Limit map sizes to no larger than 8.5 -by -11 -inches. 3 E C. A sketch plan of the project, including cross section for bicycle or pedestrian facilities. If the cross section of your facility varies across the project (width, number of lanes, etc.) include a cross section for each situation and identify its location. (Required for construction projects only.) ® D. Digital photographs (limit to five) that will help to explain the existing site conditions of the proposed facility. It is not necessary to include photographs of all aspects or the entire route of a project. Photos submitted should be representative of the project as a whole or should support any particularly compelling or complex description included in the narrative provided in item A above. E. • F. • G. An itemized breakdown of the total project costs. This documentation does not need to be a detailed, line -item type estimate or formal engineer's opinion of probable cost. However, it must accomplish two objectives: 1) it must show the method by which the cost estimate was prepared; and 2) it must enable a reviewer to determine if the cost estimate is reasonable. The manner in which these objectives are achieved may vary widely depending on the type, scope, and complexity of the project. Absent a fully itemized list of costs, some general guidelines for possible methods of estimating each type of project cost are provided on Attachment A. The itemized breakdown should reflect costs in the planned project execution year estimated in your time schedule provided as part of item F below. It is preferable that this breakdown be provided by a licensed professional. If not, it is the responsibility of the applicant to explain the rationale and source of the assumptions used to develop the cost breakdown to allow a reviewer to have confidence in their accuracy. An estimated time schedule for the total project development. Local Project TAP program funded projects will be required to be programmed within the next four-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). window. Once programmed, a project funding agreement will be executed and projects will be required to submit a concept statement and initiate preliminary plans within the programmed year. Projects will be required to be let within two years of funds being available (programmed) to the project. Upon award and execution of a project funding agreement, projects that fail to make satisfactory progress may be terminated by the Iowa Department of Transportation. An official endorsement of the project from the authority to be responsible for the project's maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance it will adequately maintain the completed project for its intended public use following project completion. For most construction projects, this will be a minimum of 20 years. The endorsement must also acknowledge the intent of the authority to provide the match funds required for the project. For cities, counties, or other political subdivisions, this should be in the form of a fully executed resolution by the elected body or board, as applicable. • H. If applicable, a letter of support of the project from the scenic or heritage byway board. The board's letter should also address the project's relationship to the byway's intrinsic qualities, how the project will also have a statewide or multiregional impact, and whether the project is included in the byway's current corridor management plan. I. If applicable, the items listed in Attachment B shall be provided. If this project application is for a SRTS project, the applicant will complete and address the items provided in Attachment B, which are required only if the project is applying as a SRTS project. Failure to provide this information may result in the project not being considered as a SRTS project under the Statewide TAP program. • J. A narrative discussing the public input process that was followed and the extent to which adjacent property owners and others have been informed of the proposed project and an assessment of their acceptance. As part of this narrative, also describe local and regional planning efforts related to the project, including whether it is listed in a long-range plan. Also include discussion of any partnerships among local organizations and stakeholders that this project may help to facilitate or how these entities or individuals have contributed to the development of the project concept or have committed financial or other support to the project. ® K. A letter of support from the Iowa DOT's district office if the project will include construction within Iowa DOT right of way. © L. A completed Minority Impact Statement. 4 The award of Iowa's TAP program funds; any subsequent funding or letting of contracts for design, construction, reconstruction, improvement, or maintenance; or the furnishing of materials shall not involve direct or indirect interest, prohibited by Iowa Code 314.2, 362.5, or 331.342, of any state, county, or city official, elective or appointive. Any award of funding or any letting of a contract in violation of the foregoing provisions shall invalidate the award of funding and authorize a complete recovery of any funds previously disbursed. Certification To the best of my knowledge and belief, all information included in this application is true and accurate, including the commitment of all physical and financial resources. This application has been duly authorized by the participating local authority. I understand that the attached official endorsement(s) binds the participating authority to assume responsibility for adequate maintenance of any new or improved facilities. I understand that, although this information is sufficient to secure a commitment of funds, an executed contract between the applicant and the Iowa DOT is required prior to the authorization of funds. Representing the City of Dubuque Aos, Typed name/and title 5 Roy D. Buol, Mayor &IOWA DOT Form 105101t (12-16) Minority Impact Statement Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code 8.11, all grants applications submitted to the State of Iowa that are due beginning Jan. 1, 2009, shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is the state's mechanism for requiring grant applications to consider the potential impact of the grant project's proposed programs or policies on minority groups. Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the information requested for the chosen statement(s). Submit additional pages as necessary. ❑ The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique positive impact on minority persons. Describe the positive impact expected from this project. Indicate which groups are impacted. ❑ Women ❑ Persons with a disability ❑ Blacks ❑ Latinos ❑ Asians 0 Pacific Islanders 0 American Indians El Alaskan Native Americans ❑ Other The proposed grant project programs or policies could have a disproportionate or unique negative impact on minority persons. Describe the negative impact expected from this project. Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy. 6 Provide evidence of consultation with representatives of the minority groups impacted. Indicate which groups are impacted. ® Women ® Persons with a disability 0 Pacific Islanders ® American Indians © Blacks E Latinos fl Alaskan Native Americans 0 Asians El Other The proposed grant project programs or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or unique impact on minority persons. Present the rationale for determining no impact. Although this project is located in a Census tract and serves several neighborhoods with higher population of minority groups than the City of Dubuque as a whole, the project functions as part of a free citywide bicycle and pedestrian network with connections to regional trails. The citywide and regional aspects of the trail system suggests that all people will have the same opportunity to access and use the project. Therefore, the proposed project is not expected to have a disproportionate or unique impacts on minority persons. 1 hereby certify that the information on this form is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge. Name Laura Carstens Title Planning Services Manager Definitions "Minority Persons," as defined in Iowa Code 8.11, means individuals who are women, persons with a disability, Blacks, Latinos, Asians or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native Americans. "Disability," as defined in Iowa Code 15.102, subsection 7, paragraph "b," subparagraph (1): b. As used in this subsection: (1) 'Disability" means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, a record of physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, or being regarded as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual. "Disability" does not include any of the following: (a) Homosexuality or bisexuality. (b) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments or other sexual behavior disorders. (c) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania. (d) Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs. "State Agency," as defined in Iowa Code 8.11, means a department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or authority of the State of Iowa. 7 REQUEST FOR IOWA'S TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) FUNDS ATTACHMENT A Itemized breakdown of total project costs guidelines. Construction costs These may be based on historical averages for entire projects of similar size and scope. Examples include: ■ Typical cost per mile of trail (e.g., $XXX)XX per mile for moderate terrain and limited number of structures). ■ Typical cost per square foot of bridge deck. ■ Typical cost per square foot of new or renovated building space. ■ Typical cost per lineal foot of sidewalk. Design/Inspection costs These may be estimated based on the following typical percentages of construction costs, such as: • 8 to 10 percent for preliminary up through final design and letting activities. ■ 12 to 15 percent for construction inspection activities. Right of way acquisition costs These may be estimated based on: • Impact and description of impact. • Typical cost per square foot for permanent right of way. • Typical cost per square foot for temporary easements. Utility and railroad costs These may be estimated based on: ■ Impact and description of impact. • Typical cost per linear foot of relocated or reconstructed facility (i.e., track, pipe, electrical lines). • Typical cost per installation (i.e., railroad switches, utility poles, transformers, control boxes). Indirect costs If indirect costs are involved (e.g., wages): • Estimated hours. • Estimated hourly rate, salary. • Estimated fringe, direct. • Other direct cost estimate. • Other indirect cost estimate. 8 REQUEST FOR IOWA'S TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) FUNDS ATTACHMENT B For Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects only. 1. Provide the following information about the affected school and student population. (To answer items f, g, h, and i below, use the data collection forms, tips, and instructions provided at htto://www.saferoutesinfo.ora/data-centrat/data-collection-forms to gather the necessary data. Do not send your survey forms with this application.) a) School name b) Grades of students at school c) Number of students at school d) Number of K-8 students at school e) Distance eligibility for riding a bus (radius) in miles f) Number of K-8 students who currently walk to school g) Number of K-8 students who currently bicycle to school h) Number of K-8 students currently driven to school i) Number of K-8 students currently bused to school j) Number of K-8 children eligible for busing k) Number of K-8 students who attend this school and live within 2 miles of the school 2. A narrative discussing your plans for evaluating the success of the project. The SRTS program goal is to enable and encourage more children to walk and bicycle to school. How will you measure your success? What method will you use to determine whether more children are walking and bicycling to school? What are your specific user goals for this project? Your plans for measurement should minimally include using the student survey forms provided at htto://www.saferoutesinfo.orp/data-central/data-collection-forms. to gather before and after figures for the number of K-8 students who are: a) Walking to school. b) Bicycling to school. c) Driven to school. d) Bused to school. 9 A. Narrative Discussion 1. What is the project? The Bee Branch Creek Trail - Phase 1 project extends south from the existing Lower Bee Branch Trail across the Sycamore Street bridge at the intersection of 16th Street and Sycamore Street, then southeast under US Highway 61/151 along the shoreline of the 16th Street Detention Basin, then south to 12th Street adjacent to the Alliant Energy solar array, then east approximately 600 lineal feet towards Kerper Blvd. The project will consist of a 10 -foot paved multi -use trail built to SUDAS and AASHTO Standards to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The project site is level ground along the rip -rapped shoreline of the 16th St. Detention Basin and in the Iowa DOT property between 12th Street and 11th Street along highway. The site is generally covered with grass and/or gravel. General construction activities will include: earthwork and subbase; installation of pipe culvert; installation of asphalt pavement and pavement marking; installation of sidewalks, chain link fence, and signs; installation of electrical service, bases, and controller for pedestrian scale street lights; seeding; and erosion and sediment control. 2. Why is the project needed? The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project is part of a multi -phase trail project along the restored Bee Branch Creek that will extend connections to two regional trails -- Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail — as well as to the citywide trail system. The project will provide a connection to the new solar array installed by Alliant Energy adjacent to the route of Phase 1 of the Bee Branch Creek Trail along the 16th Street Detention Basin and 12th Street. The 1.2 -megawatt solar array features an educational display and information to teach visitors about advancements in clean energy technology. It started generating clean energy in September 2017. Alliant Energy plans to construct a 10 -foot paved trail adjacent to the educational features of the solar array site that will be open to the public. 3. If your proiect is a trail or sidewalk proiect, how will it enhance connectivity to other existing transportation facilities or provide linkages with local amenities. activity nodes, or points of interest? Regional Connections The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project will extend a connection to two regional trails: Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail. The County and City sections of the Heritage Trail are part of the backbone system of the State Recreational Trail Plan. The Dubuque County Heritage Trail is a National Recreation Trail. 1 A. Portions of the Dubuque County Heritage Trail and the City's Heritage Trail Riverfront System are part of the designated route for the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) through Iowa. The MRT is a 2,000 -mile bike trail system being developed through the river cities and river landscapes in the 10 states along the Mississippi River from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Connections to Amenities In rural Dubuque County, the Heritage Trail is a 32 -mile off-road trail of crushed limestone that follows an abandoned railroad line from Dyersville to Dubuque. The eastern trailhead, Heritage Pond and Trail Interpretive Area, is located 3 miles north of Dubuque on U.S. 52 at Rupp Hollow Road. Fishing and picnic areas are available at Heritage Pond. The trail links the communities of Dubuque, Dyersville, Farley, Epworth, Graf, Durango and Sageville in Dubuque County. Dubuque County's portion of Heritage Trail connects with the City of Dubuque's portion of Heritage Trail along the former Chicago -Great Western Railroad right-of-way via a bike/pedestrian bridge over U.S. 52 and an underpass under Iowa 386 (John Deere Road). In the City of Dubuque, Heritage Trail is a 13 -mile trail system that extends south to the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, with side routes to the America's River project at the Port of Dubuque, to City riverfront parks, and the Mississippi River using signed routes on City streets and several off-road trail segments where possible. Bicyclists and pedestrians can safely access a variety of recreational uses, including hiking, biking, jogging, picnicking, fishing, and other recreational facilities at City and County parks and recreational facilities. Accessibility The City of Dubuque's Heritage Trail segment is accessible to Dubuque's Downtown, North End, Point, and Washington Neighborhoods. These areas have a higher percentage of older residents, the economically disadvantaged, persons with disabilities, nondrivers, and minority populations. The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project is part of a phased trail connection to the Jule public transit service and amenities at the City's Intermodal Transportation Center on Elm Street, which will improve access to the transportation system for these groups. 4. How does your proiect relate to the transportation system and what is its functional relationship. proximity, or impact to an existing or planned transportation facility? The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project the project functions as part of a free citywide bicycle and pedestrian network with connections to regional trails. The project extends links to existing bike/hike trails, and links to proposed and existing portions of the bicycle and pedestrian network in the immediate area. The project is part of a multi- phase trail project that will extend connections to two regional trails -- Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail -- as well as to the citywide trail system. 2 A. to the Jule public transit service and bike/pedestrian amenities at the City's Intermodal Transportation Center on Elm Street. 5. If this project is part of a larger multiphase proiect, how will your proiect complement the phases already completed or planned for the future? The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project is the initial part of a multi -phase trail project. It will extend the regional connections to the Dubuque Heritage Trail and Mississippi River Trail via an off-road trail. Completion of Phase 1 of the Bee Branch Creek Trail will shorten the distance to reach the Jule public transit service and bike/pedestrian amenities at the City's Intermodal Transportation Center on Elm Street. Later phases of the Bee Branch Creek Trail will continue the 10 -foot paved off-road trail, thereby further enhancing accessibility for older residents, the economically disadvantaged, persons with disabilities, nondrivers, and minority populations. 6. How ready is vour proiect to begin? All funding is in place, preliminary engineering has been done, and no land acquisition is needed, and active discussions have been held with key stakeholders: the Iowa DOT and Alliant Energy. This state of readiness will allow the Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project to move quickly once awarded. 7. Are there environmentally sensitive or culturally sianificant areas that may be affected by your proiect? The Bee Branch Creek Trail — Phase 1 project will not affect any environmentally sensitive areas. The project site is level ground along the rip -rapped shoreline of the 16th St. Detention Basin and in the Iowa DOT property between 12th Street and 11th Street along highway. The site is generally covered with grass and/or gravel. The project will not affect any culturally significant areas. The project is within the Area of Potential Effect (APE) approved by the State Historic Preservation Office for the Bee Branch Creek Restoration Project as part of the Section 106 consultation and mitigation process. The historic / architectural survey and evaluation report and the required archeological surveys were reviewed and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office. 8. To what dearee will the proposed proiect fulfill the Goals and/or priorities of the most recent MPO or RPA Iona-ranae transportation plan? The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Dubuque and the surrounding urbanized area. The DMATS 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan was adopted in October 2016, and amended in January and November of 2017. Top and High priorities were established in the Plan for the DMATS urbanized area. The Bee Branch Creek Trail project fulfills the following priorities, goals, and objectives of the DMATS 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan: 3 A. Top Priority 2. Transportation projects and programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the region's dependency on oil, reduce vehicle miles traveled and improve regional air quality. • Goal: Protect and enhance the natural environment and support energy conservation and management. ✓ Objective 3: Increase the percentage of trips made by bicycling or walking. Top Priority 3: Transportation projects should support high-density, mixed used development that helps decrease reliance on personal vehicles. High Priority 1: Transportation projects that promote healthy lifestyles, like biking and walking. • Goal: Provide a high degree of multi -modal accessibility and mobility for individuals. This should include better integration and connectivity between modes of travel. ✓ Objective 5: Provide more trails to connect destinations throughout the community, including the completion of existing regional and local trail systems. 4 1 rt.! j BEE BRANCH CREEKSRAIIIIMIJECT PHASE1 ...r.. 1,4 • (J) 2 s r Legend Phase 1 Alliant Energy Segment - — - Phase 2 Phase 3 Existing Trail System Intermodal Transportation_ Center DISCIAIPIER: TN, IHonreuon Ass cnwi4J ut,M 1.0 a• 0•09. 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