Historic Bluffs Proj TEA GrantMEMORANDUM
September 23, 2002
TO:The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT:TEA-21 Grant Application for the Historic Bluffs Trail Project (Hodgdon
Street and CatherineNVest Locust Street Step Restoration)
Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens recommends approval of a TEA-21 grant
application and resolution for design, engineering and construction cost for the Historic
Bluffs Trail Project, which involves restoration of the Hodgdon Street and
Catherine/West Locust Street steps. This project is an important link between the
Dubuque Heritage Trail extension and the historic, scenic neighborhoods at the top of
the bluffs.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MiChael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
MEMORANDUM
September 20, 2002
TO:Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM:Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager
SUBJECT:TEA-21 Grant Application for the Historic Bluffs Trail Project (Hodgdon
Street and Catherine/West Locust Street step restoration)
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum presents for City Council consideration and approval a TEA-21
grant application and a resolution for design, engineering and construction cost for the
Historic Bluffs Trail Project, which involves restoration of the Hodgdon Street and
Catherine/West Locust Street steps. This project is an important link between the
Dubuque Heritage Trail extension and the historic, scenic neighborhoods at the top of
the bluffs. The TEA-21 funds are distributed by the Iowa Department of Transportation
on a competitive basis through a Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program.
The TEA-21 grants require that the City maintain the project for twenty years after
completion.
BACKGROUND
The City submitted a similar grant application to the IDOT for restoration of the
Hodgdon Street and Catherine/West Locust Street steps. This grant was not funded.
Based on review comments from the State, City staff from the Planning Services,
Community and Economic Development and Public Works Departments reworked the
TEA-21 application for the Hodgdon Street and Catherine/West Locust Street steps to
strengthen the linkage with the Dubuque Heritage Trail extension. Copies of the ClP's
for the two sets of steps are attached.
DISCUSSION
The proposed project will consist of the demolition of the existing steps and
reconstruction of new steps in the same location and of the same historic design. The
Hodgdon Street steps will include the replacement of 145 concrete steps on grade, 300
feet of handrail, 312 feet of concrete sidewalk, and the installation of lighting and
landscaping. The Catherine/West Locust Street steps will include replacement of 108
concrete steps on grade, 162 feet of handrail, 80 feet of concrete sidewalk, the
trimming of excess brush and installation of landscaping. The design of both projects
ISTEA Grant Application
September 20, 2002
Page 2
will incorporate the use of tinted concrete and limestone materials to blend the new
structure with the surroundings and to reflect the extensive use of native limestone
architecture throughout Dubuque's historic neighborhoods. Way finding and
interpretive signs have been added to the project.
The estimated cost of the project is $514,100. This includes design, engineering,
construction, sign installation and project management. The application requests 50%
of the project cost, or $257,050 in Enhancement Funds. The remaining 50% of the
project cost would be provided from General and Road Use Tax Funds as local match.
RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that the City Council adopt the attached resolution and approve the
submittal of this project to IDOT for Statewide Transportation Enhancement funds and
the use of budgeted CIP funds as the source of the 50% local match if the project is
funded by IDOT.
LC/mkr
Attachments
cc: Pauline Joyce, Administrative Services Manager
Prepared by: Laura Carstens. City Planner Address: Cilv Hall. 50 W. 13th St Telephone: 589-4210
RESOLUTION NO. 527-02
RESOLUTION APROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF AN APPLIClATION FOR STATEWIDE
TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT FUNDING TO THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FOR THE HISTORIC BLUFFS TRAIL PROJECT.
Whereas, the Iowa Department of Transportation has announced the availability of
Statewide Transportation Enhancement Funds; and
Whereas, the rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation structures and
facilities for pedestrians and bicycles are eligible activities for enhancement funding; and
Whereas, design, engineering and construction costs are eligible for enhancement
funding; and
Whereas, the City has an adopted Hedtage Trail Master Plan, that includes a trail system
with neighborhood linkages along West Locust Street and throughout the city.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the Mayor is authorized to sign and submit this application to the
Iowa Department of Transportation for Statewide Transportation Enhancement Funds for the
Historic Bluffs Trail Project.
Section 2. That the City Council authorizes the City Manager to utilize budgeted
Capital Improvement Program funds to provide the match required by this program.
Section 3. That in the event said application is approved, the City Council hereby
provides its wdtten assurance that the completed project will be adequately maintained for its
intended public use for a minimum of twenty (20) years following the projeCt.
Section 4. That the City of Dubuque agrees to abide by all local, state and federal
requirements applicable to the proposed projects.
.Passed, approved and adopted this 7th
Attest:
day of October 2002.
Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor
Jeanne F. Schneider, City Clerk
Iowa Department of Transportation
Request for Statewide Transportation Enhancement Funds
Project Costs (An itemized breakdown must be included on an attached eheeO:
Estimated lend cost $ 0
Estimate~ engineering cost $ 67 - 057
Estimated cor~i, uction cost $ a,~?. oa~
Other Costs $ n
Estimated Total Cost $ 5! '_, ! O0
Enhancement Fund Requeat $ 257,352
Applicant Match (30% minimum) $ 257,050
Match Source Amount Assured or Anticipated
C~t~ of DuI~uque ~2~7.050 ~ss~ed
Are any state funds involved in this project? n Yes ~ No
if yes, please explain the source and conditions
Are any other federal funds involved in this project? n Yes :E~No
If yes, please explain the source and conditions
Estimated Project Development Schedule:
Design (start and con~oletion date)
Land Acquisition (atazt and completion date)
Construction (start and completion date)
Has eny part of this project been started? nyes li=lNo
If yes, explain
Will this project be open to the public?
Do you intend a charge a fee to users?
if yes, how much? $
What will it be used for?.
Yes E] No
nyes {[]No
Documentation and Narrative Information
The following documents and narratives must be attached to this application. In the upper d~ht-hand comer of
each document or narrative write ~%e corresponding letter shown baiow: ~
[] A. A NARRATIVE assessing existing conditions, outlining the concept of the proposed project, and
providing adequate project justification. Transportation enhancements must have a direct relationship
to the intermodai transpor~tien system, either as E exists or as it is planned. Assess your project in
regard to the transportation system relative to its func~onai relationship, proximity, or impact .to an
existing or planned transportation facility. Assess the value of this project from a statewide perspective
and how it will be a functional addition to the transportation system and the state as a whole if no
additional development funds ara received.
[] B. A MAP identifying the location of the project.
[] C. A SKETCH-PLAN of the project, including cross-section for bicycle or pedestrian facilities.
[] D. An ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of the total project costs.
[] E. A TIME SCHEDULE for the total project development. Funding for projects which fail to make
satisfactory progress may be mscheduled or removed from the program by the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
[] F. An OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT of the proposal from the authority to be responsible for the
maintenance and operation. The authority must provide written assurance that it will adequately
maintain the completed project for its intended public use for a minimum of 20 years following project
[] G. 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.
The award of statewide Transportation Enhancement (TE) funds; any subsequent funding of letting of
contracts for deelgn, construction, reconstruction, improvement, or maintenance; or the furnishing of materials
shall not invcive direct or indirect interest, prohibited by Iowa Code Sections 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 racovery of any
funds previously disbursed.
Certification
To the best of my Imowledge 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 parficipeting local authority. I understand the attached OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT(S) binds the
participating local governments 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, executed contract
between the applicant and the Department is required prior to the authorization of funds.
Representing the City of Dubuque, 2owa.
.s~,~ Date
Terrance ~. Duggan, Mayor
Typed Name & T'~e Date
HISTORIC BLUFFS TRAIL
Network of Public Steps
1. West 5th St. Steps
2. Prospect St. Steps
4. West 8th St. Steps
5. West 11th St. Steps
6. 15th St. Steps
8. West Locust St. Steps
9. Hodgdon St. Steps
10. Madison St. Steps