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Transportation, Community and Systemn Preservation Program (TCSP) ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque bierd All-America City 1 2007 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Funding for One Way to Two Way Conversion of 9th and 11th Streets DATE: December 28, 2011 Economic Development Director Dave Heiar recommends City Council approval to submit a grant application for a $600,000 grant from the Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program to assist in the cost of converting 9th and 11th Streets from one way to two way streets. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager David J. Heiar, Economic Development Director Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: David J. Heiar, Economic Development Director SUBJECT: Funding for One Way Two Way Conversion of 9th and 11th Streets DATE: December 28, 2011 Dubuque kiltd All-America City 1 2007 PURPOSE The intent of this memorandum is to seek Council approval of a grant submitted to fund a portion of the cost to convert 9th and 11th Streets from one way to two way. BACKGROUND Over the past several months, City staff and other community partners have worked with Neumann Monson on the site layout for an Intermodal Transportation Center in the Historic Millwork District. As proposed, the current site plan (see attached), recommends the construction of a terminal building on a parcel of land that is owned by the IDOT. The Elm Street connector is currently located on this site. The state can only eliminate this connector if 9th and 11th Streets are converted from one way streets to two way streets. Since portions of these streets are also part of the State Highway system, it is necessary to provide the IDOT with documentation and a traffic analysis to verify that this conversion is feasible for traffic flow. The cost estimate to convert these streets from one way to two way is approximately $2.1 million. This includes improvements required for updating the signalization at the rail crossings. The Millwork Master Plan also recommended the conversion of these streets to two way to better accommodate traffic flow in the Millwork District. City staff, with the assistance of ECIA, has prepared a grant application for the Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program (TCSP) for $600,000 to cover a portion of this project cost. This is the maximum amount of funding for any one project under this program. RECOMMENDATION /ACTION STEP The recommendation is for the City Council to approve the application for a $600,000 grant from TCSP to assist in the cost of converting 9th and 11th Streets from one way to two way streets. Attachment F: \USERS \Econ Dev \Warehouse District \Streets \One Way - Two Way\20111228_Funding one way -two way Council Memo 9th and 11th. doc \oar ^��\ \�\` �< \ \ t, \ ` \\ \\ ' \ \ C \ \ \ ` SP P \ \ \ \ i\' \ \\ -' \ \J \` \\ \ \\k *A -A \ \ \ \ \\N -'� \ \ \ �- Site Plan City of Dubuque Intermodal Campus Scale: 0 40 80 ft. THE CIT NEUMANN MONSON DUB ARCH I T E C T S Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Program (TCSP) PROGRAM FY 2012 GRANT APPLICATION PART A. PROJECT INFORMATION Project Title: Improving Access, Enhancing Lives Project Location (Include City /County, State): City of Dubuque /Dubuque County, Iowa State Priority (to be completed by State DOT): GRANTEE CONTACT INFORMATION Grantee Contact Name: Teri Goodmann Agency /Tribal Government: City of Dubuque Mailing Address (Street /P.O. Box): 50 W. 13th Street City, State, Zip code: Dubuque, IA, 52001 Phone: Fax: E -Mail: tgoodman @cityofdubuque.org STATE DOT CONTACT INFORMATION State Contact Person: Matt Chambers Phone: 515 - 239 -1409 Fax: E -Mail: matthew.chambers @dot.iowa.gov FHWA DIVISION OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION Division Contact Person: Tracy Troutner Phone: 515 - 233 -7305 Fax: E -Mail: tracy.troutner @dot.gov Updated December 28, 2011 p 1 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs CONGRESSIONAL INFORMATION Congress Member: Bruce Braley Congressional District No.: 1 TCSP Program Funds: $600,000.00 Matching Funds /In -kind Services Value: $1,400,000.00 Matching Funds /In -kind Services Source: City of Dubuque Total TCSP - Related Project Costs: $2,000,000.00 TO BE COMPLETED BY THE FHWA DIVISION OFFICE State Administered? Yes No Division Administered? Yes No "Transfer" TCSP funding for Project Administration? Yes No If yes, which Federal Agency Will the project be obligated by September 30, 2012? Yes No Date grant application approved by FHWA Division Office Updated December 28, 2011 p2 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs Part B. Project Abstract Briefly describe the how the TCSP Program funds will be used to support the proposed project. TCSP Program funds will be used to convert three key streets — 9th Street, 11th Street and Elm Street — into Complete Streets, thereby promoting alternative modes of transportation like walking and biking, reducing vehicle miles travelled and air pollution, and creating a positive quality of life for Dubuque residents and visitors. Specifically, the "Improving Access, Enhancing Lives" ( "Improving Access ") project will convert 9th Street, 11th Street and Elm Street from one - way to two -way and remove the Elm Street Connector to provide convenient access to the new Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center (Center), recently funded with an FTA State of Good Repair grant. The Improving Access project also compliments and links to a DOT TIGER I funded Complete Streets initiative that will connect the economically disadvantaged Washington Neighborhood and the Historic Millwork District to the City's transit system and employment opportunities. Part C. Project Narrative Describe the project and the expected results, including project goals and timeframe. The Improving Access project lies in the Historic Millwork District (HMD), and is part of a larger plan to revitalize and strengthen the City's urban core into a mixed -use residential and commercial area. TCSP funds will be used specifically for the conversion of 9th Street, 11th Street and Elm Street to two -way streets. TCSP funds would also support the removal of the northbound frontage road between 9th Street and Elm Street, typically referred to as the Elm Street (E911) connector. When Elm Street from 9th to 11th is reconstructed it will follow the same scheme as the current historic millwork street reconstruction. There will be a bike path on the west side of Elm Street from 10th Street to the parking ramp where bicycle storage will be provided. There will be sidewalks and decorative lighting in the project corridor. Elm Street is also proposed to pedestrian crossing at 10th Street to the intermodal center that will provide a focal point at the end of 10th Street. Please see the attached renderings of the project. As the map on the next page illustrates, this Complete Streets project will improve access to both the revitalized HMD and the new intermodal center. The Improving Access project is critical to the success of the Center. Without converting these streets, access to the Center will be difficult for the Jule buses to navigate and pull into the Center, which will become the main transfer hub for the community. The Center is a perfect example of a transit - oriented development that will improve mobility for all citizens, offer flexibility in transportation choices, foster sustainability, enhance economic competitiveness, and connect neighborhoods and communities. Updated December 28, 2011 p3 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs Updated: December 28, 2011 p. 4 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs The following are the goals and expected results of the project. Project goals: • Develop a strong urban core • Create Complete Streets in the downtown area • Encourage transit - oriented development • Create multimodality • Integrate transportation, economic development and housing • Improve access for the city transit system and other regional bus operations Project results: • Improved quality of life • Reduction in crime rate • Improved air quality by reducing VMT • Attract younger residents • Improve citizens health in our community • Make downtown more active • Transit hub for the Jule transit system The City is ready to proceed with the street conversion project once funds are awarded. A Phase I environmental assessment is complete. The local match will be funded from bond sales that have already been initiated by the City Council. Once all the planning and design is finished, the project will begin construction in November, 2012 and be completed in November, 2013. Describe how the project integrates transportation, community, and system preservation plans and practices that address one or more of the following: 1) Improve the efficiency of the transportation system of the United States. The Improving Access project improves efficiency by providing easier access to the new intermodal center, which will provide the community with a centralized facility where travelers will gather, make transitions between multiple public and private modes of transportation, and disperse to their destination using local and regional transit systems. Converting one -way streets to two -way streets, and increasing opportunities for walking and biking along those streets, will relieve congestion downtown and increase the number of ways that people can connect to the HMD and Center and provide improved access and flow for the Jule transit system and other regional bus operations. Updated December 28, 2011 p5 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs 2) Reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment. The project will reduce the impacts of transportation on the environment by encouraging walking, bicycling, and transit ridership. The Center will attract new riders to the Jule transit system by providing a central hub and making the system easier to use and providing for a direct connection to other bus operators in the region. New efficient routes and seamless transitions between routes will reduce the amount of travel time required and will improve the overall experience for Jule riders. The Center will also improve regional mass transportation by serving as the depot for intercity bus and Amtrak passenger rail. Providing improved access to the new Center will generate multiple environmental benefits, including reduced dependence on foreign oil, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and decreased stormwater run -off. Investing in existing infrastructure also promotes smart growth and brownfields revitalization in Dubuque. TCSP funding will leverage existing investments in mixed -use, transit oriented development in the HMD, as well as the adjacent TIGER - supported Complete Streets project that encourages residents to access the facility through pedestrian and bicycle paths. 3) Reduce the need for costly future investments in public infrastructure. This project will help to reduce traffic on 9th 10th Central and White Streets which will decrease the wear and tear and reduce future maintenance costs. One of the streets in the project area, 11th Street, will become a local roadway and lose its US Highway designation, thus reducing the heavy truck traffic that can contribute to deterioration over time. 4) Provide efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade. The Improving Access project will provide efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade because it is the gateway to the Center. The conversion of 9th Street, 11th Street and Elm Street from one -way streets to two -way streets, and increasing opportunities for walking and biking along those streets and access for the Jule transit system, are critical to the success of the intermodal center. Once complete, the Center will become the central hub for local and regional transportation. This additional activity will help to attract new businesses to Downtown. The Center will facilitate connections between employers and employees, reducing congestion and commute times and improving the attractiveness of the area for economic development. The Center will help revitalize downtown neighborhoods by providing more transportation options, facilitating easy transitions between modes, providing low- income populations with access to affordable transportation, and improving the overall experience for the transit dependent population. Updated December 28, 2011 P6 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs 5) Examine community development patterns and identify strategies to encourage private sector development that achieves the purposes identified in (1) through (4). The larger intermodal project will provide project area residents (3,320), employees and employers (10,702) and visitors (1.8 million) various transportation options to Dubuque's major employment centers in downtown Dubuque and to the industrial and commercial business parks located at the south and west ends of the community and to the tourist centers such as the Port of Dubuque. The intermodal complex will be located near the Port of Dubuque, home to the nearby $500 million America's River Project as well as adjacent to the Historic Millwork District, a $200 million mixed use redevelopment of historic warehouse properties that when complete, will serve as a model for sustainability and historic preservation. The Port of Dubuque is a combination of State and City investment and the Historic Millwork District consists of a partnership of private developers investing in reconnecting surrounding neighborhoods, reenergized with housing, retail, offices, galleries, entertainment, and employment, and re- imagined as a laboratory for sustainable practices and technologies. The Improving Access project will increase the safety and security within the urban core while creating a perfect example of a transit oriented development. If applicable, describe how the project meets all of the priority consideration criteria. 1. Have instituted preservation or development plans and programs that: a. are coordinated with State and local preservation or development plans, including transit - oriented development plans; b. promote cost - effective and strategic investments in transportation infrastructure that minimize adverse impacts on the environment; or c. promote innovative private sector strategies; This project is the result of a planning process with coordinated transportation and land -use planning and is listed as a priority project in the Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (DMATS) Long Range Transportation Plan, the DMATS and RPA 8 Passenger Transportation Plan, and the City's Capital Improvement Program. DMATS is the MPO for the region and authorizes the City of Dubuque to submit this grant application on behalf of the MPO. Please see the letter of support in the attachments. The combination of the street conversion project that the City is requesting funds for in this application and the intermodal center located in the Historic Millwork District is a perfect example of a transit- oriented development for the Dubuque metro area. The HMD is a public /private partnership and much of the District is owned by private developers willing to work with the City to create a consensus vision for the area. The HMD Master Plan, adopted by the Dubuque City Council in September 2008, is a critical component of the region's sustainable economic development strategy, which encourages more people to live and work in or near the Updated December 28, 2011 P7 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs city center. The plan calls for the redevelopment of 1 million square feet of historic warehouse space into a mixed use development of 700 housing units and 300,000 square feet of retail /commercial space. An estimated 1,000 residents will live in the HMD at full build -out. The Millwork District revitalization plan will create 900 new jobs and enhance the local tax base by $77 million. Gronen Restoration, a private developer in Dubuque, specializes in historic rehabilitation projects seldom approached by other developers, and focuses on the adaptive re -use of classic buildings with an emphasis on sustainability. The historic Caradco building, which is a former factory that occupies an entire city block in the HMD, is currently being restored and has the opportunity to take on an innovative new role that will match its historical and architectural prominence, acting as a catalyst for the sensitive and sustainable regeneration of the surrounding neighborhood. A rehabilitated Caradco building will provide critical workforce housing to attract and support new downtown businesses. This example of private sector investment complements the street conversion project by strengthening the City's efforts to create in the HMD, a development containing urban mixed - income housing, commercial space, and public gathering places creating a livable, walkable community with access to various modes of transportation. Please see the application package for a letter of support from Gronen Restoration. The Improving Access project will be based on the Complete Streets model and needs to be completed before construction can begin on the Center to provide adequate and traffic flow access to the Center. Currently, a $5.6 million TIGER grant is being used to design and reconstruct the street network in the HMD to Complete Streets standards, and connect the Center to the central business district, Port of Dubuque, and the Washington Neighborhood, a low- income neighborhood which is undergoing revitalization near the site. The Center will provide vital transportation connections required for the success of existing investments and will be instrumental in leveraging additional investments required to achieve the Tong -term goals for downtown Dubuque. The Improving Access project is a critical element in helping to reduce the transportation system's dependence on automobile travel and improve the environment by encouraging walking, bicycling, and transit ridership. The Center will attract new riders to the Jule by improving efficiency and making the system easier to use and access. New efficient routes and seamless transitions between routes will reduce the amount of travel time required and will improve the overall experience for Jule riders. The Center will also improve regional mass transportation by serving as the depot for intercity bus and Amtrak passenger rail. By encouraging travelers to reduce their automobile uses, the Center will help improve the overall health of Dubuque's environment. 2. Have instituted other policies to integrate transportation, community, and system preservation practices, such as: a. spending policies that direct funds to high - growth areas; b. urban growth boundaries to guide metropolitan expansion; Updated December 28, 2011 P8 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs c. "green corridors" programs that provide access to major highway corridors for areas targeted for efficient and compact development; or d. other similar programs or policies as determined by the Secretary; The City plans for the community's future, and facilitates access to critical human services. The City Council has made improved public transportation one of five "high priority" items on its policy agenda and among the five items on its five year goals list are "planned and managed growth," and "improved transportation connectivity" both of which are closely connected to an efficient, effective public transportation system. Also listed as top priority on the City's 2011- 2013 Policy Agenda is the "Clean Air Attainment Strategy ", "Historic Millwork District Master Plan ", and the "Washington Neighborhood Strategy ". The City is a major partner in the Smart Planning Consortium, an initiative involving the East Central Intergovernmental Association (Dubuque's Council of Governments) and the State, where the ultimate goal is to revise current building and zoning codes county -wide to adopt sustainable practices. One of the main objectives of this partnership is to implement development codes that promote walkable communities, Complete Streets, transit oriented development, and increased development densities. 3. Have preservation or development policies that include a mechanism for reducing potential impacts of transportation activities on the environment; Dubuque County is currently a clean air attainment area, however according to recent data, the project area's air quality is approaching EPA non - attainment levels. Currently, coarse particulate matter (PM 2.5) represents the greatest concern for the region. The 2006 PM2.5 standard is 35 ug /m3. The nearest PM2.5 monitor is located 13 miles north of Dubuque in Potosi, Wisconsin. The DNR table on the next page shows that between 2005 and 2008 measurements at the Potosi monitor hovered 34 ug /m3 and 35 ug /m3, just under the acceptable standard. In response to the air quality data, the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Metropolitan Transportation Study (DMATS), the MPO for the region, formed a clean air task force. The task force is working closely with local industry, public and private school systems, and the regional transit systems to improve the overall air quality of the region and keep our PM 2.5 measurements below the threshold level. Our proposal will work to improve the region's air quality by addressing several sources of air pollution. Updated December 28, 2011 p9 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs 35 30 20 15 10 1 Potosi, Wisconsin PM2.5 24-Hour Design Values 31 32 28 29 34 34 am Popp* NISCOAw1 H4PI$K*Ac3 35 u 11ft•2001 2000.2002 2001.2003 2002.2004 2003.2005 20044001 20DS•2007 2006.204$ pNn IOWA A key component of the Millwork District revitalization plan is to redevelop the area street network using the Complete Streets model. The Complete Streets model will produce a more livable environment by creating an area that is easy to use for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, elderly and families. It is estimated that 60 percent of the new residents within the HMD will work downtown. Redesigning streets for alternative modes of transportation will allow residents to take advantage of their proximity to work and choose walking, biking or mass transit options. Reducing automobile dependence in the area will decrease vehicle miles traveled and the associated energy use and air emissions. The Complete Streets design will also create a more vibrant area encouraging more businesses to locate in the downtown area. Over time, the District will reestablish itself as a regional engine of growth, with a greater awareness of its environmental impact than was the case 100 years ago. Individual properties and the public realm will function as an urban ecosystem, and the District will be a unit with high economic value and low environmental impact. Specifically, the District will strive to approach carbon balance, create sustainable jobs and housing, and reinforce the importance of connectivity within the city. 4. Demonstrate a commitment to public and private involvement, including the involvement of nontraditional partners in the project team; The HMD, where the project area lies, is a public /private partnership which is mostly owned by private developers who have positive relationships with the City. These developers are committed to seeing the vision of Complete Streets and a transit oriented development become reality and have been working with the City for several years in the planning of the Updated: December 28, 2011 p. 10 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs project area. The Improving Access project will increase the safety and security within the urban core while creating a perfect example of a transit oriented development. An example of nontraditional partners is illustrated by the support of the local college and universities. The street conversion project is an important piece in the direction of a convenient intermodal transportation service which would better serve the travel needs of the employees and students who work and study at the three major local educational institutions, providing access and links to opportunity throughout the region. It would also provide an expanded gateway to cultural and scholarly opportunities for the over 4,800 students and nearly 1,000 faculty and staff who attend and work at these four -year educational institutions. Please see the application package for letters of support from Loras College, Clarke University and the University of Dubuque. 5. Examine ways to encourage private sector investments that address the purposes of this section. The Improving Access street conversion project will help encourage private sector investments because it is the initial element for the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center vision to become a reality and both are part of the Historic Millwork District Master Plan. The HMD is a keystone to the region's aggressive economic development strategy. With one million square feet of historic warehouse space ideal for urban mixed -use development, the HMD is perfectly suited to attract entrepreneurs, designers, residents, institutions, and businesses prepared to fuel Dubuque's globally competitive and sustainable economy. Over time, the project area will reestablish itself as a regional engine of growth. Describe how the project meets the project selection criteria Livability The Improving Access project addresses the six Livability Principles in the following ways: Provide more transportation choices. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2009 81.6% of Dubuque residents drove alone to work, while only 5.0% walked, and only 0.7% used public transit. Currently the connections between the transit systems and the connections with other modes of transportation are cumbersome and fairly non - existent. The Improving Access project will provide access to an intermodal system that will address the convergence of people, transit, rail, boat, etc. to one location and extend transportation opportunities for anyone who is interested in other forms of transportation. Promote equitable, affordable housing. According to the Center for Neighborhood Technology's H +T Affordability Index 50.3% of Dubuque households spend more than 45% of their annual income on housing and transportation. The entire project will provide low- income residents with more transportation choices, increase mobility, and, will help lower the combined cost of housing and transportation. In 2009, the City conducted a housing study which showed that Dubuque needed more housing. The study further showed that area college graduates prefer Updated December 28, 2011 p 11 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs housing that is within walking distance to their job location and close to activity centers. The "Improving Access" project will provide improved access to the Center for existing affordable housing units in the HMD and other downtown neighborhoods, and will help generate new affordable housing downtown for college graduates and other residents. Enhance economic competitiveness. The street conversion and intermodal center projects will make the HMD area a central hub for local and regional transportation. This additional activity will help to attract new businesses to Downtown. The Improving Access project will assist in facilitating connections between employers and employees, reducing congestion and commute times and improving the attractiveness of the area for economic development through the new intermodal center. Support existing communities. The Improving Access project will be located in the urban core and is a key component of a larger strategy aimed at revitalizing Downtown through investment in Complete Streets, adaptive reuse, mixed -use development, and transit- oriented development. Part of the HMD revitalization plan is to redevelop the area street network using a Complete Streets model. A previously funded TIGER grant will be used to design and reconstruct the street network in the HMD and the street connections to the central business district, Port of Dubuque, and Washington Neighborhood. When Elm Street from 9th to 11th is reconstructed it will follow the same scheme as the current historic millwork street reconstruction. There will be a bike path on the west side of Elm Street from 10th Street to the parking ramp where bicycle storage will be provided. There will be sidewalks and decorative lighting in the project corridor. Elm Street is also proposed to pedestrian crossing at 10th Street to the intermodal center that will provide a focal point at the end of 10th. Coordinate policies and leverage investment. The Improving Access project is part of a comprehensive strategy for development of the urban core of Dubuque that includes investments in economic development, housing, and transportation. One of the primary goals of the project is to integrate transportation, housing, and economic development which will make it a perfect example of a transit oriented development. Leveraged investments thus far for the project area include State and City sources, Federal sources (TIGER I and State of Good Repair, and private sources (private developers in the HMD). Value communities and neighborhoods. The Improving Access project will help revitalize downtown neighborhoods by providing access to more transportation options, facilitating easy transitions between modes, providing low- income populations with access to affordable transportation, and improving the overall experience for the transit dependent population. State of Good Repair One of the first steps of this project, in order to construct the Center effectively, is to rehabilitate and upgrade the infrastructure surrounding the site of the planned intermodal center to ensure that all modes of transportation can operate more efficiently and safely. Work has begun with the TIGER - funded Complete Streets project, which will be used to design and reconstruct the street network in the HMD and the street connections to the central business Updated December 28, 2011 p 12 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs district, Port of Dubuque, and the Washington Neighborhood. Additionally, the Complete Streets model also addresses reducing water runoff into the storm water system and preventing flooding, disrepair and pollution. The City of Dubuque is working to make the entire area surrounding the new Center an environment of good repair. Furthermore, the Center will replace a dilapidated 100+ old facility that is operating beyond its useful life in FTA and practical standards. Safety The Improving Access street conversion project will take heavy traffic and other heavy equipment vehicles off local streets, increasing their safety for the Complete Streets model which includes a walkable design for pedestrians and easy use of bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades as daily transportation systems. A portion of Elm Street is in close proximity to an elementary school and alleviating some of the truck traffic would make the area safer and more accessible for children who walk and bike to school. This will also help to maximize access to public transportation which includes trolleys and buses while encouraging transit ridership. Without the street conversion project, the Jule buses will experience difficulty maneuvering the one way streets and inhibits the goal of a central transit hub. Expeditious Completion of Project As mentioned earlier, the Improving Access street conversion project must happen before construction can begin on the Center. The project can be completed in one year, as illustrated in the timeline below: • Planning — Included on STIP /TIP: March 1,2012 • NEPA— NEPA Complete: September 3, 2012 • Engineering — Design Complete: November 1, 2012 • Construction Advertisement: November 15, 2012 • Construction Award: December 21, 2012 • Construction: February 1, 2013 • Construction Complete: November 2013 State Priorities The City of Dubuque has coordinated with the State Department of Transportation to ensure prioritization. The State is aware that this is a priority project for the City. The street conversion project is listed on the STIP. Leveraging of Private or Other Public Funding The City has $1.4 million to contribute as match to the project. This represents 70% of the total project cost. Amount of TCSP Funding The total cost of the street conversion project is $2 million. The City is requesting $600,000. Updated December 28, 2011 p 13 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs Discuss the project schedule, commitment of public and private funding, and any other TCSP or other Federal funding being used for the project. The City is ready to proceed with the street conversion project once funds are awarded because planning has been going on for several years. The City Council has made improved public transportation one of five "high priority" items on its policy agenda. The City also includes among its five year goals "a diverse, strong economy," "sustainable city," and "planned and managed growth," all of which are closely connected to an efficient, effective public transportation system. A Phase! environmental assessment is complete. The local match will be funded from bond sales that have already been initiated by the City Council. Once all the planning and design is finished, the project will begin construction in November, 2012 and be completed in November, 2013. As mentioned earlier, the Improving Access project lies in the Historic Millwork District (HMD), and is part of a larger plan to revitalize and strengthen the City's urban core into a mixed -use residential and commercial area. The partnership of the larger project is illustrated below by the commitment of investments. America's River Project (State, City, Private Investment) Historic Millwork District (Private Investment) Complete Streets (TIGER I funding) Intermodal Facility Center (State of Good Repair) City investment in Complete Streets & Intermodal center 9th,11th and Elm Street Conversion (City investment) 9th,11th and Elm Street Conversion (requested TSCP funding) 0.66% 1.11% 0.78 27.76% 0.19% 0.08% $500,000,000 $200,000,000 $5,600,000 $8,000,000 $4,750,000 $1,400,000 $600,000 America's River Project (State, City, Private Investment) • Historic Millwork District (Private Investment) Complete Streets (TIGER I funding) • Intermodal Facility Center (State of Good Repair) City investment in Complete Streets & Intermodal center 9th,11th and Elm Street Conversion (City investment) Updated: December 28, 2011 p. 14 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs The City of Dubuque will contribute 70% ($1.4 million) match and the funds will be provided from the City's general funds. The City will be the fiscal agent for the grant and will manage all grant funds. The City's Finance and Budget Offices will ensure compliance with all federal regulations and guidelines. The City has a well - established record of compliance with the submittal requirements of all State and Federal funds received. One example of the City's strong fiscal management and compliance is Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, received since 1974. These federal funds are received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD) with an annual entitlement of over $1.2 million dollars. The City prepares appropriate quarterly, semi - annual and annual reports, including the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, Federal Cash Transaction reports and the year -end Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports. Another example of strong grant administration is that with the current TIGER I grant, project construction is ahead of schedule, significantly shortening the duration of the project. Staff prepares and conducts, as needed, environmental assessments and monitors contractor compliance with Davis -Bacon wage regulations, affirmative action and equal opportunity requirements. Staff also prepares all sub recipient contracts and disburses CDBG funds. Annual HUD review has determined that program administration has satisfactorily met federal requirements. A performance outcome measurement system which meets HUD requirements is in place to document and report progress towards achieving the expected results as defined in our Annual and Consolidated Plans. The City has also received numerous State, Regional and Federal grants for various projects including: trail development, transient boat slips, public safety equipment and programming, economic development initiatives, historic preservation and public infrastructure. The City has never lost a grant due to monitoring failure. Because of our success with grant compliance, the City has received numerous awards including the 2008 & 2007 Distinguished Budget award from GFOA, the 2006 CAFR award from GFO and, the 2006 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement. Part D. Project Eligibility Is the project located on a Federal -aid highway? (List the functional class(es) of the facility(ies) to be improved) The project is located on a Federal -aid highway and 9th, 11th and Elm Streets are principal arterials which is one of the functional class designations. The combination of the street conversion project and the intermodal center is located in the Historic Millwork District and is a perfect example of a transit - oriented development for the Dubuque metro area and other plans in the HMD rely on the Improving Access project completion. Updated December 28, 2011 p 15 2012 Discretionary Grant Programs If the project is not located on a Federal -aid highway, how do you consider the project eligible for assistance under Title 23 or Chapter 53 of Title 49, United States Code? (Le., list program(s) and describe how the project meets the statutory eligibility criteria for that program.) NJA Is the project a corridor preservation activity necessary to implement transit - oriented development plans, traffic calming measures, or other coordinated transportation, community, and system preservation practices? Presently, the City does not have a centralized transportation hub and lacks many interconnectivity capabilities between air, rail, bus, automobiles and pedestrian facilities. Other transportation - related problems include lack of adequate bus and pedestrian facilities, and the nonexistence of a passenger rail system. Improving Access will help to address these problems and assist in effectively incorporating bus, rail, boat and vehicular transportation while increasing demand for alternative transportation modes. The street conversion project, along with the intermodal center will be strategically located in the HMD, in Dubuque's historic downtown near the Port of Dubuque, and complements and leverages the Complete Streets of Dubuque's urban core, promotes greater use of public transportation and provides for a more livable and sustainable community. The HMD Master Plan resurrects the forgotten strategy that connects people, planet, and profit in a mixed -use neighborhood. It offers a vision for a community reconnected with surrounding neighborhoods, reenergized with housing, retail, offices, galleries, entertainment, and employment, and re- imagined as a laboratory for sustainable practices and technologies. Improving Access will take heavy traffic off the local street, increasing its safety for the Complete Streets model which includes a walkable design for pedestrians and easy use of bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades as daily transportation systems. The City is working closely with the Iowa DOT on the planning of how the project corridor can become calmer urban streets. Updated December 28, 2011 p 16