Transportation, Community and Systemn Preservation Program (TCSP) ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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