Dubuque Intermodal Center Phase II TIGER IV Grant ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center Grant Application
DATE: March 15, 2012
Dubuque
bierd
All-America City
1
2007
Economic Development Director David Heiar is recommending approval of a grant
application for funding of Phase 11 for the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center in
the Historic Millwork District.
In July 2010, the City Council hired IIW Engineers partnered with Desman Associates to
complete a site selection study and environmental analysis for the Dubuque Intermodal
Center. The Historic Millwork District was selected as the preferred location of the
Center.
Neumann Monson Architects was then hired in May 2011 to provide Schematic Design
and partial Design Development for the Intermodal Campus. That work was completed
in January 2012.
The Center will create an improved and strengthened transportation network and
connect all modes of transportation, making the City significantly more attractive to both
industry and individuals considering the area for residency. Ultimately, the Center will
serve as:
• the station for future Amtrak passenger rail that will run from Dubuque to
Chicago;
• the station for intercity bus services operated by Burlington - Trailways and
Lamers Bus Lines with service to Chicago, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Omaha,
Madison, Milwaukee, and St Louis;
• the central downtown bus transfer hub for Dubuque's city bus system, The Jule,
which serves citizens throughout the region;
• a central facility where pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can easily connect to
other modes of transportation;
• the primary bus storage and maintenance facility and administrative
headquarters for the City's bus system, The Jule, which will house a brand new
fleet of clean diesel buses purchased with 2011 FTA Clean Fuels and State of
Good Repair grant funds.
In October 2011, the City was notified it is to be a recipient of a State of Good Repair
(SGR) grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the first phase of the
Dubuque Intermodal Campus. The first phase of the project consists of:
• First floor of the Terminal building and site improvements
• First phase of the parking facility (292 parking spaces)
Staff is still pursuing funding for additional phases of the Campus and components that
were not funded or were not eligible for the SGR grant. Those components are:
• Two -way conversion of 9th and 11th streets.
• Second phase of the parking facility
• Second floor of the Terminal building
• Passenger rail platform and canopies
• Bus storage facility
This federal TIGER IV grant application requests funding to support the next phase of
the new Intermodal Transportation Center. This transit - oriented development project
will replace an outmoded, century-old bus facility that has surpassed its useful life and is
not feasible to rehabilitate, with a new Intermodal Center that will provide connections to
all modes of transportation.
Phase II of the Dubuque Intermodal Center project is estimated to cost $17,805,536 of
which the City is requesting $10,056,321 of federal TIGER IV funding. Phase II would
include the following components:
• Construction of a new bus storage and maintenance facility with transit
maintenance equipment and administrative headquarters for The Jule;
• Construction of a platform for Amtrak passenger rail;
• Development and implementation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
for The Jule, which will utilize optimization software developed by IBM to
redesign bus routes and schedules based on travel demand in order to maximize
the overall use and efficiency of the transit system, and reduce traffic congestion
and vehicle emissions; and
• Construction of street improvements to improve safety and access to the Center
on 9th and 11th Streets
The proposed application was prepared by the East Central Intergovernmental
Association staff in partnership with City staff and has over 41 % matching and
leveraged funds.
The source of the City match is a $1.6 million grant from the Iowa Department of
Transportation, $368,172 from the IBM Route Optimization, $825,000 in City land value
and $4,236,042 in tax increment financing debt.
2
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
David Heiar, Economic Development Director
Aaron DeJong, Economic Development Assistant Director
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director ECIA
Chandra Ravada, Co- Director of Transportation and Planning ECIA
3
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: David J. Heiar, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center Grant Application
DATE: March 14, 2012
Dubuque
btrid
All- America City
hill!
2007
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek City Council approval of a grant application
for funding of Phase 11 for the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center in the Historic
Millwork District.
BACKGROUND
In July 2010, the City Council hired IIW Engineers partnered with Desman Associates to
complete a site selection study and environmental analysis for the Dubuque Intermodal
Center. The Historic Millwork District was selected as the preferred location of the
Center.
Neumann Monson Architects was then hired in May 2011 to provide Schematic Design
and partial Design Development for the Intermodal Campus. That work was completed
in January 2012.
The Center will create an improved and strengthened transportation network and
connect all modes of transportation, making the City significantly more attractive to both
industry and individuals considering the area for residency. Ultimately, the Center will
serve as:
• the station for future Amtrak passenger rail that will run from Dubuque to
Chicago;
• the station for intercity bus services operated by Burlington - Trailways and
Lamers Bus Lines with service to Chicago, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Omaha,
Madison, Milwaukee, and St Louis;
• the central downtown bus transfer hub for Dubuque's city bus system, The Jule,
which serves citizens throughout the region;
• a central facility where pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can easily connect to
other modes of transportation;
• the primary bus storage and maintenance facility and administrative
headquarters for the City's bus system, The Jule, which will house a brand new
fleet of clean diesel buses purchased with 2011 FTA Clean Fuels and State of
Good Repair grant funds.
In October 2011, the City was notified it is to be a recipient of a State of Good Repair
(SGR) grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the first phase of the
Dubuque Intermodal Campus. This award for Phase I is to provide safe connections to
off road Bus transfers and replace unsafe on road bus transfers and people pickups in
conjunction to Historic Millwork District project. The first phase of the project consists of:
• First floor of the Terminal building and site improvements
• First phase of the parking facility (292 parking spaces)
The FTA requires all projects to undergo a proposal process if the project is to be
assisted with federal funding. Staff is currently completing this process and hopes to
have a release of funding prior to July 1, 2012.
Staff is still pursuing funding for additional phases of the Campus and components that
were not funded or were not eligible for the SGR grant. Those components are:
• Two -way conversion of 9th and 11th streets.
• Second phase of the parking facility
• Second floor of the Terminal building
• Passenger rail platform and canopies
• Bus storage facility
DISCUSSION
Recently the Federal Transit Administration announced grant opportunities for various
transit projects. After reviewing the application criteria, City staff met with the staff at
ECIA to discuss potential viable grant opportunities.
The TIGER IV Grant seemed geared to the Phase II of the Intermodal Transportation
Center and would allow us to fund additional elements of the Center. The application
deadline is March 19, 2012. The draft grant application prepared by ECIA is attached
for City Council review and consideration.
The grant application requests funding to support the next phase of the new Intermodal
Transportation Center. This transit - oriented development project will replace an
outmoded, century-old bus facility that has surpassed its useful life and is not feasible to
rehabilitate, with a new Intermodal Center that will provide connections to all modes of
transportation. A TIGER IV award will enable the City to add to this high priority project.
Phase II of the Dubuque Intermodal Center project is estimated to cost $17,805,536
(see attached budget) of which the City is requesting $10,056,321 of TIGER IV funding.
Phase II would include the following components:
2
• Construction of a new bus storage and maintenance facility with transit
maintenance equipment and administrative headquarters for The Jule;
• Construction of a platform for Amtrak passenger rail;
• Development and implementation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
for The Jule, which will utilize optimization software developed by IBM to
redesign bus routes and schedules based on travel demand in order to maximize
the overall use and efficiency of the transit system, and reduce traffic congestion
and vehicle emissions (received partial funding from IDOT); and
• Construction of street improvements to improve safety and access to the Center
on 9th and 11th Streets
The proposed application has over 41 % matching and leveraged funds. The City is
requesting $10,056,321 in TIGER IV grant funding, which will enable the City to
complete construction of Phase II of the intermodal facility project.
RECOMMENDATION /ACTION STEP
The action step is to have the City Council to acknowledge and approve submittal of the
grant application to the Federal Transit Authority for the TIGER IV Discretionary Grant
program by adopting the attached Resolution.
Attachments
F \USERS \Econ Dev \Intermodal Facility \Tiger IV Information \TIGER IV Grant Info\ 20120314 Intermodal TIGER IV Application
Memo docx
3
Preparer: David J. Heiar, Economic Development, City Hall, 50 West 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 589 -4393
RESOLUTION NO. 81 -12
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE SUBMISSION OF A TIGER IV GRANT
APPLICATION TO THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) TO FUND
PHASE II OF THE INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATION CENTER
Whereas, the TIGER IV Grant program provides funding to support the next
phase of the new Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center; and
Whereas the TIGER IV program grant application has over 41 % matching and
leveraged funds, (30% City match, 9% leveraged funds from the IDOT, 2% local
colleges and IBM match) and 59% federal funds; and
Whereas, the City Council finds that Phase II of the Intermodal Transportation
Center project, would create an improved and strengthened transportation network and
connect all modes of transportation, making the City significantly more attractive to both
industry and the citizens of Dubuque.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa hereby endorses
the attached application to the TIGER IV Discretionary Grants Program, which includes
for a 30% City match.
Section 2. That the City Manager is authorized to sign, on behalf of the City
Council, the application for TIGER IV Discretionary Grant.
Passed, approved and adopted this 19th day of March, 2
Attest:
Adr'..ArArarb
Kevin • irnstahl, ity Clerk
Roy D. a uol, Mayor
F: \USERS \Econ Dev \Intermodal Facility \Tiger IV Information \TIGER IV Grant Info\20120313_ Resolution Authorizing Application
TIGER IV.doc
3/8/2012
TIGER Project
Components (40% Local Matchj
$1,750,000
Rail Platform CIP (360 -2426)
$782,584
Line Items
State of Iowa
(Federal
Funds)
City of DBQ
Local Colleges
& IBM
Federal
request
Total Cost
Intermodal Facility Campus Phase 11
$ 368,172
Total local Match for the project
$5,429,214
Construction of bus storage facility
$ 2,318,798
$ 7,486,737
$ 9,805,536
Transit equipment within the facility
$ 900,000
$ -
$ 900,000
Passenger Rail Platform
$ 195,000
$ 585,000
$ 780,000
Sub Total
$ -
$ 3,413,798
$ 8,071,737
$ 11,485,536
Street Conversion
Street rehab /1 way to 2 way conversion
$ 648,844
$ 1,421,156
$ 2,070,000
ITS Route Optimization
ITS for Route optimization
$ 1,600,000
$ 173,400
$ 368,172
$ 563,428
$ 2,705,000
Sub Total
$ 1,600,000
$ 822,244
$ 368,172
$ 1,984,584
$ 4,775,000
Land and Street Conversion
Land Valuefor Bus Storage facility and parking(City of
Dubuque)
$ 825,000
$ 825,000
Sub Total
$ -
$ 825,000
$ 5,061,042
$ 368,172
$ -
$ 10,056,321
$ 825,000
$ 17,085,536
Total Cost
$ 1,600,000
City Match
City Match - Land
IBM Match - ITS Route Optimization
Iowa DOT (Federal Funds)
$ 4,236,042
$ 825,000
$ 368,172
$ 1,600,000
24.79%
4.83%
2.15%
9.36%
Federal request
$ 10,056,321
58.86%
City Match Sources
Bond Sale (one way to two way)
$1,750,000
Rail Platform CIP (360 -2426)
$782,584
City Match (Local TIF)
$ 1,703,458
City of Dubuque match excluding Land value and
IBM /college funds
$4,236,042
Land Value
$ 825,000
IBM Match - ITS Route Optimization
$ 368,172
Total local Match for the project
$5,429,214
(Cost of Bus storage facility excluding Transit equipment)
Local match without IADOT ICAAP funding 31.78%
Local match with IADOT ICAAP funding 41.14%
Transportation. Housing and Urban Development. and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for
2012
TIGER IV Discretionary Grants
City of Dubuque
Intermodal Transportation Center
Contact:
Teri Goodmann
Assistant City Manager
City of Dubuque
Email: Tgoodmanivacityofdubuque.org
Phone: 563.589.4110
I. Project Description
The city of Dubuque is pleased to submit this proposal for TIGER IV funding to support the
completion of the new Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center. This transit - oriented
development project will replace an outmoded, century -old bus facility that has surpassed its
useful life and is not feasible to rehabilitate, with a new intermodal center that will provide
connections to all modes of transportation. A TIGER IV award will enable the City to finish this
high priority project.
The Center will create an improved and strengthened transportation network and connect all
modes of traffic, making the City significantly more attractive to both industry and individuals
considering the area for residency. The current transportation network is shown below.
Minneapolis, MN
250 miles
Madison, WI
90 miles
EAST DUBUQUE
Chicago, IL
180 miles
/4m
Waterloo, IA
90 miles
0 0.5 1 2 Miles
I I I I I
Cedar Rapids, IA
75 miles,
DUBUQUE
REGIONAL W Quad Cities
AIRPORT 70 miles
3
Legend
* The Center's Project Location
- The Jule Transit Bus Routes
The Jule Transit Trolley Route
Future Amtrak Route
Existing Bike /Pedestrian Trails
U.S. and State Higways
Other Roadways
Incorporated Places
State Boundaries
Prepared by ECIA
The Center will serve as:
• the station for future Amtrak passenger rail that will run from Dubuque to Chicago:
• the station for intercity bus services operated by Burlington Trailways and Lamers Bus
Lines with service to Chicago. Des Moines, Indianapolis. Omaha, Madison, Xlilwaukee.
and St Louis:
• the central downtown bus transfer hub for Dubuque's city bus system. The Jule, which
serves citizens throughout the region:
• a central facility where pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can easily connect to other
modes of transportation:
• the primary bus storage and maintenance facility and administrative headquarters for the
City's bus system, the Jule, which will house a brand new fleet of clean diesel buses
purchased with 2010 FTA Clean Fuels and State of Good Repair grant funds.
The $17 million total project costs to complete the Dubuque hutenmodal Center project include the
following components:
• Construction of a new bus storage and maintenance facility with transit maintenance
equipment and administrative headquarters for the Jule:
• Construction of a new intennodal facility that will serve as the station and platform for
Amtrak passenger rail, the station for intercity bus services, and the central transfer hub
for the Jule (received full funding)
• Development and implementation of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for the
Jule, which will utilize optimization software developed by IBM to redesign bus routes
and schedules based on travel demand in order to maximize the overall use and efficiency
of the transit system, and reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions (received partial
funding): and
• Construction of street improvements to improve safety and access to the Center on 9th and
11th Streets
Dubuque recently received an $8 million State of Good Repair award from the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), which when combined with $3.5 million in local matching funds will
partially fund Phase I construction of the intennodal facility and a portion of the required parking.
The City is requesting $10,056,321 in TIGER IV grant funding, which will enable Dubuque to
complete construction of the entire intennodal facility project.
Dubuque is a recognized national leader in sustainability that continues to serve as a model for
communities with population under 200.000 seeking to implement the Administration's livability
principles. As part of IBM's "Smarter Planet" campaign. IBM is partnering with the City to help
4
make Dubuque one of the first "smarter" sustainable cities in the United States. The City topped
Forbes Magazine's list for job growth in a small city, and was named as the "Most Livable City in
America" by the US Conference of Mayors. Blueprint America with PBS NewsHour
recently featured Dubuque's success of transforming from an old factory town in the Midwest to a
"Greenlab" and a model for others in the nation. In addition, three cabinet secretaries — DOT
Secretary LaHood, HUD Secretary Donovan, and EPA Administrator Jackson -- all visited the
city as part of the Administration's tour to showcase communities that are taking actions to
promote livability. During his visit, DOT Secretary LaHood proclaimed Dubuque, the "definition
of livability."
The Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center is a central component of the City's ongoing
commitment and strategy to demonstrate how implementing sustainability improves the quality of
life for local residents, increases environmental protection and enhances the competitiveness of
the regional economy. TIGER IV funds will enable the City to complete this important project.
Project Location
Due to Dubuque's unique location at the point where three states meet (Iowa, Illinois and
Wisconsin), there is a tremendous amount of transportation flow throughout downtown. U.S.
Highways 20, 52, 61, 151, and Iowa Highway 3 all go through Dubuque. The Center will be
located near the Historic Millwork District (HMD), a mixed -use housing and commercial
development and adjacent to the Washington Neighborhood (WN), a low- income area that is
undergoing an extensive revitalization. The Center is a place where all modes of transportation,
including bicycle and pedestrian, will gather, change modes of transportation and disperse
throughout the community, region, and nation.
Insert areal project site map.
Current Local Transit Challenges
Dubuque's city bus system, The Jule, operates seven fixed routes within the city limits of
Dubuque as well as utilizing the mini -bus for paratransit services. Fixed route service provides
transportation to Dubuque citizens so that they may access various services, shopping,
entertainment, community functions, and employment opportunities within the City. The mini -bus
promotes independence for seniors and persons with disabilities by providing Origin to
Destination transportation and passenger assistance when accessing the demand response service.
The Jule also provides daily paratransit demand response service to the City of East Dubuque,
Illinois. Fixed route hours of service are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 p.m., Monday through Friday and
from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Mini -bus hours of service mirror the fixed route schedules
as required under the American Disabilities Act. The Trolley buses operate seasonally on a
looped - shuttle service between the Port of Dubuque and key downtown location. The Jule
(formerly known as Keyline Transit) provided 312,975 rides last year both for the fixed route and
paratransit service to consumers in the region.
5
In addition to The Jule. the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides over an additional 90.000
rides per year within the city limits of Dubuque for subscription services to residential care
facilities. nursing homes. and daycare providers. Burlington Trailways is an independent service
provider serving the region providing intercity bus service to citizens and businesses in the tri-
state area.
Currently the connections between the transit systems and the connections with other modes of
transportation are cumbersome and fairly non - existent. The existing downtown transfer point in
Dubuque for the fixed route system is located on Iowa Street with tlu-ee unheated bus shelters that
provide inadequate protection from inclement weather. There is a lack of a safe buffer from heavy
downtown traffic as well as a lack of passenger amenities and no convenient access to the local
bike /hike system. The Iowa Street transfer point is on a transfer point for The Jule fixed route
system. It is not a central hub for all modes of transportation. Passengers currently using the RTA
or the Burlington Trailways can be dropped at the Iowa Street transfer location but there are no
specific coordinated efforts between the three systems due to the lack of a facility or central hub
for transit and the various modes of transportation.
The Iowa Street transfer location is not conveniently located to the HID or to the Port of
Dubuque. Dubuque has seen over $500 million investment in the Port area and a projected $200
million investment in the HID. Active railroad tracks separate the Iowa Street transfer station
from these two major investments in Dubuque. A central hub in the HID that also services the
Port of Dubuque for the Center would address the convergence of people. transit. rail. boat. etc. to
one location.
The current bus facility is more than a century old and is operating beyond its useful life in FTA
and practical standards. The 43.000 square foot structure requires substantial repairs that are not
cost effective and feasible given the age of the structure and the transit service has changed
greatly due to the changes in technology. energy efficiency and growth of the City's urban
population. In 2002 the City moved the maintenance functions of the transit service to a City
Operations and Maintenance facility. rendering the bus barn to the status of a storage facility.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent maintaining and operating the outdated facility.
and a list of estimated future repairs of over $2 million has been compiled and continues to grow.
prompting the City to seek funding to construct a new and more cost efficient facility providing a
connection for all modes of transportation. The existing facility is not conducive to an intermodal
environment and the current downtown transfer point in Dubuque for the fixed route system is
located several blocks away. A new bus facility is a key — but unfunded — element of the proposed
transportation intermodal center.
6
Current Passenger Rail Challenges
The lack of a passenger rail has hampered Dubuque and its residents from easily traveling to such
places as Rockford, Chicago and all points beyond. The Chicago- Dubuque rail corridor has been
approved and is supported by Amtrak and the States of Iowa and Illinois. The States of Iowa and
Illinois have committed to making track improvements and the annual subsidy, leaving the
development of the facility to each community. However, the lack of a facility such as the Center
in Dubuque has slowed the process on the Iowa side. With so many people living in the Dubuque
area and Chicago being a prominent city in the Midwest, there is a lack of accessible and
alternative forms of travel. Insert proposed Amtrak route map here.
The $17 million final portion of this project will change the economic, cultural and recreational
landscape of the area, and $10,056,321 of funding from the TIGER IV grant will complete the
project and change the face of multi -modal transportation in the tri -state region. Over 41% of the
$17 million Phase II funding has already been secured and the TIGER IV grant would ensure its
immediate launch, timely completion of the entire visionary project, and its long -term success.
Current Needs for Intermodal Facility
The current downtown transfer area on Iowa Street for the Jule is located on a city street and
provides for limited, metered parking for people wanting to bike to the area and does not provide
for long term public parking solutions. The transfer area is not conducive to accommodate other
modes of transportation. Over the last 15 years, Downtown Dubuque has seen an explosion in
employment, going from approximately 2,000 workers to 9,000 in that time span, pulling in
commuters from a 60 mile radius.
Additionally, the Illinois DOT has committed $61 million for rail improvements to have an
Amtrak stop in Dubuque and expand service to Iowa by 2014. A rail platform is needed to
accommodate future Amtrak service.
The Center will link all modes of transportation providing the hub to transportation in Dubuque
bringing together train, bike, pedestrian, bus, and cab service to one central location and
providing travel options for citizens of the region. The Center is part of the City's key strategy to
bring more businesses to Dubuque and to allow those already here to grow. Parking for the Center
has been addressed by the City in the first phase of the project funded locally and through State of
Good Repair funding. The parking on this phase will address the long and short term needs of
those travelling on Amtrak, bus or bikes.
The Center Solution
The Center will provide more transportation choices to work commuters, low income persons,
persons with disabilities, students, tourists and anyone else who is interested in reducing the
community's carbon footprint by exploring alternative transportation modes. According to US
7
Census Bureau, transit makes up a very small percentage of total trips in Dubuque. In 2009.
81.6 °0 of Dubuque residents drove alone to work: 5.00o walked: 0.7 °o used public transit. Survey
data collected through Dubuque's Passenger Transportation Plan suggests that commuters do not
use transit because of limited service hours, long wait and ride times, difficulty transferring
between modes, and limited geographic coverage. The Center addresses these issues by providing
a central transfer point, optimizing transit routes, and providing a state of the art bus maintenance
and storage facility.
The current downtown transfer point does not provide adequate shelter from the weather or
adequate parking for bicycles and is not located near the intercity bus station. The Center will
provide a central location where all modes can meet and disperse through the community. This
project will also help in revitalizing the Washington Neighborhood which is a low income
neighborhood in the Dubuque area and enhance this population's mobility options. All
transportation options will accommodate persons with disabilities as well as senior citizens
because of the specially equipped modes.
One component of this project is redesigned Jule routes using consumer travel demand -based
route optimization software developed by IBM through the Smarter City partnership. The
redesign will focus on providing coverage to underserved areas, increased efficiency, and reduced
wait and ride time. The updated maintenance facility will improve access to transit by allowing
Jule staff to perform maintenance and repairs in a timely fashion, reducing downtime and delays
in service.
Once constricted, the Center will immediately address the previously mentioned challenges and
as a result will increase use of alternative modes of transportation. The project will save
$3.321.428 in safety costs through the life of the project assuming $0.03 cents in accident cost
rate per vehicle mile. The Center will provide a much safer travel environment and
interconnectivity between modes by creating safe buffers between them and at passenger boarding
locations. Passengers will enjoy separated and secure transfer points between several modes of
transport under one roof. Passengers will use the Center to transfer from pedestrian travel to
automobiles, local buses, intercity buses and trolleys, and high speed passenger rail. The Center
will not only enhance the transportation of the town, but also the entire region.
8
Rendering of Welcome Center
Progress on the Historic Millwork District project is underway, which includes street redesign,
construction of 100 housing units and 50,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. This will
reduce operational costs to The Jule with the next phase of the project allowing for reinvestment
into the transit system. This project will serve as a national model to connect employment to
housing, and will help to reduce VMT and greenhouse gases. This project will have $427,035 in
emission savings for the life of the project.
Does this table change ??
Environmental Benefits
Tons
Savings
NOX
223
$878,331
PM
2
$398,380
CO
2,868
$4,797,586
CO2
99,504
$3,383,144
Total
$9,457,441
The Center will further the HMD's goal of sustainability by providing access to even greater
alternative transportation opportunities.
The Center' new bus facility will follow Sustainable Dubuque practices and will include the
capture of grey water, solar panels for heating and cooling, passive solar heating, north - facing
windows at the top of the wall, LED lighting throughout the facility, open floor plan, green roof
or energy star roof, along with the use of renewable materials including recycled /recyclable carpet
squares. There will be ceiling fans in high areas for better movement of air and air flow. Outside
9
there will also be a cistern or other system for rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, and low -
water landscaping.
The Center is a solution for the hundreds (getting an exact number) of students annually traveling
from Illinois to attend the three colleges in Dubuque, who choose not to bring a vehicle with them
to college because they will have an alternate form of transportation by utilizing Amtrak.
Additionally, they will be able to seamlessly transfer to the Jule bus system when arriving at the
Center and utilize public transit as their main mode of transportation while attending college in
Dubuque.
The Center is a critical solution for improving transit access for low- income populations as well
as improving the overall transit experience for transit dependent residents. The Center will be
located near the Washington Neighborhood, an area where 68% of the population earn less than
80% of the area median income and where renters comprise 95% of all household earning less
than $10,000.
II. Project Parties
The Center has support from many Local, State, Regional and Federal partners including the
following:
The City of Dubuque: Serves as the lead on this project and is committed to coordinating all
parties and pursuing funding from available partners. The City committed $5.1 million in the first
phase through the State of Good Repair grant and over $5 million is committed to finish this
project for the TIGER IV grant.
United States Federal Government: Through FTA and State of Good Repair grants, The United
States Federal Government has committed $8 million to The Center.
The State of Iowa: The State of Iowa has provided $300,000 in funding to design the intermodal
platform and $1.6 million for ITS improvement through CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air
Quality) funds. The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) has approved roadway
relocations and excess right of way disposal for The Center. The IDOT has also identified the
Center as part of the comprehensive passenger rail system for the entire State of Iowa. The project
is linked to the State of Iowa FRA grant project that connects the regional passenger network of
Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Nebraska. The State is also committed to the route optimization
portion of this project and has funded $1.6 million in Iowa Clean Air Attainment program funds
leveraged for TIGER IV.
10
The State of Illinois: The State of Illinois has included this facility as part of their comprehensive
corridor project that includes passenger rail platforms at Rockford, Joliet and Moline, Illinois.
Essential transportation connectivity between Chicago, Madison, St. Louis and the Quad Cities is
key to sustainable transportation in the heartland and will invest over $61 million in rail
improvements to get the train from Rockford to Dubuque.
Amtrak: The City of Dubuque has partnered with Amtrak officials to conduct the passenger
feasibility study to support the location of passenger rail through Dubuque. Amtrak also supplied
the technical specifications for the rail platform to be incorporated into The Center.
Rendering of Dubuque Intermodal Transit Center Platform
The Midwest Rail Coalition: This project is part of the Midwest Rail Coalition, a 10 -State
Midwest coalition. This project and the Chicago- Dubuque route and attendant amenities have
received endorsement of this preeminent regional coalition.
Historic Millwork Property Owners: The HMD is a cutting edge revitalization of over one
million square feet of abandoned warehouses which will serve as housing for a growing urban
landscape punctuated by the arrival of IBM global services to Dubuque. The IBM facility
employs 1,300 new workers who choose to and are encouraged to live sustainably. Sustainable
living is the focus of the conversion of warehouse space into affordable workforce housing with
the four local lead developers fully supporting The Center.
Dubuque Metropolitan Area Transportation System (DMATS): The Center is part of the
DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan area which includes most of the Dubuque County
territory.
11
East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA): This project is supported by the regional
Council of Governments as a key regional necessity to connect workers in the region to
employment opportunities in Dubuque's Central Business District.
Dubuque County: The city of Dubuque and Dubuque County collaborate on numerous smart
transit endeavors. This project will be located in the County Seat for Dubuque County and is
supported by the Board of Supervisors.
Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce; Greater Dubuque Development Corporation;
Dubuque Initiatives and Dubuque Main Street: These four organizations represent the heart of
economic development for the city of Dubuque and the Tri -State region which includes Iowa.
Illinois, and Wisconsin. These organizations have been the leading advocate for projects such as
The Center which will advance our efforts to create transit oriented development in downtown.
IBM:: IBM so strongly believes in this project that they have committed $500.000 to provide ITS
Route Optimization for The Center. Since 2010 IBM has been working with the transit agency in
Dubuque as well as with the City and with ECL1 on transit optimization.
Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Dubuque: The tlu-ee private Dubuque
institutions of higher education all support the Center as a way to better serve their students,
faculties and administrations in more easily accessing their campuses as well as allowing for
better access to getting to and from other areas in the region. Along with IBM, the three
institutions are contributing to the ITS route optimization totaling $368.172.
Local Stakeholders: In 2006 the citizens of Dubuque identified passenger rail as one of their top
10 Envision 2010 projects out of over 2.300 ideas. Local advocates for passenger rail have
endorsed this project and have been invited to participate in design forms.
III. Grant Funds and Sources /Uses of Project Funds
The city of Dubuque's financial plan for the Center incorporates local, state and federal funding
that has already been secured, and calls for additional local and TIGER funding to complete the
financing package. Based on prior local, state and federal commitments, the City is currently in
the process of completing preliminary design and in the process of soliciting consultants for final
design. If TIGER funding is awarded the facility could be complete and operational by the Fall of
2014.
The city of Dubuque respectfully requests $10.056.321 in TIGER IV funds to complete the
overall project. The Center financial plan which is detailed below in 2012 dollars:
12
Line Items
State of Iowa
(Federal
Funds)
City of
DBQ
Local
Colleges &
IBMM
Federal
re uest
q
Total Cost
Intermodal Facility Center Phase
II
Construction of bus storage facility
$2,318,798
$7,486,737
$9,805,536
Transit equipment within facility
$900,000
$900,000
Passenger Rail Platform
$195,000
$585,000
$780,000
Sub Total
$ -
$3,413,798
$8,071,737
$11,485,536
Street Conversion
Street rehab /1 way to 2 way
$648,844
$1,421,156
$2,070,000
ITS Route Optimization
ITS for Route optimization
$1,600,000
$173,400
$368,172
$563,428
$2,705,000
Sub Total
$ 1,600,000
$822,244
$368,172
$ 1,984,584
$ 4,775,000
Land and Street Conversion
Land Value for Bus Storage
facility /parking (City of Dubuque)
$825,000
$825,000
$825,000,
$17,085,54
Sub Total
$ -
$825,000
$ -
Taliffiliarkili
2
$10
This project has over 41% matching and leveraged funds. The city of Dubuque will contribute
more than $5.06 million. An additional $368,000 in matching funds will be provided by the local
colleges and IBM, plus leveraged funds of $1.6 million from the Iowa DOT all have been secured
for this project. However, without the TIGER IV grant, Dubuque will not be able to complete this
critically important transportation project.
IV. Selection Criteria
Primary
a. Long -Term Outcomes
i. State of Good Repair
While Dubuque prides itself on reuse and renovation, reconstruction and revitalization, it does not
make good financial, technological or environmental sense to continue using the existing bus
facility. The Dubuque public transit service holds the distinction of being the second oldest public
transit system west of the Mississippi. In 1867, the first franchise for street cars was granted to the
Dubuque Street Railway. Thirty -seven years later, the present bus barn facility at 24th and Central
Avenue was constructed in 1902. That facility and service was acquired by the City from
Interstate Power in 1973, and continues to be operated out of the same location today. In 1988,
the City completed a number of renovations to the current facility that included roof replacement,
13
replacement of flooring and lighting, relocation of the administrative offices and other essential
upgrades. Today, the facility is more than a century old, the repairs more than two decades old,
and is operating beyond its useful life in FTA and practical standards. The City faces a daunting
list of updates that will keep the facility open but still not functioning efficiently coupled with the
incontrovertible fact that the urban center has shifted and the current facility is not effectively
located, the City has made the decision to pursue new construction. By building a new, energy
efficient and technologically advanced bus facility in conjunction with the new intermodal
facility, the bus storage facility will again be at the core of Dubuque's transportation system and
will allow for long -term cost savings in efficiency and sustainability.
Total current annual energy use cost in the century old bus facility is $49,940. The estimated
annual energy use cost for the new bus storage facility in the intermodal is $13,603 with an
annual estimated savings of $36,337 and $1,090,115 over the 30 year useful life of the project.
This savings annually will be reinvested back into the transit system to improve services to the
community. Please see the attached benefit cost analysis in the application package for more
information on energy savings.
The bus system with the implementation of ITS will strengthen the overall transportation system
in Dubuque and will be self - sustaining through increased ridership of 19,710 for fifteen years
with an average of 1,314,000. If the City moves forward with the intermodal facility, but does not
include the bus facility, the transportation system in Dubuque will remain fractured and will put
the connectivity of the entire intermodal system at risk as transfers from one bus to the other as
well as to other modes of transportation become less cohesive. Also, locating the bus storage
facility at the Center will help reduce the maintenance costs on city streets, because buses won't
have to travel back and forth across the city (14 blocks) from the storage facility to the Center. As
indicated in the benefit cost analysis, over the 15 year life of the project, $2,450,790 will be saved
in accident costs; $245,079 in pavement maintenance costs, and $4,901,580 in congestion costs.
The ITS route optimization for the Jule, will utilize IBM optimization software and bus routes and
schedules based on travel demand will be redesigned in order to maximize the overall use and
efficiency of the transit system, therefore reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions and
ultimately decreasing vehicle miles travelled which will help to maintain existing road
infrastructure.
ansportation Benefits
Benefits to Intercity Bus Users
Total Ridership
19,710,000
Revenues
$19,710,000
External Costs - Vehicles for 15 years
14
Congestion cost savings
$4,901,580
Pavement maintenance cost savings
$245,079
Noise pollution cost savings
$81,693
Accident cost savings
_ • `' onmental Benefits
$2,450,790
$393,085
NOx
PM
$172,961
CO
$2,148,473
CO2
$1,423,223
Noise Emission
$81,693
Ei Benefits
Gas savings
$3,423,960
Economic Benefits
Direct & In direct impact on the
community
$27,353,394
The development of an intermodal facility in the heart of downtown Dubuque is in perfect
alignment with State, local and regional efforts and plans to maintain systems in a state of good
repair. While the Center itself will be new construction, it is surrounded by areas that are under
extensive revitalization and reuse in Dubuque. The Center is the result of a planning process with
coordinated transportation and land -use planning in mind and is listed as a priority project in the
DMATS Long Range Transportation Plan, the DMATS and RPA 8 Passenger Transportation
Plan, and the City's CIP. The Dubuque community has held numerous public sessions where
participants have commented extensively on all plans through open public meetings, surveys, and
public input workshops. Further reflecting the national interest in this project, the US DOT
recently awarded the city of Dubuque $8 million toward the intermodal facility, with another $11
million awarded throughout the state of Iowa to improve transportation. There have also been
numerous elements included in the design of the Center to ensure a continued State of Good
Repair. The City is committed to maintaining the Center through its annual operating budget. The
revenue from parking will be used to maintain and implementing future projects for the
intermodal and parking structure. Revenue generated by transit and savings from its efficiency
will be used to maintain and implement future projects for the bus facility.
One of the first steps of this project was to rehabilitate and upgrade the infrastructure surrounding
the site of the planned intermodal facility to ensure that all modes of transportation could 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 district, Port of Dubuque, and the Washington Neighborhood.
More specifically, funds will be used to reconstruct the following streets using the Complete
15
Streets model: Washington Street, Jackson Street, Elm Street, 8th Street, 9th Street, and 10th
Street. Additionally, the Complete Streets model also addresses reducing water runoff into the
storm water system and preventing flooding, disrepair and pollution. The City is working to make
the entire area surrounding the new Center surrounded by an environment of good repair. If the
City does not complete the overall Center project, the City's entire transportation multi -modal
network will be threatened, thereby endangering the future economies of the region.
ii. Economic Competiveness
The Center will enhance the over economic competitiveness of the Dubuque area. First, the City
is focused on making the area competitive for its existing businesses and residents. To keep and
grow the businesses already located in Dubuque, the City needs to update its transportation
systems to be able to bring employees and customers to them efficiently and easily. The vision is
to retain the City's long -term investors and help them succeed in the ever - changing work
environment through accessibility and ease of use.
Second, the Center will catalyze and accelerate new economic development in the city. The
Center is part of a comprehensive city plan to promote new economic development in the HMD
and surrounding neighborhoods. With The Center in place, the HMD area will serve as a central
hub for local and regional transportation. The overall employment impact will be $21.5 million.
The IBM software will evaluate true travel demand through data from various sources providing
improved access to local businesses, specifically areas currently not accessible by transit. The
Center will help make Dubuque more accessible for tourists by connecting intercity bus or
Amtrak passengers to the Jule. The route optimization software and smarter IT components of the
project will enhance the Jule's ability to evaluate and respond to changes in transit demand,
providing connections to expanding commercial corridors. Bus ridership is expected to increase to
3,600 rides per day with 2.2% of the additional city households utilizing the bus versus driving,
and reducing their average trips per day from five per person to zero, after this project is complete
because of all the project components including construction of the Center, route optimization,
and construction of the bus storage facility.
The Center is also part of a comprehensive strategy for redevelopment of the urban core of
Dubuque, including investments in economic development, housing, and transportation. The
project will be located near the Port of Dubuque, a $500 million transformation of industrial space
to a commercial and entertainment district, and adjacent to the HMD, a $200 million mixed -use
redevelopment of historic warehouse properties. A $5.6 million TIGER grant is being used to
design and reconstruct the street network in the HMD to complete streets model, connect The
Center to the central business district, Port of Dubuque, and the WN, a low- income neighborhood
undergoing revitalization near the site. The Center will provide vital transportation connections
16
required for the success of existing investments and will be instrumental in leveraging additional
investments required to achieve the long -term goals for downtown Dubuque.
Third, The Center will help revitalize downtown neighborhoods by providing improved transit
access for low- income populations, facilitating transitions between modes, and improving the
transit experience for transit dependent residents. The Center will be located within walking
distance of the WN, a disinvested residential neighborhood that has been targeted for
revitalization by the City of Dubuque. In 2009, median household income in the WN was
approximately $19.000 below the county median. Proximity to the project will improve access to
destinations within and outside the region for residents of the WN and serve as a catalyst for
private investment in the neighborhood.
Growth in the city of Dubuque's downtown area will provide economic stability for the entire tri-
state region as stream -lined transportation and connectivity makes exchange between all of the
areas more appealing. With The Center in place, the FEUD area will serve as a central hub for
local and regional transportation. The Center will provide the necessary foot traffic to draw
tenants to the planned commercial space in the FEUD. The Center will provide multi -modal intra-
and inter -city access for employees located in the FEUD. These options will reduce congestion
and commute times, improving the attractiveness of the area for economic development. The 350
people who are anticipated to live within a block of the facility will have immediate and
convenient access to a number of transportation options.
Surveys conducted by regional development groups note that key businesses have identified a
lack of reliable, affordable intermodal transportation as a primary obstacle to their considering
growth in the area. Consequently, the addition of an intermodal facility can be seen as a principal
indicator that the City of Dubuque is prepared to bring long -term businesses and jobs to the
region. With the growth in transportation options some businesses, such as Dubuque Bank and
Trust are already offering employees incentives to take public transportation instead of driving
their own vehicle. Those incentives are anticipated to grow as intermodal options become readily
available.
Additionally, the Center will help make Dubuque more accessible for tourists by connecting
intercity bus or Amtrak passengers to the Jule. The route optimization software and smarter IT
components of the project will enhance the Jule's ability to evaluate and respond to changes in
transit demand, providing connections to expanding commercial corridors.
Based on the Benefit Cost Analysis provided. 20.430 passengers are projected to locally utilize
the Amtrak service annually resulting in $919.350 in increased cost - savings for the general public
from changing from private transportation to high speed rail. The street reconstructions will also
result in increased reliability of moving people and products in and out of the area with increased
accessibility for commercial use thus resulting in increased movement of freight.
17
The city of Dubuque supports this project by committing over $5.06 million. Other supportive
partners ranging from tourism industries to private businesses, organizations and nonprofits stand
behind this priority project. Please see the application package for letters of support from
organizations such as the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. IBM. Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation, etc. and matching documentation.
Livability
This application succinctly meets all of the six livability principles developed by DOT with HUD
and EPA as part of the Partnership for Sustainable Communities:
Provide more transportation choices; According to the US Census Bureau, transit makes up a
very small percentage of total trips in Dubuque. In 2009. 81.6°0 of Dubuque residents drove alone
to work: 5.0° o walked: 0.7°0 used public transit. Survey data collected through Dubuque's
Passenger Transportation Plan suggests that commuters do not use transit because of limited
service hours, long wait and ride times, difficulty transferring between modes, and limited
geographic coverage. The Center addresses these issues by providing a central transfer point,
optimizing transit routes, and providing a state of the art bus maintenance and storage facility.
The current downtown transfer point does not provide adequate shelter from the weather or
adequate parking for bicycles and is not located near the intercity bus station. The Center will
provide a central location where all modes can meet and disperse through the community,
including the future Amtrak passenger rail line that will run from Dubuque to Chicago providing
that important link to Amtrak travel across the United States.
One component of this project is redesigned Jule routes using consumer travel demand -based
route optimization software developed by IBM through the Smarter City partnership. The
redesign will focus on providing coverage to underserved areas, increased efficiency, and reduced
wait and ride time. The updated maintenance facility will improve access to transit by allowing
Jule staff to perform maintenance and repairs in a timely fashion, reducing downtime and delays
in service.
The location of the Center is adjacent to the Washington Neighborhood, a low income area
undergoing revitalization, and will be convenient for this population to use and will enhance their
mobility options. All transportation options will accommodate persons with disabilities as well as
senior citizens because of the specially equipped modes.
Promote equitable, affordable housing; According to The Center for Neighborhood
Technology's H +T Affordability Index. 50.2°0 of Dubuque households spend more than ‘1500 of
their annual income on housing and transportation. Auto dependence is the primary cause of a
region's affordability problem. In recent years, most commercial and industrial development
18
occurred on the western edge of the city while low- income residents reside in the city's core. As
transit does not serve many of these new developments, a car is required. The Center will provide
low- income residents with an alternative to single occupant vehicles. The Center will help lower
the combined cost of housing and transportation through its proximity to existing and new
affordable housing units in nearby and connections to local and regional transportation for
employment and recreational trips.
The combined cost of transportation and housing is being addressed in the Washington
Neighborhood area already by helping reduce housing costs, and with being adjacent to The
Center, transportation costs will be reduced as well. For example, the City has partnered with
local institutions and community organizations to offer down payment assistance and rehab
forgivable loans for people in the WN resulting in 57 homeowner projects currently happening.
37 first -time homebuyers, and 24 rental conversions. A recently converted casket company is now
home to a community health center and 36 affordable rental housing units. Overall, there has been
$32.5 million invested in the Washington Neighborhood.
The FEUD and WN are only a starting place for growth in affordable housing in the immediate
area of The Center. Transportation options provide affordable housing in all directions of the city
center because people will be able to easily get to and from jobs in all corners of the city.
Enhance economic competitiveness; The Center is part of a comprehensive plan to promote
economic development in the FEUD and surrounding neighborhoods. With the Center in place, the
FEUD area will serve as a central hub for local and regional transportation. The Center will
provide the necessary foot traffic to draw tenants to the planned commercial space in the FEUD.
The Center will provide multi - modal, intra- and intercity access for employees and businesses
located in the FEUD. These options will reduce congestion and commute times, improving the
attractiveness of the area for economic development.
The IBM route optimization software will evaluate true travel demand through data from various
sources providing improved access to local businesses, specifically areas currently not accessible
by transit. These route improvements will help facilitate the flow of people across the City,
improving economic development opportunities citywide and helping improve the flow of goods
throughout the City. The software and smarter IT components of the project will enhance the
Jule's ability to evaluate and respond to changes in transit demand, providing connections to
expanding commercial corridors.
The Center will help make Dubuque more accessible for tourists by connecting intercity bus or
Amtrak passengers to the Jule and will allow the City to attract workers and tourists from across
the region by providing new transportation choices, which will strengthen the central city.
19
Support existing communities; The Center is essential for revitalizing the HUD through
investment in complete streets, adaptive reuse, mixed -use development, and transit - oriented
development. The Center will be constricted on an existing brownfield site within the HUD and
will act as a catalyst for future residential and commercial redevelopment in the district. The
HUD will be a mixed -use, high- density urban neighborhood where owning a vehicle is
unnecessary. The district must offer residents and businesses access to and from the district
through multiple modes of transportation including transit, walking, and bicycling. This work has
begun with the TIGER funded complete streets project, but the center will serve as the central
location for transfers between modes. The HUD without transit connections will either have
vacant residential and commercial space due to lack of access or the residential and commercial
space will be filled, but the district will continue the current pattern of auto dependence. Both
outcomes are not consistent with the HUD Master Plan or the City of Dubuque's Sustainability
Policy.
Coordinate policies and leverage investment; The Center is part of a comprehensive strategy
for redevelopment of the urban core of Dubuque including investments in economic development,
housing, and transportation. The project will be located near the Port of Dubuque, a $500 million
transformation of industrial space to a commercial and entertainment district, and adjacent to the
HUD, a $200 million mixed use redevelopment of historic warehouse properties. A $5.6 million
TIGER grant will be used to design and reconstruct the street network in the HUD to a complete
streets model, connecting the Center to the central business district. Port of Dubuque, and WN, a
low- income neighborhood undergoing revitalization ($32.5 million of public and private
investment) near the site. The maintenance and storage component of the project will house buses
purchased using a $2.3 million State of Good Repair grant and $1.5 million in Bus Livability
grant funds. The Center will provide vital transportation connections required for the success of
the existing investment and will be instrumental in leveraging additional investments required to
achieve the long -term goals for downtown Dubuque.
Value communities and neighborhoods; The Center will help revitalize downtown
neighborhoods by providing improved transit access for low - income populations, facilitating
transitions between modes, and improving the transit experience for transit dependent residents.
The Center will be located within walking distance of the WN, a disinvested residential
neighborhood that has been targeted for revitalization by the City of Dubuque. In 2009, median
household income in the WN is approximately $19.000 below the county median. Proximity to
the project will improve access to destinations within and outside the region for the residents of
the WN and serve as a catalyst for private investment in the neighborhood.
The Center is essential for revitalizing the HUD through investment in complete streets, adaptive
reuse, mixed -use development, and transit - oriented development. The Center will be constructed
on an existing brownfield site within the HUD and will act as a catalyst for future residential and
20
commercial redevelopment in the district. The HMD will be a mixed -use, high- density urban
neighborhood where owning a vehicle is unnecessary. The district must offer residents and
businesses access to and from the district through multiple modes of transportation including
transit, walking, and bicycling.
iv. Environmental Sustainability
Dubuque is a community that has made a commitment to environmental sustainability, but also
has fastidious requirements for maintaining public facilities and grounds, which is reflected in the
city's budget and financial commitment to this project long -term. The funding generated from
parking fees with The Center will be used to maintain the project. The savings obtained through
reduced energy usage and fleet management software will be used to improve the operations of
the system and the route optimization piece will assist in route efficiency and increase ridership in
the service area. This will help to generate more revenues and create a more efficient system by
catering to the needs of the public. The design for the intermodal facility includes decreased
utility costs through the incorporation of sustainable long -term cost structure. The Efficient
lighting, HVAC, energy recovery systems, low flow facilities, passive solar, and renewable
construction materials are all integral parts of The Center's sustainable building design. The
annual utility costs at the existing bus maintenance facility will be reduced from $1.16 per
square foot to $0.43 per square foot due to the efficiency components described above. The table
below shows the energy savings from transit and the intermodal facility for the useful life of the
project.
Description
Transit Facili
($0.0682/KWH)
Project's Current Annual Energy Use.
$49,940
Project's Estimated Annual Energy Use.
$13,603
Project's Estimated Annual Energy Savings
$36,337
Project's Total Estimated Energy Savings Over Its Useful
Life.
$1,090,115
In addition, the buses that will be stored and operate out of the Center are clean diesel, low
emission vehicles (acquired with the help of a 2010 grant from Clean Fuels and State of Good
Repair programs), reducing Dubuque's carbon emissions and setting the city apart as a leader in
environmental sustainability. The IBM transit and route optimization software will enable the city
to design and implement a more responsive transit system by determining the most efficient
routes and schedules based on travel demand, increasing the overall efficiency of the transit
system while reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. The optimization will aid in
reducing green house gas emissions, encouraging multimodal transit use and making the
21
community more livable significantly more efficient and livable. The table below shows the
emission savings with route optimization software installed.
Environmental Benefits
Tons
Savii
NOX
94.36
$393,085
pM
0.99
$172,961
CO
1,213.14
$2,148,473
CO2
41,859.49
$1,423,223
Total
$4,137,742
Located on an existing brown field site, the Center will reduce carbon emissions and increase
operational facility through the replacement of a 100 year old facility. Through decreased utility
costs and Energy Star certification (with 95% efficiency) of new mechanicals, there will be both a
waste minimization plan and a reuse of resources. The site design also calls for reduced water use
and efficient water fixtures, smart metering, onsite storm water retention, and water - efficient
landscaping, all which will assist in keeping the project area below non - attainment levels.
Architecturally, the design implements a high indoor environmental quality using as much natural
lighting as possible.
Due to the route optimization for the mass transit system, there will be an improved promotion of
a more environmentally friendly transportation system because it will supply the tools and data
for a more efficient system. The increased number of transit users choosing various modes of
transportation because they are better informed and have more options that are sensible will
provide lasting environmental sustainability for the community.
The revitalization and reuse of the infrastructure will also promote pedestrian and bike options
that are more attractive to people in the area. Included in the infrastructure redesign is linear storm
water bio filtration making for a cleaner, healthier area less prone to flooding or stagnant water.
v. Safety
The new center will help to save $3,321,428 in safety costs through the life of the project
assuming $0.03 cents in accident cost rate per vehicle mile. The costs savings includes fatalities,
major injuries, minor injuries and property damage. The construction of the Center will result in
several improvements to public safety. They include:
• Improved bus routes designed by the route optimization software which will increase ridership
and thus decrease individual vehicle transit and result in less volume and fewer accidents. The
Smarter City ITS will provide the continuous collection of traffic volume data, intersection
reports, failure /malfunction notifications, video monitoring, overall control for signal retiming
22
and ability to redirect traffic thus enabling optimal signaling. improved progression. reduced
carbon emissions and optimal special event traffic management
• Direct transfer access between multi -modes of travel and access to all platforms. waiting areas.
and sidewalks without having to cross vehicular travel -ways (streets or rails) or busy parking lots.
Currently there is not a direct connection between the City transit bus systems and Trailways.
• Protected indoor waiting areas and covered loading area onto the Amtrak trains. rather than
ground -level boarding requiring a climb up into the rail cars. This provides greatest ease of access
for mobility impaired riders and eliminates the risk of trip -and -fall injuries from walking on or
next to rail tracks.
• High visibility /open design concepts for rail and bus platforms and the passenger lobby area
including an IP addressable video camera for increased security. Full time staffed intermodal
transportation center available to assist in case a patron experiences difficulty. e.g. medical
emergency or threat of physical harm.
• Active building frontage and public realm that increases personal safety by attracting more people
to the area during the daytime and nighttime. Overall safety of outdoor areas enhanced by
accentuated facade transparency. Protected pedestrian approaches to the intermodal transportation
center via clearly defined and lighted pedestrian walkways leading to and from the facility.
• The existing Trailways station location is at a signalized 5 -way intersection without crosswalks or
pedestrian indications. Any patron crossing a street to approach the station must do so without the
benefit of pedestrian protection.
• Making all of these improvements will help in creating a safe and reliable transportation system
hence increasing usage of passenger rail and transit systems and reducing the number of
automobiles on the road system.
• Less single vehicle traffic will result in less rush -hour traffic and less vehicular accidents.
b. Job Creation and Near -Term Economic Activity
In September 2011. Dubuque County received its seventh Presidential Disaster Declaration in the
past 11 years. In addition to other economic concerns. the region has dealt with costly floods and
high damages to infrastructure such as bridges. secondary roads. recreational trails. crops and a
myriad of other items that reflect the economic distress of the area. The Center will be a
significant boost to job creation and near -term economic activity.
23
A model using input - output multipliers from I1'vIPLAN was used to determine the quantity,
industry composition, and compensation of jobs to be created in the short-term during project
constriction, as well as the level of economic output to be generated by transportation
infrastructure investments.
In the case of The Center, the need for resources to design and build would represent a short-term
increase in demand for construction labor and materials. Economic multipliers from IMPLAN
were applied to the increase in construction demand to estimate three types of impacts:
• Direct impacts represent new spending, hiring, and production by construction companies
to accommodate the demand for resources in order to complete the project.
• Indirect impacts result from the increase in production of industries supplying
intermediate goods and services to the construction industry. Such firms will also
experience increased demand for their products and, if necessary, will hire new workers to
meet the additional demand. The level of inter - industry trade within Dubuque County will
determine the size of the indirect impact.
• Induced impacts stem from the re- spending of wages earned by workers and households
benefitting from the direct and indirect activity. In other words, if an increase in labor
demand leads to earnings in a set of industries, workers in these industries will spend
some proportion of their increased earnings at local retail shops, restaurants, and other
places of conmmerce, further stimulating economic activity.
There will be immediate and continued near -term economic activity due to the intermodal facility .
Already underway is the street revitalization in the area surrounding the HMD and The Center.
Construction of the facility and the ongoing rehabilitation of the Washington Neighborhood and
the Historic Millwork District will bring work for electricians, plumbers, construction laborers,
commercial interior designers and a number of support positions.
The economic impacts listed below are related to the design engineering and constriction of The
Center, and are therefore considered one -time impacts that will occur in the regional economy
during design and constriction of the project. For the purposes of this analysis, staff defined the
regional economy as Dubuque County, Iowa, Grant County. Wisconsin, and Jo Daviees County,
Illinois.
The design of the Center will have a sizable impact on the engineering and architecture sector of
the regional economy. The budgeted amount for engineering and design is $813.332. The design
work will require 6.6 jobs that will generate $429.904 in labor income. The design firm will
require $188.004 in regionally supplied inputs that will indirectly employ 1.9 workers and
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generate $76.976 in labor income. When the direct and indirect workers spend their paychecks,
they will buy $319.115 worth of goods and services, which will support 3.3 jobs and $108.345 in
labor income. The design phase of the project is expected to take between five to seven months.
The combined economic activity generated during that time will support $1.3 million in regional
industrial output. 11.8 jobs, and $615.225 in labor income. The table below contains the economic
impact values of the engineering and design activities.
Engineering and Design Activity
Impact Type
Employment
Labor
Income
Output
Direct Effect
6.6
$429,904
$813,332
Indirect Effect
1.9
$76,976
$188,004
Induced Effect
3.3
$108,345
$319,115
Total Effect
11.8
$615,225
$1,320, -152
The $12.7 million that is budgeted for construction of the facility will directly employ 102.9
workers making $4.6 million in labor income. The activity will require $3.2 million in regionally
produced inputs that will necessitate 25.8 jobs making $1.1 million in labor incomes. The activity
will support $ 3.7 million in induced effects that will support 38.1 jobs making $1.26 million in
labor incomes. Altogether, constriction of the Center will generate $19.6 million in regional
economic activity, support 166.8 jobs and. $7.1 million in labor income. The table below contains
the economic impact values of the constriction activity.
Construction Activity
Impact Type
Employment
Labor Income
Output
Direct Effect
102.9
$4,688,092
$12,742,203
Indirect Effect
25.8
$1,188,382
$3,217,214
Induced Effect
38.1
$1,265,789
$3,729,675
Total Effect
166.8
$7,1- 12,263
$19,689,092
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The table below contains the combined economic impact for the design and construction of The
Center. In total, the project will generate $21 million in regional economic impact. 178.6 jobs.
and $7.7 million in labor income.
Total Short -Term Impacts
Impact Type
Employment
Labor
Income
Output
Direct Effect
109.5
$5,117,996
$13,555,535
Indirect Effect
27.7
$1,265,358
$3,405,218
Induced Effect
41.4
$1,374,134
$4,048,790
Total Effect
178.6
$7,757, -488
$21,009,5 -4-4
The city of Dubuque regularly promotes the creation of job opportunities for low - income workers
in projects that they facilitate and this is illustrated in the Bndges Ont ofPovertj• training program
that the City staffs. Bndges Ont ofPoverty training are based off the work of Dr. Ruby Payne and
provide insight to the "hidden rules" of different socio - economic classes. A curriculum within
Bndges, "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting' -By World" is designed to give low - income families
the tools needed to create a path for making a stable, secure life for their family.
The city of Dubuque always seeks opportunities to provide employment opportunities for small
business and disadvantaged business enterprises. The City also has an ongoing partnership with
the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, which has fostered such programs as Project
HOPE (Helping Our People Excel) which is an employment initiative of the city of Dubuque
designed to serve as a catalyst within the community helping service providers, education /training
providers, employers and job seekers build bridges and dissolve existing disparity to establish
rewarding, long -term employment opportunities.
The City will assure that the project discussed in this application will make effective use of these
and other community -based organizations in connecting disadvantaged workers with economic
opportunities. The City promises that the project will support entities that have a sound track
record on labor practices and compliance with Federal laws ensuring that American workers are
safe and treated fairly. The project will also implement best practices, consistent with our
Nation's civil rights and equal opportunity laws for ensuring that all individuals regardless of
race, gender, age, disability, and national origin benefit from TIGER grant funding.
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The populations most likely to benefit from the creation or preservation of jobs or new or
expanded business opportunities are right next to the project area, the Washington Neighborhood.
This 55 square block area, where 68° o of the population earns less than 80° o of the area median
income, is an economically distressed area. The Dubuque hntermodal Transportation Center will
help this low income neighborhood with more transportation options and help to reduce their
annual cost of transportation. This project will also provide an opportunity to the residents of this
neighborhood with more job opportunities.
Please see the attached benefit -cost analysis for more information on job creation and near-term
economic activity.
c. Innovation
IBM has been partnering with the city of Dubuque and ECEA since 2010 to design and implement
an application to collect anonymous data through smartphone technology on how, when and
where volunteer participants travel within the community. The anonymous, aggregate data
collected will be analyzed and the findings used by the city of Dubuque and its transit partners to
implement practices and policies that incorporate lower -cost and lower- impact travel options
within Dubuque including changes to transit routes providing opportunities to reduce vehicle
miles traveled. The goal of the research is to identify options for all Dubuque commuters to save
money, conserve resources, and improve the environment through better travel choices.
Participants were asked to download the Smart Travel smartphone application and allow it to
anonymously monitor their movement for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. At the conclusion
of the 14 day period, they had the option to continue to participate or delete the application from
their smartphone.
The Center will utilize cutting edge technology in the site and building development, building
upon Dubuque's existing Smarter City partnership with IBM Watson Research Center to create a
safe, sustainable facility that contributes to the livability and economic competitiveness of the tri-
state region.
In order to meet the Sustainable Dubuque vision, the following elements will be incorporated into
the construction of the facility:
• Site Sustaznabzhty — The Center is part of the redevelopment of a brownfield site that will be
connected to Dubuque's Historic Millwork District and the low- income Washington
Neighborhood, providing transportation, workforce, and recreation opportunities for the entire
downtown community. The site and surrounding area will be a mixed -use development designed
to connect residents and visitors to opportunities to live, work and play throughout Dubuque.
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• Energy Efficiency — Energy - efficient HVAC systems, design for Energy Star certification, electric
outlets for hybrid vehicles, and the potential use of renewable energy systems.
• Water Efficiency — Facility water -use reduction, efficient fixtures, "smart" metering, on -site storm
water retention and water - efficient landscaping.
• Construction Materials — Construction will include Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste
Agency waste minimization plan and include use of recycled and locally- sourced materials from
ending up in the landfill.
• Indoor Environmental Quality — Design features to enhance light controllability, thermal comfort,
and harness interior daylight.
This project builds on the already innovative, TIGER I- awarded project of Complete Streets and
in addition to innovative design and construction standards, the continued operation of the Center
will allow for ongoing flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the community through
adaptive routes and continuity of services.
d. Partnership
i. Jurisdictional and Stakeholder Collaboration
The Center is a true partnership among key supporters of the vision of a Smarter, Sustainable
Dubuque and building long - lasting sustainable infrastructure. The chart below illustrates the
financial breakdown of the various partners involved in The Center. In addition to government
funding at all levels, the project further benefits from the investment of such esteemed partners as
world information technology leader IBM, who has provided key technological advancements on
the project through their transit study and route optimization software. Moreover, the list of
partners who are working in both direct and indirect ways to see this entire project succeed range
from local, state and regional government officials, local businesses and developers, and the
residents of the region. See http : / /www.cityofdubuque.org /DITC for supporting letters from
many of the project partners and supporters.
Chart will be updated.
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City of Dubuque DITC Partners
$400,000, 1%
$239,000, 1%
AO*
$8,000,000, 27%
$8,506,585, 29%
$2,464,000,
8%
$10,000,243 , 33%
• City of Dubuque
• State of Iowa
IBM & Local colleges
■ TIG €R III - DITC
• State of Good Repair
2011
$300,672,1%
ii. Disciplinary Integration
The Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center represents a coordinated effort to revitalize the
urban core of the city. Exciting opportunities for growth are happening nearby in the Washington
Neighborhood with homeownership opportunities and rehabilitation programs available to
interested citizens. Since 2005, the following entities have invested in the WN: City of Dubuque -
$7.8 million; Private Investment - $11.4 million; Other Government Investment - $13.4 million.
The Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation, formed in 2009, serves as a catalyst
for attracting resources, volunteers, and technical assistance to restore the neighborhood as a place
where people want to start businesses, buy homes, and raise their families. The WN Development
Corporation supports the Center because it will provide increased mobility options and career
opportunities for the nearby Washington Neighborhood population. Please see a letter of support
from the WN Development Corporation at www.cityofdubuque.org/DITC.
Another initiative key to the revitalization of the City's urban core and compliments the Center
project is the Historic Millwork District. The HMD has one million square feet of historic
warehouse space ideal for urban mixed -use development and is perfectly suited to attract
entrepreneurs, designers, residents, institutions, and businesses prepared to fuel Dubuque's
globally competitive and sustainable economy. The HMD and the Center both offer a vision for
the community to connect people, minimize carbon footprint, and create and use locally available
resources. Please see www.cityofdubuque.org/DITC for letters of support from Gronen
Restoration and Sustainable Neighborhood Builders, Inc., two major developers that are working
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to revitalize the Historic Millwork District and supportive of the Dubuque Intennodal
Transportation Center.
Dubuque 2.0 is a community initiative that inspires citizens to be more sustainable by directly
engaging them and presenting ideas and best practices. Dubuque 2.0 supplies people with the
tools and information necessary to lean how and why to live more sustainable lifestyles and
supports the Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center project because it compliments Dubuque
2.0's goal to empower people to make educated choices to change behavior, reduce costs, save
resources, reduce carbon emissions, and identify long lasting sustainable transit opportunities.
Please see www.cityofdubuque.org /DITC for a letter of support from Dubuque 2.0.
e. Results of Benefit -Cost Analysis
Input values used in this analysis are taken from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
guidance on the preparation of Benefit Cost Analysis, including the recently published guidelines
for the HSIPR program and TIGER and TIGER II Grant applications. Where USDOT has not
provided valuation guidance or a reference to guidance, standard industry practice has been
applied.
Estimates used in the monetization of benefits include the cost of operating a vehicle, including
maintenance, repair, and depreciation. As part of calculating diversion benefits, the number of
vehicles that would be taken off the road due to the improvements is calculated. The expected
increase in ridership is used in conjunction with the average vehicle occupancy (1.2
persons /vehicle) to estimate the reduction in the number of vehicles.
Benefits resulting from the reduction in the number of vehicles are based on values for congestion
cost, pavement maintenance, noise pollution as well as accident costs, all in dollars per vehicle
miles. Internal costs include those for fuel, both for vehicles as well as train miles, in addition to
estimates for fare per passenger mile as well vehicle operating cost per car mile.
Meanwhile, emission costs are expressed as dollars per ton and are based on the benefits
associated with recently adopted regulations that limit emissions of air pollutants from passenger
cars.
The analysis for Dubuque Intermodal Facility Center is divided into five components.
• Economic Impact
o Direct Impact
o Indirect Impact
o Induced Impact
• Impact of Passenger rail and Intercity bus
o Transportation Benefits
o Environmental Benefits
o Energy Benefits
• Impact of ITS improvements
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o Transportation Benefits
o Environmental Benefits
o Energy Benefits
• Energy Savings by replacing old facility
o Energy savings
o Emissions
This section of the application summarizes the results of the Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA) for the
Dubuque Intermodal Transportation Center. A much more detailed explanation of the BCA is
included as an attachment to this narrative.
The operation cost and revenues generated by passenger rail, intercity bus and local transit are not
taken into consideration as they are more related to operations of specific systems rather than the
intermodal center. The Intermodal center operations will be funded through revenue generated
through parking and funds received by transit system from state, local and Federal Transit
Authority.
The table below summarizes the CBA findings. Annual costs and benefits are computed over a
long run planning horizon and summarized over the life cycle of the project. The project is
assumed to have a passenger rail with useful life of 30 years, Intercity Bus with useful life of 15
years, Local transit with useful life of 15 years and Phase II of Intermodal center with useful life
of 30 years is used in the analysis. Construction is expected to be completed by end of 2014.
At a 7% discount rate, a $5.6 million investment results in fully $60.6 million of benefits. This
yields a benefit to cost ratio of approximately 10.82. At a 3% discount rate, an $8.8 million
investment results in fully $82.3 million of benefits. This yields a benefit to cost ratio of
approximately 9.30.
7% Discount 3% Discount
Rate Rate
Benefit Cost Analysis Results
Total Economic Impact during project development and
construction
$21,009,544
$21,009,544
Total Discounted Benefits by Passenger rail and Intercity
Bus
$34,277,553
$54,142,391
Total Discounted Benefits by ITS improvements
$4,651,878
$6,097,315
Total Discounted Benefits by the building
$717,185
$1,132,815
Cost of the project (Federal Aid)
$5,607,040
$8,856,483
Benefit Cost Ratio
10.82
9.30
Net Present Value
$60,656,160
$82,382,065
The total cost of the project is $16,260,536 million where $13,555,536 is for construction of
Phase II of Intermodal Facility Campus with Street Conversion and $2,705,000 for ITS
optimization.
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The City is providing $4,236,042 in local match and $825,000 in land. IBM and local colleges are
providing $336,172 and State of Iowa providing $1,600,000 in the form of CMAQ (Congestion
Management Air Quality) funds. The City is requesting $10,056,321 million in TIGER IV funds
to complete the project.
V. Project Readiness and NEPA
i. Project Schedule
ii. Environmental Approvals
The city of Dubuque has worked to ensure all environmental approvals from the federal, state,
and local levels have been received. The site that is allocated for the bus facility is part of the
environmental approval that was approved through the FTA as a Categorical Exclusion. Once
funded, the bus facility design will be added to the existing design for the intermodal facility. The
city of Dubuque has worked to ensure that all environmental regulations have been fully met for
this project. Documentation of the previously stated FTA Categorical Exclusion can be found at
www.cityofdubuque.org /DITC. The City is confident that all local, state and federal
environmental regulations have been satisfactorily addressed at this time.
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Timelin
Redesign, Preliminary Programming, Regulatory Coordination, and Site
Analysis with Schematic Design & Design Development. Work completed
12/30/2011
Final Design & Construction drawings. Soliciting proposals and consultant
selection process
4/30/2012
Grant Announcement
6/30/2012
Final Design & Construction drawings.
10/31/2012
Contract with FHWA
12/21/2012
Develop, test and launch route optimization software in combination with Iowa
DOT funds
1/31/2013
Amending the existing intennodal design to add bus storage and maintenance
facility
3/28/2013
Amending Construction documents for intermodal facility to add bus facility
6/28/2013
Bid approval and contract award for intermodal facility and bus storage and
maintenance facility
9/30/2013
Construction of the intermodal facility and bus storage and maintenance facility
12/28/2014
ii. Environmental Approvals
The city of Dubuque has worked to ensure all environmental approvals from the federal, state,
and local levels have been received. The site that is allocated for the bus facility is part of the
environmental approval that was approved through the FTA as a Categorical Exclusion. Once
funded, the bus facility design will be added to the existing design for the intermodal facility. The
city of Dubuque has worked to ensure that all environmental regulations have been fully met for
this project. Documentation of the previously stated FTA Categorical Exclusion can be found at
www.cityofdubuque.org /DITC. The City is confident that all local, state and federal
environmental regulations have been satisfactorily addressed at this time.
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Legislative Approvals
All of Dubuque's federal and state representatives have expressed public support for this project.
A bipartisan coalition of representatives has secured previous appropriations for the project and
remains committed to investigating mechanisms that will allow Dubuque to continue constriction
on the project. The city council and mayor are committed to the project and obligated over $4.2
million in local funds and over $800.000 in land value for this portion of the project. This project
is the beta testing site for smart city technology by IBM and will be used as a model for other
projects world -wide.
iv. State and Local Planning
The project is identified in all relevant local, regional transportation and land use planning
documents. The project is also included in 2012 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) for the
Dubuque Metropolitan Area, and the City of Dubuque Comprehensive Plan. The Jule and Rural
Transit Authority (RTA) have also effectively analyzed the impact of the Center on their service
routes. In 2009, the City of Dubuque conducted a transit study which recommended transit
transfer points in the urban core and the Millwork district study. Both studies recommended a
need for the Transit - oriented development and a central multi -modal hub in the community. The
Center will help to meet the equipment needs to make the Dubuque urban core strong with viable
transit service. City of Dubuque is fully prepared for a smooth transition once the Center is
operational.
N'. Technically Feasibility
The City has performed extensive due diligence and is absolutely confident that the project is
feasible. A formal study was released in June 2007 by City of Dubuque. Additionally, all
engineering and architectural feasibility reviews are in progress. Construction documents will be
ready within six months of a grant award announcement.
vi. Financial Feasibility
Given the award of the SGR. TIGER funding and city of Dubuque's commitment for the local
match, there is a minimal risk that the project will not move forward due to insufficient project
fiords, however, the scale of the project or timeliness of completion could be altered due to the
outcome of this request. The city of Dubuque has successfully managed federal grants and has a
professional staff that has proven to meet or exceed all federal grant reporting and administrative
requirements.
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VI Federal Wage Rate Requirement
FEDERAL WAGE RATE CERTIFICATION
I, Roy Buol, on behalf of the city of Dubuque, the sponsoring agency for the Dubuque Intermodal
Transportation Center project, hereby certify that the city of Dubuque will comply with
Subchapter IV of Chapter 31 of Title 40, United States Code (Federal Wage Rate Requirements),
as required by the Recovery Act, if awarded TIGER Grant funding for this project
4,“
Mayor Roy Buol
City of Dubuque
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Signed this 9a` day of March, 2012