City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 7, 2016
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of the Submission of a Competitive Grant Application to the Department of Conservation and Recreation and an Authorizing Resolution for Grant Application to the 2016 Recreation Trails Program for Funding of the Construction of a Connector Bridge within Four Mile Run Park. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration of the submission of a competitive grant application to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and authorizing a resolution for a grant application to the 2016 Recreation Trails Program for Funding of the construction of a connector bridge within Four Mile Run Park.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Ratify the prior submission of a competitive grant application of up to $240,000 to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and
2. Authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents required for funding.
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers a grant-in-aid program for recreational trails. Local jurisdictions may apply for 80/20 (up to $300,000 award) matching fund assistance with the Recreational Trails Program to provide matching funds for the advancement of the construction of trails. The Connector Bridge is a continuation of the recently completed Four Mile Run Wetlands Restoration Project, which included wetland restoration and an adjacent pervious surface trail. Currently, the pervious trail stops in a dead end.
The Connector Bridge project includes the construction of a bridge spanning an unnamed tributary of Four Mile Run, connecting the new permeable trail at the wetlands to Four Mile Run ball fields. The Connector Bridge will add to the City of Alexandria's existing trail system meeting an identified need of the community as evidenced in the 2015 Recreation Needs Assessment.
Consistent with the Neighborhood Parks Improvement Plan, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) seeks City Council approval to apply for the 2016 Recreation Trails Program Grant. As part of the application, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) requires that City Council pass the attached resolution, authorizing federal funding assistance.
DISCUSSION: In 2014, RPCA completed a multi-year process to develop a series of Park Improvement Plans, including Four Mile Run Park. Two of the recommendations in the Four Mile Run Park Plan are to 1) restore the previously existing wetlands and 2) construct a connector bridge, connecting the proposed wetlands trail with the park’s existing trail.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total proposed project costs included in grant applications to DCR and the Recreational Trails Program is 80/20 matching fund, with a grant request match no larger than $300,000. DCR requires a 20% minimum match. The total estimated project cost for the Connector Bridge is $500,000. The FY17 CIP includes $200,000 in finding to satisfy the 20% City match.
ATTACHMENT: Authorizing Resolution
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
James B. Spengler, Director, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Jack W. Browand, Division Chief, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities
Dana W. Wedeles, Urban Planner III, Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities