City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: YON LAMBERT, INTERIM DEPUTY CITY MANAGER AND DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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Consideration of a Resolution to Support a Grant Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the FY 2022 Reconnecting Communities Planning Grant. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Should the City seek grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to conduct a feasibility study and public engagement for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge from the Landmark Mall site to the west over Interstate 395 (I-395)?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the attached resolution supporting the grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation;
(2) Approve the application of up to $300,000 to the Reconnecting Communities grant programs by October 13, 2022; and
(3) Authorize the City Manager to submit an application for the Reconnecting Communities grant and execute any necessary agreements or actions to accept this funding.
BACKGROUND: In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to fund infrastructure improvement programs. This bill included funds for the Reconnecting Communities Grant Program, aimed at reconnecting communities that were previously cut off from economic opportunities by transportation infrastructure. Funding supports planning grants and capital construction grants, as well as technical assistance, to restore community connectivity through the removal, retrofit, mitigation, or replacement of eligible transportation infrastructure facilities.
DISCUSSION: The City is seeking technical assistance funding from the DOT to study the feasibility of a bicycle and pedestrian bri...
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