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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATIONS FOR SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANTS RELATED TO PROVIDING IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO VARIOUS SCHOOLS IN THE CITY OF DULUTH.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth (“city”) act as the legal sponsor for the Safe Routes to School project as contained in the 2021/2022 Infrastructure Grant applications to be submitted prior to January 7, 2022, and that the mayor and clerk are hereby authorized to apply to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration for grants not to exceed $500,000 for funding of each of the following two projects: 1) Sidewalk improvements along designated Safe Routes to School to Lincoln Park Middle School, and 2) Pedestrian crossing improvements identified in Safe Routes to School plans for elementary schools;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure adequate project administration;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city commits to provide a 20% match, approximately $126,082 in funds for the two applications.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city designate the Lincoln Park Middle School Pedestrian and ADA Improvements as the first priority for funding, and that the Duluth Elementary Schools Pedestrian Crossing Improvements be ranked the second priority.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city has adopted Ordinance 18-049 on September 24, 2018 requiring new subdivisions to incorporate Safe Routes to School Infrastructure;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that upon approval of its application by the state, the mayor and clerk may enter into a grant agreement with the state of Minnesota for the above referenced projects and receive said grant payable into Permanent Improvement Fund 411, Department 035 (Capital Projects Accounts). Source 4210-01 (Pass-thru federal grants capital), and that the city certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the mayor and clerk are hereby authorized to execute such documents as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the city.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the city hereby agrees to assume full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of property and facilities related to the aforementioned Safe Routes to School projects.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: These grant applications, combined with proposed match for Lincoln Park Middle School, represent 100% of the estimated construction costs associated with providing improved pedestrian infrastructure. Because the city’s pedestrian needs are so extensive, the city will be submitting two applications for consideration, which need to be prioritized by the City per MnDOT. The first priority is improvement of the existing sidewalks and curb ramps, and installation of a shared use path within the Devonshire Street right of way, all near the Lincoln Park Middle School. Currently, a 200-foot gap exists just east of Atlantic Avenue, and the proposed construction will eliminate that gap. The second priority is improvements to pedestrian crossings with curb extensions and improved pavement markings across the busier streets that are included in completed safe routes to school plans. These schools include Piedmont, Congdon, Bayview, and Laura MacArthur Elementary Schools.
Safe Routes to School projects are funded at 100% for eligible items with no local match required up to the maximum amount, which is currently $500,000 per project. The Safe Routes to School program is a reimbursable program, meaning recipients of the funds will front the costs of the projects, and then submit pay requests for reimbursement. Infrastructure projects chosen in this solicitation must be ready for construction during the 2022 and 2023 construction seasons.