Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Illinois Safe Routes to School Program Grant Application for Intersection Crossing Improvements at Various Locations in the Village of Oak Park
End
Overview
Overview
This resolution authorizes staff to submit an application for the Illinois Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Grant for improving safety at nine intersections throughout the Village for the installation of pedestrian activated flashing beacons and signage along with curb bump-out. The SRTS grant would fund 100% of the costs for this work.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The SRTS Grant would fund 100% of the costs for the construction and construction engineering of the project. There are no FY2019 budget impacts since the grants would be announced in the spring of 2019 and the phase 1 and 2 design of the project would be completed in house with construction planned for 2020. The Village would be required to pay up front for construction and construction management of the project and be reimbursed by the State and funds for this work would be included in the recommended FY2020 Budget should the Village receive the grant.
Background
IDOT announced they will be accepting applications this fall for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grants. Awarded grant projects will receive 100% federal funding for the projects and there is no local match. Applications are due to the State by November 19, 2018.
The goals of the SRTS grant program are to:
• Encourage children to walk and bike to school
• To make walking and biking to school safer and a more appealing option
• To facilitate planning and implementation of projects that improve safety and reduce traffic within 2 miles of grade and middle schools
SRTS projects must focus on K-8 schools. The Village may only submit one application per school district. Eligible projects include sidewalk improvements, traffic calming, traffic control devices, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, and bicycle facilities. The SRTS funding limit for a construction project is $200,000, with a minimum grant of $25,000.
The Village would be required to pay up front for construction and construction management of the project and be reimbursed by the State. There are no FY2019 budget impacts as the grants would be announced in the spring of 2019 and the phase 1 and 2 design of the project would be completed in house with construction planned for 2020.
Staff reviewed the requirements of the SRTS grants and what projects may best fit the grant’s goals and requirements. Staff is recommending submitting a grant application for crossing improvements at nine intersections throughout the Village shown on the included map. The proposed project would consist of safety improvements at uncontrolled school crossings of major streets. The improvements at uncontrolled school crossings of major streets typically would include installing rapid rectangular flashing beacons and bump outs at select locations. An attached map is included showing potential locations being considered. The cost of the proposed construction and construction management is approximately $200,000.
Alternatives
The Village could decline the opportunity to submit a grant application for this project.
Previous Board Action
N/A.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded the SRTS Grant for this project, the Village will need to enter into agreements for construction and construction engineering with the State and future capital improvement budgets would need to include funds to pay for this work up-front and be reimbursed by the State.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The SRTS Grant requires participation and support from Elementary District 97. D97 completed parent surveys and student arrival and departure tallys as well as a Resolution supporting the grant application.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
This work is in alignment with the Governance Priority for the Department of Public Works for Infrastructure/Capital Programs.