Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund Grant Application for the Harlem Avenue Multimodal Bridge Project
End
Overview
Overview
This resolution authorizes staff to submit an application of a Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund (STP Shared Fund) Grant for the replacement of the Harlem Avenue Bridge between South Boulevard and North Boulevard. The application would be a joint effort with both River Forest and Forest Park.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The preliminary cost estimates for the project is approximately $30 million for design and construction. The STP Shared Fund grant is requested to cover 80% of the costs for the design and construction of this project. The remaining local share of the project is proposed to be shared between the Village of Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. The Village of Oak Park would provide 50% of the local match which is estimated to be approximately $3 million and River Forest and Forest Park would each provide a 25% match for approximately $1.5 million each. Should the grant be awarded design work would begin in 2020 with construction starting in 2022. Final expenditures for the project would likely be in 2024.
Background
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) recently announced the availability of Federal Highway Funds using a new funding source called the Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund (STP Shared Fund). The STP Shared fund was established for the purpose of supporting larger-scale regional projects that address regional performance measures and the goals of ON TO 2050. The intent of the STP Shared fund is to set aside $40M annually for to help fund larger projects over $5M or multijurisdictional projects.
Project eligibility is focused on projects of significant cost and multijurisdictional projects in eight categories that address federal performance measures and priorities of ON TO 2050: road reconstructions, transit station rehabilitation or reconstructions, bridge rehabilitation or reconstructions, highway/rail grade crossing improvements, road expansions, bus speed improvements, corridor-level or small area safety improvements, and truck route improvements. Evaluation criteria are intended to emphasize the desire to bring projects to completion, address needs with cost-effective improvements, and implement planning factors that are an integral part of ON TO 2050, while also considering local preferences at the sub regional level.
In 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, the Village of Oak Park along with the Villages of River Forest and Forest Park submitted TIGER grant applications for the replacement of the Harlem Avenue viaduct between North and South Boulevards. The Villages were not awarded these grants in the past as they were highly competitive national grants. As compared to the national highly competitive TIGER grants, the STP Shared fund is only utilized by the seven counties in northeastern Illinois.
Staff is recommending applying for a STP Shared Fund grant to fund the design and construction of the Harlem Bridge replacement project. The grant application is due by March 15th and is currently being prepared by staff with the assistance of Metro Strategies, Inc.
The proposed Harlem Avenue Multimodal Bridge Project consists of the replacement of the existing bridge, the lowering of the Harlem roadway to provide for required clearances, and pedestrian and aesthetic enhancements that will transform this deteriorated bridge into a gateway for the three Villages. The new bridge will feature a clear span from viaduct wall to viaduct wall with no columns. The removal of the columns will not only improve the aesthetics but also improve traffic flow on Harlem. Sidewalk, lighting, and decorative treatments will enhance the pedestrian experience under and around the bridge.
In 2006 the Village of River Forest received Federal grant funds for the phase I engineering study for this project. The Villages of Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park entered into an agreement to cover the 20% local share of the phase I engineering for this project which is substantially complete.
The bridge is located at the intersecting border of the three communities with ½ of the bridge located in Oak Park, ¼ located in River Forest, and ¼ located in Forest Park. Funding for the local share of this project is based on this same breakdown. Should the Villages be awarded a grant for this project, the Villages will need to enter into an IGA to share the funding of the 20% local share of the project at the proposed 50/25/25 rate as well as sign a Letter of Intent with the State committing to funding the construction of the project upon completion of the preliminary engineering phase.
Alternatives
The Village could decline the opportunity to submit a grant application for this project.
Previous Board Action
On April 7, 2014, on May 18, 2015, on April 18, 2016, and on October 2, 2017, the Village Board authorized the submission of TIGER grants for the same Harlem Avenue Multimodal Bridge Project.
On February 19, 2008 the Village entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with River Forest and Forest Park for the Phase I engineering for this project.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded a STP Shared Fund grant for this project future capital improvement budgets would need to establish funding for this project. Various agreements with the State, River Forest, and Forest Park would need to be entered into as well as engineering and construction contracts.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The STP Shared Fund grant application of the proposed project is a collaborative effort of the Villages of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park.
Performance Management (MAP) Alignment
This work is in alignment with the Governance Priority for the Department of Public Works for Infrastructure/Capital Programs.