Fiscal Note
The proposed language does not authorize an agreement or expenditure of funds beyond staff time. No anticipated budgetary impact for this resolution
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Affirming the City's interest in cooperating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the City of Fitchburg on development, operation and maintenance of a multi-use path and authorizing City staff to negotiate an agreement covering such development, operation and maintenance in connection with a rails-to-trails conversion of the Union Pacific Railroad line between County Highway PD (McKee Road) and USH 18/151 (Beltline Highway). (14 AD)
Body
PREAMBLE
The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad has given notice of its intent to file with the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) for abandonment of the unused Union Pacific Railroad (former C&NW) railroad corridor between County Highway PD (McKee Road) and USH 18/151 (Beltline Highway). Federal procedures for rails-to-trails conversion, require the agency proposing to use the corridor (Interim Trail User) to provide a Statement of Willingness to Assume Financial Responsibility with the STB.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) is prepared to submit such a statement and to negotiate with the Railroad the terms of a Rails-to-Trails agreement involving ownership of the corridor and conditions of its interim use for trail purposes, with the understanding that the City of Madison and City of Fitchburg will cooperate to develop, operate and maintain the trail.
A path in this corridor would connect residential neighborhoods, the Capital City Trail, the Southwest Path and the Military Ridge Trail, with potential connection to points north of the Beltline Highway. The project would provide a safe and direct route for bicycles and pedestrians and constitute an important link in the City's bike and pedestrian network.
Funding for the project will be considered under a future resolution. If terms of the Rails-to-Trails agreement cannot be reached by WDNR and the Railroad, or if either party wishes to withdraw from the negotiating process, the City will have no further obligation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City affirms its interest in cooperating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the City of Fitchburg on development, operation and maintenance of a multi-use path within the unused corridor of the Union Pacific Railroad line between County Highway PD (McKee Road) and USH 18/151 (Beltline Highway). Further, City staff is authorized to negotiate an agreement covering such development, operation and maintenance in connection with a rails-to-trails conversion of this corridor.