Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the execution of a contract with HNTB Corporation for passenger rail study services. The contract price is expected to be up to $120,000 and is funded within Transportation's 2022 adopted capital budget. No additional appropriation required.
Title
Authorizing the Negotiation and Execution of a Contract with HNTB for Passenger Rail Study Services.
Body
WHEREAS the Imagine Madison Comprehensive Plan Land Use and Transportation element has Strategy 4, which includes improving transit access to nearby cities, such as Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis through maintaining the viability of rail corridors and advocating for passenger rail connections with state officials; and
WHEREAS extending passenger rail Hiawatha service to Madison was recommended by Amtrak in 2021 through their Connects US plan; and
WHEREAS the United States Department of Transportation through the Federal Rail Administration issued the Midwest Regional Rail Plan. This report included extending passenger rail to Madison, stating that Madison was a significant market “critical to operational viability of Core Express corridor between Chicago and Minneapolis-St Paul” and should be “included on any mainline route alignment”; and
WHEREAS the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law includes unprecedented funding for passenger rail expansion; and
WHEREAS the Common Council included money for Passenger Rail Station Location and Planning in the 2022 Capital Budget; and
WHEREAS City Purchasing issued a Request for Proposals where HNTB Corporation was a successful proposer and met the qualifications desired, having national and local rail experience;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City is authorized to negotiate and execute a contract with HNTB for up to $120,000 dollars for passenger rail study services
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if future federal or local monies become available for passenger rail studies, the City is authorized to negotiate additional services with HNTB Corporation, with the understanding that the contract amendment would be presented to the Common Council for approval at a later date.