Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP). The grant will fund a portion of the costs of improvements of the Lake Monona Waterfront Project. The City must demonstrate that it has $3,600,000, or at least 20 percent of the proposed project costs in match funding for this project. The Parks Division’s 2024 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan authorizes $6,000,000 for Lake Monona Waterfront Improvements during the 2026 budget year. The Parks Division’s published Agency Request for 2025 is consistent with the 2024 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan. If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division’s Capital Improvement Plan will be amended to reflect a total project cost of up to $18,000,000 and appropriate the grant funding of up to $12,000,000 within Munis #17362.
Title
Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, to accept a grant of $12,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the Lake Monona Waterfront Project and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration to accept the grant award. (Disrict 4, District 13 and District 14)
Body
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration has established the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), an initiative dedicated to improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of active transportation networks and communities; and,
WHEREAS, the ATIIP grant will allow communities to identify, prioritize, and implement improvements to the largest barriers to safe, accessible, and equitable pedestrian and bicycle network connectivity through the development of infrastructure that will provide substantial additional opportunities for walking and bicycling; and,
WHEREAS, the ATIIP grant supports the enhancement of the resiliency of on-and off-road active transportation infrastructure and help protect the environment; and,
WHEREAS, the ATIIP grant supports the improvement of quality of life in disadvantaged communities through the delivery of safe, environmentally sustainable multimodal transportation infrastructure; and,
WHEREAS, the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan adopted by the Common Council on April 16, 2024 (Legislative File #81653) outlines improvements to the John Nolen Drive causeway that maximizes park space and creates a lakeside linear park with the multi-use trails that connect south Madison to downtown via the Community Causeway; and,
WHEREAS, the Community Causeway will become a gateway experience for all types of users to enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and the Madison city skyline whether using the path to move quickly from one part of town to the other or moving slowly through the space and pausing to rest; and,
WHEREAS, the Lake Monona Waterfront Master Plan includes a vision for the use of green infrastructure, such as bioswales, rain gardens, floating wetlands, and pervious paving that will both reduce the impact that the path has on the environment as well as serve as an educational opportunity that connects people to nature; and,
WHEREAS, the redesigned linear park will support the paths by adding protection and separation from high-speed motor traffic to create a safer and more reliable transportation network; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks Division is authorized to apply for an Active Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Program grant to fund a portion of the costs of the Lake Monona Waterfront Improvement Project and take the following actions related to the Grant:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded the grant, the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign a grant agreement with the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Program grant, in a format approved by the City Attorney, and any other documents necessary to comply with the grant requirements and to secure the grant funding; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded the grant, the Parks Division’s 2025 capital budget request will be revised to reflect grant revenue of up to $12,000,000 and expenditures in the amount of the grant funds awarded with total project budget up to $18,000,000; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the above documents and any other documents related to this transaction in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.