Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the application and acceptance of a Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant. The $6.75 million grant would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison. Existing funding available in Engineering’s Railroad Crossings and Quiet Zones capital program would be used to support the 20% local match of $1.35 million. If awarded, the grant amount will be appropriated through a separate resolution or future budget request.
Title
Authorizing the Department of Transportation to apply for a $6.75 million Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail (FSP) Grant from the Federal Railroad Administration and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resulting grant agreement to accept the grant (District 4, District 6, District 12, District 15, District 17).
Body
WHEREAS, the FSP Grant would fund planned safety improvements and identify additional needs at at-grade railroad crossings that support the proposed extension of the Amtrak Hiawatha service to Madison, which is currently being studied by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation through the Corridor ID program; and
WHEREAS, improvements to at-grade railroad crossings will benefit all users of Madison’s transportation system, improve safety, and support both current freight rail operations and future passenger rail operations; and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Department is planning to utilize Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to improve at-grade rail crossings, and these improvements align with and complement the proposed FSP Grant scope; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding is in the amount of $6.75 million with a 20% local match of $1.35 million; and
WHEREAS, the City would complete the planning, environmental review, design, and construction of identified safety improvements using a combination of City staff and procured professional and construction services, with any contracted work obtained through a competitive bidding and qualifications-based selection process; and
WHEREAS, funds awarded under this grant would be one-time capital funds that will be spent down by the end of the period defined in the grant agreement; and
WHEREAS, the grant application form includes legal terms, obligations, and/or commitments from the City and/or requires a signature from a person who is authorized to bind the City to such things; and
WHEREAS, City staff can attest to the validity and veracity of the statements
and representations contained in the grant application; and
WHEREAS, if awarded, the Federal Railroad Administration may require the City to sign a contract, grant agreement, and/or other documents binding the City to certain obligations,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Department of Transportation, after consultation with the City Attorney, is authorized, on behalf of the City, to apply for a grant up to $6.75 million through the Federal Railroad Administration’s FSP grant program and sign all application materials; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if awarded the grant, the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to enter into a grant agreement with the Federal Railroad Administration, in a format approved by the City Attorney; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized to sign related paperwork or forms associated with the administration of the grant, after consultation with the City Attorney where appropriate.