Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution supports and approves the City of Madison submission to the US DOT for a Railroad Crossing Elimination Program grant, which can be used for crossing safety improvements. The resolution also approves the acceptance of the grant if awarded and authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with the US DOT if awarded the grant. The requested grant amount is anticipated to be up to $5 million. This resolution commits to providing the required 20% matching funds, up to $1,000,000, should the proposed grant be awarded to the City of Madison. Funding for the local match would need to be included in the 2023 Capital Budget.
Title
Supporting and approving the application to the US DOT by the City of Madison for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program Safety Improvements, the acceptance of the grant, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a grant agreement with US DOT, if awarded the grant (Citywide)
Body
Whereas the City of Madison has numerous rail lines traveling through the city; and
Whereas, the City of Madison seeks to provide the highest safety levels at railroad crossings; and
Whereas, the City of Madison has an adopted quiet zone plan which can benefit from safety improvements at railroad crossings; and
Whereas, the City of Madison desires the future restoration of passenger rail service to the City, which will require safety improvements at railroad crossings; and
Whereas, the US DOT’s Federal Rail Administration’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Program has allocated $573 million for safety improvements at railroad crossings; and
Whereas, the US DOT’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Program does not just fund crossing eliminations, but also funds alternate safety improvements; and
Whereas, the railroad safety improvements associated with this grant program are consistent with Madison’s pursuit of safe railroad crossings, future quiet zone implementation, and the reestablishment of passenger rail to the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council supports the application by the City of Madison to the US DOT for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council commit to funding the 20% local match requirements, up to $1,000,000 if the City is awarded funding through this grant program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Common Council authorizes Transportation and Engineering staff to apply for the grant on behalf of the City, to accept the grant if awarded, and to execute and/or submit any other documents related to the grant, in a format approved by the City Attorney, that may be necessary to comply with the grant conditions; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Common Council authorizes the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with US DOT, in a format approved by the City Attorney, for the US DOT Railroad Crossing Elimination 2022 funding opportunity.