}

Agenda Item #1

Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting

9/5/2006


To
Mayor and Council
Subject
High Priority Project Funds for the Columbus Depot
Initiator
Planning Department
Recommendation
Approval is requested to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with \n \n the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and execute an agreement with the \n \n Georgia Department of Transportation for the acceptance of a High Priority \n \n Project grant in the amount of $250,000 to renovate the Columbus Depot.
Approval
Approved
Background
The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded the Greater Chamber of

Commerce, through its sponsor the Columbus Consolidated Government, a grant for

$250,000. The grant is for restoration and preservation of the historic

Columbus Depot for public use and for the Chamber's offices. The match

requires a match of $62,500, which will be the sole responsibility of the

Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The match is to be used to assist in the

overall design of this project. Prior to the issuance of any grant dollars,

these matching funds must be expended and the general design of the restoration

for the depot must be approved by the City and the Georgia Department of

Transportation.
Analysis
The project was initiated by the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and calls

for renovations and improvements to the depot. This project will improve and

protect an important historic landmark in our community,
Financial Considerations
The total grant amount awarded to the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and

the City is $250,000 for this project. The match of $62,500 is the sole

responsibility of Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and will be required to

be expended on renovation services prior to the use of the grant amount.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
Legal Considerations
A Memorandum of Understanding will be required between Greater Columbus Chamber

of Commerce and the City. The proposed MOU identifies the need to expend the

money for the renovation services and how payments for such services are to be

accomplished. In addition, the City must also enter into a MOU with the

Georgia Department of Transportation in order to receive the grant funds.
Recommendations/ Actions
Approval is requested to enter into a MOU with the Greater Columbus Chamber of

Commerce and an agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the

acceptance of High Priority Project funds to renovate the Columbus Depot.



[attachment "Depot.doc" deleted by Rick Jones/Columbusga]