Fort Benning Landscaping Enhancement Project - Memorandum of Understanding
Initiator
Planning Department
Recommendation
Approval is requested to accept funding from the Georgia Department of \n \n Transportation and to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the \n \n Gateway Foundation for the Fort Benning Landscaping Enhancement Project
Approval
Approved
Background
The Fort Benning Landscape Enhancement Project is located at the intersection
of I-185 and Victory Drive. The project will develop a formal gateway into
both Columbus and Fort Benning. The improvements to this area will include the
construction of four 45 foot high monuments that will flank the four corners of
the Victory Drive Bridge. One 12 foot high bronze statue will rest on each of
the monuments (Trooper of the Plains, Follow Me Soldier, and two American
Eagles). A bridge fa?ade will be set in front of the north and south face of
the bridge. The north fa?ade will have lighted text that says FORT BENNING
GEORGIA. The south fa?ade will have lighted text that says COLUMBUS GEORGIA.
North of the bridge on either side of the interstate there will be two fountain
plazas. Each plaza will have ten 45 foot high American Flagpoles, and ten 20
foot high jets of water that will drain to below grade reservoirs. The flags
and fountain jets will be lighted. The project area will be landscaped with
trees, ornamental grasses and shrubs, and perennials. Certain areas within the
project limits will have automatic underground irrigation.
Analysis
This is an effort by the Gateways Foundation and the City to enhance one of the
main entry ways into Fort Benning and Columbus. The project is being
undertaken now because of the ongoing construction at the I-185/Victory Drive
interchange. When completed it will be a signature entrance way for both
communities, while marking the importance of the Fort Benning to our
community.
Financial Considerations
There are two funding sources for this agreement: 1) funds under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the amount of $2,000,000; and 2)$2,000,000 in
funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation's Surface Transportation
Program. Funds under the Surface Transportation Program will require a match
of $500,000 and will be the responsibility of the Gateways Foundation to
provide.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
Legal Considerations
A Memorandum of Understanding for the match amount will be required between the
City and the Gateways Foundation.
Recommendations/ Actions
Approve the resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept funding from the
Georgia Department of Transportation for the Fort Benning Landscaping
Enhancement Project.
A RESOLUTION
NO. _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT FUNDING FROM THE
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF
UNDERSTANDING WITH THE GATEWAYS FOUNDATION FOR THE FORT BENNING LANDSCAPE
ENHANCEMENT PROJECT.
WHEREAS, the Fort Benning Landscape Enhancement Project is an effort being
undertaken by the Gateways Foundation for the purposes of providing and
improving the main entrance into Fort Benning, Georgia; and,
WHEREAS, the project will be located at the interchange of I-185 and Victory
Drive and will consist of four 45 foot high monuments that flank the four
corners of the Victory Drive Bridge; one 12 foot high bronze statue will rest
on each of the monuments (Trooper of the Plains, Follow Me Soldier, and two
American Eagles); two fountain plazas with each having ten 45 foot high
American flag poles and ten 20 foot high jets of water; landscaped areas with
Trees, ornamental grasses and shrubs, and perennials. Certain areas within the
project limits will have automatic underground irrigation and a lighted bridge
that will say FORT BENNING GEORGIA on the north facade and COLUMBUS GEORGIA on
the south facade;
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Transportation has authorized funding for
this project under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 in the
amount of $2,000,000, and funding under the state's Surface Transportation
Program in the amount of $2,000,000 which will require a match of $500,000, and,
WHEREAS, the Gateways Foundation has agreed to provide the $500,000 match for
grant funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the City Manager is hereby authorized to:
1) Enter into a contractual agreement with the Georgia Department of
Transportation to receive funds in the amount of $2,000,000 under the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009;
2) Accept funding under the state's Surface Transportation Program in
the amount of $2,000,000
3) Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gateways
Foundation to provide the necessary match for these grant funds.
____________________________________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held
the _________day of _____________, and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of _____________members of said Council.