To

Mayor and Council

Subject

Transportation Enhancement Funds for Trees Columbus, Inc.

Initiator

Planning Department

Recommendation

Approval is requested for the acceptance of Transportation Enhancement funds \n \n from the Georgia Department of Transportation, amend the Multi-Governmental \n \n fund by alike amount, and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Trees \n \n Columbus, Inc., that establishes the procedures and expectations of the grant.

Approval

Approved

Background

On November 4, 2003, the City Council approved the submission of an application

for Transportation Enhancement funds from the Georgia Department of

Transportation of behalf of Trees Columbus, Inc. The application requested $1

million dollars for streetscape and landscaping improvements for Veterans

Parkway, from Victory Drive to 13th Street. The match requires a 20 percent

match, which will be the sole responsibility of Trees Columbus. The match is

to be used for hiring consulting services to assist in the overall design of

this project.



Staff has already held meetings with Trees Columbus, Inc.. on this project, and

has utilized the City's procurement process to select a qualified, professional

consultant for this project. Approximately, $255,000 in matching funds will be

allocated for these services. Prior to the issuance of any grant dollars,

these funds must be expended and the general design of the streetscapes for the

roadway approved by the City and the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Analysis

The project was initiated by Trees Columbus, Inc., and calls for the placement

of streetscape and landscape materials along Veterans Parkway. This project

will offer to enhance one of the major gateways in the city, with

considerations towards future roadway improvements for Veterans Parkway. The

process will require public meetings and discussions as this plan is developed

over the next several months.

Financial Considerations

The total grant amount awarded to Trees Columbus, Inc., and the City is $1

million dollars for this project. The 20 percent match is the sole

responsibility of Trees Columbus, Inc., and will be required to be expended on

consultant services, prior to the use of the grant amount.

Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement

Legal Considerations

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be required between Trees Columbus,

Inc., and the City. The proposed MOU identifies the need to expend the money

for the consultant services and how payment for consultant services is to be

accomplished.

Recommendations/ Actions

Approval is requested for the acceptance of Transportation Enhancement funds

from the Georgia Department of Transportation, amend the Multi-Governmental

fund by alike amount, and execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Trees

Columbus, Inc., that establishes the procedures and expectations of the grant.

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