Agenda Item # 1
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
11/21/2006
Agenda Report # 56
To: Mayor and Council
Subject: Georgia Trails and Greenways Grant
Initiated By: Parks and Recreation Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested to apply for and if approved, accept
funds from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide multi-purpose
drinking stations and signage along the trail and gateways. The grant amount
requested is $100,000.00, which is currently in the planning and development
stages. The matching funds of 20% are already committed in the Trolley System
Project. This will increase water stations along the trail for the special
population and create more pet friendly stations as well. This project will be
Phase I of IV that is planned along the Riverwalk.
Background: The purpose of the program is to provide citizens of all types and
their pets a more enjoyable experience along the Riverwalk Linear Trail. The
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Georgia Recreational Trail Grant is to
provide and maintain recreational trails and trails-related facilities
identified in, or that further a specific goal of, the Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), as required by the federal Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act (LWCF).
Analysis: The Rails to Trail Program is recognized and authorized by the U.S.
Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Natural
Resources and the Governor of the State of Georgia. There is currently 6
million dollars dedicated to alternative transportation projects in our city.
Amend: The multi-governmental fund as needed for the grant reimbursement funds
to cross over the Columbus Consolidated Government fiscal year. Parks &
Recreation, Engineering and Planning Departments are coordinating the grant
logistics and will utilize the partner funds and grant funds if awarded for the
trail enhancement. The Department of Parks and Recreation will utilize the
$100,000 grant for assistance to provide signage and drinking stations to
augment the cost of the trail enhancement.
Financial Considerations: The grant amount requested is $100,000.00 for the
Department of Parks and Recreation. The grant, if awarded, will reimburse 80 %
of the design to purchase of various signs, mile markers and drinking stations.
With funds dedicated and committed to the Riverwalk, through a public/private
partner. The reimbursement amount awarded will be placed into the separate
chart of accounts and journal vouchers will be used to reimburse the
appropriate department. The matching 20% is already committed to this trail
system in the Trolley System Project.
Recommendation: Authorize a resolution to approve the application of and
acceptance for grant funds in the amount of $100,000.00 from the Georgia
Department of Natural Resources for the Department of Parks and Recreation to
design, purchase and place signs and 5 drinking stations along the Riverwalk
Linear trail.
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