Columbus, Georgia

Georgia's First Consolidated Government

Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia, 31902-1340
(706) 653-4013
fax (706) 653-4016

Council Members

Agenda Item #__1____



Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Meeting



Agenda Report #__221__



To: Mayor and Council



Subject: Georgia Trails and Greenways Grant



Initiated By: Parks and Recreation Department

________________________________________________________________________________

___________



RECOMMENDATION: Approval is requested to submit an application and if approved

accept $100,000 in grant funds from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources

to provide multi-purpose drinking stations, and signage along the trail and

gateways. There is a 20% match that is already committed to this trail system.

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 being considered 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, 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 dedicated to alternative transportation projects in our city.



AMEND: Amend the multi-governmental fund, as needed for the grant reimbursement

funds to cross over the 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 trail enhancement.



FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: The State will reimburse 80% of the design and

purchase of signage and drinking stations. The 20% match will be allocated

from the Rails to Trails Program..



RECOMMENDATION: Authorize a resolution to approve the application and

acceptance for grant funds in the amount of $100,000 from the Georgia

Department of Natural Resources for the design, purchase and place signs and 5

drinking stations along the Riverwalk Linear trail.



A RESOLUTION



NO. __________



A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION AND IF APPROVED

ACCEPT A $100,000 GRANT FROM THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR

SIGNS AND DRINKING STATIONS ALONG THE COLUMBUS RIVERWALK LINEAR TRAIL TO CREATE

PET FRIENDLY STATIONS. AMEND THE MULTI-GOVERNMENTAL FUND FOR THE AMOUNT OF

THE GRANT THAT IS AWARDED TO CROSS OVER THE 2007-2008 AND POSSIBLE THE

2008-2009 FISCAL YEARS.



WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation administers programs

and grants for the benefit of the City and our community members and is

instrumental in the enhancement of the Riverwalk trail; and,



WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to utilize

the proposed funds to augment the cost of signage and drinking stations along

the Columbus Riverwalk Linear Trail; and,



WHEREAS, amend the Multi-Governmental Fund for the amount approved for

the grant; and,



WHEREAS, the City provides viable connections to other trails,

greenways, scenic corridors, natural and recreational areas in around our

parks; and,



WHEREAS, the need for funding to expand current and future trail

programs is needed, providing an opportunity for tourism expansion with the

promise of a positive impact on our economy, vital to the health and well-being

of all citizens.



NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS

FOLLOWS:





That the City Manager is hereby authorized to:

1. Submit an application and if approved accept a $100,000 Georgia Trails and

Greenways Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; and,

2. Provide the 20% match from the Rails to Trails Program account; and,

3. Amend the Multi-Governmental fund for the amount of the grant that is

awarded to cross over the FY08/09 Fiscal Years.

************

Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held this

______ day of _____________, 2008, and adopted at said meeting by the

affirmative vote of _______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting _______________.

Councilor Anthony voting _______________.

Councilor Baker voting _______________.

Councilor Barnes voting _______________.

Councilor Davis voting _______________.

Councilor Henderson voting _______________.

Councilor Hunter voting _______________.

Councilor McDaniel voting _______________.

Councilor Pugh voting _______________.

Councilor Woodson voting _______________.





_____________________________ ________________________________

Clerk of Council, Tiny Washington Mayor, Jim Wetherington

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