Agenda Item# 2
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
Agenda Report # 334
To: Mayor and Council
Subject: Cooper Creek Handicap 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 handicap accessible trail improvements to Cooper Creek Park and the
existing handicap trail. Signage, restroom, trail expansion, to include general
amenity improvement, new fencing, creek work to inhibit erosion, additional
trail end amenities, to include paved parking, dock vista, and other available
improvements. Signage along the trail and for information and directional
purposes. 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 to this trail system in a separate chart of accounts for the city as
a mid year expense. This will improve the available green spaces for special
needs individuals.
Background: The purpose of the program is to provide citizens of all skill and
dexterity abilities and their pets a more enjoyable experience along the Cooper
Creek Handicap Trail. If they are feeling more adventurous, they can get on 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 Handicap Trail Program is recognized and authorized by the City
of Columbus Consolidated Government Resources and the Governor of the State of
Georgia. There is currently $6 million dollars dedicated to alternative
transportation projects in our city. These improvements will provide access
for those with special needs all areas of the city from down town, to CSU, to
Cooper Creek Park, via wheelchair, or walking. It will provide a safe
alternative to current transportation practices of maneuvering within the
street system to receive exercise adequately.
Amend: Amend the multi-governmental fund by the grant award and as needed for
the grant reimbursement funds to cross over the Columbus Consolidated
Government fiscal year. The Columbus Parks & Recreation, Columbus Engineering
Department and Planning Department 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 a recreational component for special needs
persons within the trail plan, as well as for those utilizing our park from the
area..
Financial Considerations: The grant amount requested is $100,000.00. The
grant, if awarded, will reimburse 80 % of the cost and the matching 20% is
already committed to this trail system in a separate chart of accounts for the
city as a mid year expense. This will improve the available green spaces for
special needs individuals.
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 provide signage and make various improvements,
to the existing handicap trail at Cooper creek trail
A RESOLUTION
#_____________
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR AND ACCEPT FUNDS
OF A PROPOSED GRANT FROM THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $100,000.00 FOR TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS AT COOPER CREEK HANDICAP TRAIL.
AMEND THE MULTI-GOVERNMENTAL FUND FOR THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT THAT IS AWARDED
TO CROSS OVER THE 2009-2010 AND POSSIBLY THE 2010-2011 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 trail improvements for those with
special needs in our community with Cooper Creek Park, and as it provides
access to the Columbus Riverwalk Linear Trail; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation would like to amend the
Multi-Governmental Fund for the amount approved for the grant; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus 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 submit an application and
if approved accept grant funds from the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources for the Cooper Creek Handicap Trail Enhancement Project in the
amount of $100,000.00 and to amend the Multi-Governmental Fund in the amount
of the grant award.
_________________
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 Turner Pugh voting _______________
Councilor Woodson voting _______________
_____________________________ ________________________________
Clerk of Council, Tiny Washington Mayor, Jim Wetherington
Attachments
No attachments for this document.