Item Description:
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Authorization to submit a grant application under USDOT’s Bridge Investment Program for Hennepin Avenue Bridges Reconditioning Project, County Project (CP) 2164000
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) has given notice that project funding through the Bridge Investment Program (BIP) for fiscal years 2023 through 2026 is available.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that County Administrator be authorized to submit an application for a United States Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program (USDOT BIP) grant for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 52 (Hennepin Avenue) Bridges Reconditioning Project (CP 2164000); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by the county for this project when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
The USDOT BIP discretionary grant program has made $9.6 billion available for bridge grant applications in federal fiscal years 2023 through 2026. Applications for funding in 2023 and 2024 are due March 19, 2024. Awards will be made on a competitive basis according to the established program criteria.
BIP discretionary grant awards range from $2.5 million to $80 million per project. A minimum local match is required for projects. The county’s grant application is anticipated to request $8.7 million in federal funds. The non-federal project funding is anticipated to include the following:
• $3.5 million in state general obligation (GO) bond funds previously awarded
• $8.6 million in additional state GO bond funds requested by Hennepin County
• $3.4 million in state aid
The Hennepin Avenue Bridges Reconditioning Project reflect the county’s priorities for asset condition, safety and accessibility. In addition, this project will complement a major regional transit investment, the E Line Arterial Bus Rapid Transit service.
Current Request:
This request seeks to authorize the county administrator to apply for a USDOT’s BIP grant for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024 for the Hennepin Avenue Bridges Reconditioning project, CP 2164000.
Impacts/Outcomes:
Funding for this project will support the county’s transportation needs, disparity reduction efforts and climate action goals through the timely preservation of the nationally significant Hennepin Avenue bridges.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval