Item Description:
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Authorization to submit a grant application under USDOT’s FY 2025 Bridge Investment Program for Hennepin Avenue Bridges Reconditioning (CP 2164000)
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, the United States Department of Transportation has given notice that discretionary funding through the Bridge Investment Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 - 2026 is available for Planning, Bridge, and Large Bridge Projects.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to submit an application for the FY 2025 United States Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program (USDOT BIP) grant for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 52 (Hennepin Avenue) Bridges Reconditioning Project (County Project 2164000); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for this project 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 grant applications in federal FY 2023 - 2026. Applications for FY 2025 funding are due November 1, 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 $50.5 million in federal funds. The non-federal project funding is anticipated to include the following:
• $12.7 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 federal discretionary BIP grant for fiscal year 2025 for the Hennepin Avenue Bridges Reconditioning Project, CP 2164000.
Impacts/Outcomes:
Federal discretionary funding through the USDOT’s BIP 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