Item Description:
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Support City of Bloomington’s applications for Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has given notice that funding through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Program is available; and
WHEREAS, a county board resolution is needed as part of the application to satisfy SRTS Infrastructure Program eligibility requirements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bloomington has requested county support for its 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program applications.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that Hennepin County supports applications for the following projects submitted by the City of Bloomington as part of the 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program Grant Solicitation:
• County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 34 (Normandale Boulevard) Multimodal Improvements Project between CSAH 1 (Old Shakopee Road) and 94th Street
• Bloomington Schools Districtwide School Zone Speed Limit Project, and;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for the abovementioned projects by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment by the county for these projects when grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
MnDOT’s SRTS Infrastructure Program provides assistance in capital investments for safe and appealing nonmotorized transportation to and from schools. The Program provides funding assistance to schools, townships, cities, counties, and federally recognized Indian tribes for projects that enable students to walk and bike to and from schools.
The 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program Grant Solicitation includes $10.9 million in general funds made available through the 2023 Legislative Session for projects to be constructed in 2024 or 2025. The maximum project award is $1 million, with no local match required. MnDOT evaluates applications based on the following criteria: eligibility, project scope, safety, risk mitigation, local SRTS planning efforts, and equity considerations.
Upon release of the 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program Grant Solicitation, the City of Bloomington requested county support for two applications to be submitted by the city. Applications were due on February 2, 2024, and awards are anticipated to be announced by May 2024. If successful in securing SRTS Infrastructure Program funds, the city will be responsible for leading the projects.
Current Request:
This request seeks to provide support to the City of Bloomington for two grant applications for the 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program:
• CSAH 34 Multimodal Improvements Project between CSAH 1 and 94th Street
• Bloomington Schools Districtwide School Zone Speed Limit Project. The project would include the evaluation of school sites, analysis, preparation of plans, construction, and sign installation.
Impacts/Outcomes:
Approval of this request will provide support for two City of Bloomington grant applications through the 2023 SRTS Infrastructure Program for projects that will create safe routes to walk and bike to and from school.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval