Title
Authorizing the pursuit of grant funding through the MNDOT Local Partnership Program for the implementation of two 2027 Capital City Bikeway Projects.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation created the Local Partnership Program (LPP) to provide statewide transportation partnership opportunities with local agencies and construct highway improvements that are mutually beneficial at locations that are not currently programmed on state highways; and
WHEREAS, the Kellogg Boulevard Capital City Bikeway Phase 3 Project will construct a separated bikeway along the north side of Kellogg Boulevard from West 7th Street to John Ireland Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the Kellogg Boulevard Capital City Bikeway Phase 3 Project will greatly improve the local and regional demands for transportation access with the addition of a bicycle facility connecting the Xcel Energy Center, the Smith Avenue Transit Center, the Minnesota History Center, and Saint Paul College; and
WHEREAS, the Wabasha Street Capital City Bikeway Extension to the Capitol Project will construct a separated bikeway along Wabasha Street, 10th Street, Saint Peter Street, and 12th Street from West 7th Street to John Ireland Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the Wabasha Street Capital City Bikeway Extension to the Capitol Project will greatly improve transportation access by extending the existing Wabasha bicycle facility at the Treasure Island Center to many small local businesses downtown, the Fitzgerald Theatre, the History Theatre, and the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, both projects are a strong match for LPP funding because the improvements have been identified in planning efforts and will be critical links to make the last connections of the Capital Bikeway Network that will improve non-motorized mobility and safety; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul acting as the legal sponsor for the Kellogg Boulevard Capital City Bikeway Phase 3 Project requests up to $1,000,000 in funding from the MnDOT Local Partnership Program to support implementation of said project; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul acting as the legal sponsor for the Wabasha Capital City Bikeway Extension to the Capitol Project requests up to $1,000,000 in funding from the MnDOT Local Partnership Program to support implementation of said project; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and the institutional, managerial, and financial capability to ensure matching funds and adequate construction of the proposed projects; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes the submittal of two Local Partnership Program applications to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the Kellogg Boulevard Capital City Bikeway Phase 3 Project and the Wabasha Street Capital City Bikeway Extension to the Capitol Project.