Title
Approving the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Program application for Maxfield Elementary SRTS improvements.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has opened a solicitation for a Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program for construction projects up to $500,000; and
WHEREAS, the City must contribute a local match of any capital costs above $500,000 in addition to engineering and inspection costs; and
WHEREAS, City staff have identified a recommended scope of work with a project capital cost of $637,000, and engineering and inspection costs of $163,000, for a total project cost of $800,000; and
WHEREAS, funds awarded through the Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program from the Minnesota Department of Transportation would allow the City of Saint Paul to fund pedestrian improvements near Maxfield Elementary; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 Saint Paul Safe Routes to School Policy Plan encourages the City to partner with schools to pursue funding for pedestrian improvements near schools; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Maxfield Elementary Safe Routes to School Plan brought together a team of community members, County, City, State, and School District staff to identify areas for prioritized pedestrian improvements near Maxfield Elementary; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Saint Paul Pedestrian Plan identifies the area surrounding Maxfield Elementary as a High Priority Area for Walking Investments; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan encourages the City to partner with schools to provide safe citywide connections to schools, libraries, parks, and recreation centers, with improved crossings and comfortable pedestrian environments at high demand destinations; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes submission of an application for grant funding from the MnDOT Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program to fund pedestrian improvements near Maxfield Elementary and authorizes acceptance of funds if awarded; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul authorizes the commitment of local funds for any project costs above the $500,000 award maximum.