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Authorize Town Manager to Submit a Funding Request for the North South Bus Rapid Transit Project through the Orange County Transit Plan.
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Staff: |
Department: |
Brian Litchfield, Director |
Transit |
Overview: Request for funding for North South Bus Rapid Transit Project through Orange County Transit Plan.
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Recommendation(s): |
That the Council authorize the Town Manager to submit a funding request for the North South Bus Rapid Transit Project through the Orange County Transit Plan to GoTriangle.
Decision Points:
• The Council adopted an updated Locally Preferred Alterative (LPA) for the North South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on January 16, 2019 <https://chapelhill.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3838442&GUID=913FECA8-4404-458A-A486-EFF5EA2AE2C3&Options=&Search=> and is currently in the 30% design and environmental phase.
• The Town of Chapel Hill plans to submit the project for rating in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts in September of 2019. This will allow the project to continue to move forward in the federal process and likely reduce the time between planning and implementation.
• Based on current cost estimates, the North South BRT project needs $28M in non-federal match funds. The North South BRT project requires non-federal match beyond the $6.1M currently allocated in the Orange County Transit Plan. Having at least 50% ($14M) of the non-federal match identified would greatly benefit the project in the FTA rating process.
• The Interlocal Implementation Agreement that governs the Orange County Transit Plan requires any change in funding to be requested through GoTriangle.
Key Issues:
• With the discontinuation of the Durham Orange Light Rail (D-O LRT) project, there are financial resources within the Orange County Transit Plan that could be allocated to projects such as North South BRT.
• The Town is also pursuing non-federal match funding from the State though the SPOT 6.0 process.
• A formal request from the Town is needed to initiate the process for considering additional funding for the North South BRT project.
Fiscal Impact/Resources: No immediate fiscal impact; however, the additional funding will likely strengthen our application for a federal rating.
Council Goals:
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Create a Place for Everyone |
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Develop Good Places, New Spaces |
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Support Community Prosperity |
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Nurture Our Community |
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Facilitate Getting Around |
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Grow Town and Gown Collaboration |
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Attachments: |
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• Resolution |
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• Proposed Letter from Town Manager to GoTriangle President and CEO Jeff Mann |
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN MANAGER TO SUBMIT A funding request for the North South Bus Rapid Transit Project from the Orange County Transit Plan to GoTrianglE (2019-05-22/R-5)
WHEREAS, the North South BRT project is a major transit investment identified in the Orange County Transit Plan and a critical investment for the Town of Chapel Hill and our Transit Funding Partners; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Chapel Hill is committed to providing high-quality transit services and sustainable transportation options; and
WHEREAS, having at least 50% ($14M) of the non-federal match identified for the project would benefit the project as it goes through the FTA rating process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Town Manager to submit a request to GoTriangle for an additional $8-million from the Orange County Transit Plan for the North South Bus Rapid Transit Project.
This the 22nd day of May, 2019.
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The Agenda will reflect the text below and/or the motion text will be used during the meeting. |
presenter
By adopting the resolution, the Council authorizes the Town Manager to submit a funding request for the North South Bus Rapid Transit Project from the Orange County Transit Plan to GoTriangle.