STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: March 8, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 3, 4, 8
DEPARTMENT: Park & Recreation Department
EXECUTIVE: John D. Jenkins
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SUBJECT
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Authorize an application for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant Program in the amount of $6,400,000.00 from the United States Department of Transportation for the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Planning project located between Westmoreland Road and the Joppa Reserve - Financing: No cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
This action will authorize an application for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grant Program (RAISE) in the amount of $6,400,000.00 from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Planning Project located between Westmoreland Road and the Joppa Reserve.
DOT administers the RAISE Grant Program under the fiscal year 2023 Appropriations Act; this is the 15th round of annual competitive grants through this program. In this round, RAISE Grants are for investments in surface transportation that will have a significant local or regional impact. These awards have supported projects that improve safety, economic strength, equity, and climate and sustainability consistent with DOT’s strategic goals.
The Dallas Park & Recreation Department is partnering with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to produce the public engagement, design, engineering, and construction documents for 8.98 miles of multi-use paths, trails, and pedestrian infrastructure connection across the Five Mile Creek watershed. The Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Planning project will provide connectivity for Oak Cliff to the city’s existing trail system, while creating new opportunities for all of Dallas to enjoy the natural beauty of Five Mile Creek. TPL is coordinating the planning project and providing the funding match.
In 2019, the City adopted a new master plan for parks and trails across the Five Mile Creek Watershed. TPL developed the master plan with input from hundreds of local residents, and later purchased 125 acres of land for three new parks located within the watershed: South Oak Cliff Park, Judge Charles Rose Park, and Woody Branch Park. TPL will provide the 20 percent funding match required by the grant program ($1,600,000.00) and will also lead the design team and coordinate with Dallas Park & Recreation Department on the engineering elements in order to connect to the existing trail network. The Five Mile Creek Greenbelt will ultimately connect hike and bike amenities to more than 185,000 nearby residents of Oak Cliff.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Acceptance of the grant, if awarded August 2023 - February 2024
Design and Engineering Schedule Development Mid-2023 through Mid-2024
Community Engagement Continuous to June 2027
Grant closeout & final reports August 2027
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 23, 2023, the Park and Recreation Board authorized the application for the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Grand Program from the United States Department of Transportation for the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Planning Project.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. The Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Planning Project will utilize grant funds received as a result of a successful application to DOT’s RAISE Grant Program, and the 20 percent matching funds as required by the grant program. The match is being provided by contributions to the TPL.
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