STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: May 24, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 10, 11
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Robert Perez
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SUBJECT
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Authorize a resolution to support Detailed Applications for funding for two planning projects: Project 1 - Skillman Bridge Connectivity and Safe Routes to Schools Planning Study and Project 2 - Esperanza District Neighborhood Planning Study for the Texas Department of Transportation Call for Projects to utilize funds for cost reimbursement through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information for potential future costs)
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BACKGROUND
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued a statewide Call for Projects on December 2, 2022, for potential project sponsors to submit eligible projects to utilize funds through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Program for bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure and active transportation planning documents. The TASA Funds require a local match comprised of cash contributions. As the project sponsor, the City of Dallas would be responsible for all non-reimbursable costs and 100% of cost overruns, if any, for TASA Funds.
The City of Dallas submitted a Preliminary Application prior to the deadline of January 27, 2023, for two planning projects: Project 1 - Skillman Bridge Connectivity and Safe Routes to Schools Planning Study and Project 2 - Esperanza District Neighborhood Planning Study. If the projects are selected by TxDOT to advance to the Detailed Application phase, the City of Dallas intends to submit Detailed Applications prior to the June 5, 2023, deadline.
The Skillman Bridge Connectivity and Safe Routes to Schools Planning Study will assess current non-motorized connectivity conditions and recommend design and transportation standards. The proposed planning study will cover approximately one mile of the new Interstate Highway 635 Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ)/Skillman bridge. This will guide future multi-modal connectivity to and between key public destinations of grade school campuses, universities and colleges, and the DART Light Rail LBJ/Skillman Station.
The Esperanza District Neighborhood Planning Study recommends multi-modal connectivity (pedestrian walkability and bicycling) as the primary means of mobility, safer sidewalks, and more bicycling opportunities. This compliments the planned corridor study along Esperanza Road for traffic calming allowing for better connections to the Cottonwood Creek Trail. The Esperanza District’s neighborhood lies northwest of the U.S. 75 and Interstate Highway 635 LBJ interchange, bounded by Coit Road on the west and Spring Valley Road on the north, and is approximately one square mile.
TxDOT intends to complete evaluations of the Detailed Applications in August 2023, and the Texas Transportation Commission anticipates awarding funding in October 2023 for projects selected through the TASA Program. TxDOT requires the submittal of a resolution of support as part of the TASA Call for Projects Detailed Application submission.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Submit Detailed Applications to TxDOT June 2023
Selection of Projects by TxDOT (estimate) October 2023
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. If the City of Dallas projects are awarded funding, there will be a future agenda item for execution of an Advance Funding Agreement with TxDOT and acceptance of funds. If a project is selected, a minimum local match of 20% is required. Project costs will be reimbursed up to 80% of eligible costs.
The Skillman Bridge Connectivity and Safe Routes to Schools Planning Study is estimated at $156,000.00 with the required local match being allocated from the City of Dallas 2017 General Obligation Bond Fund. This project is in Council District 10.
The Esperanza District Neighborhood Planning Study is estimated at $250,000.00 with the required local match being allocated from the City’s General Fund. This project is in Council District 11.
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