Title
Approval of a Resolution Accepting State Grant Funds for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to obligate funds for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to obligate funds for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project.
Staff Contact:
Brian Philumalee, Senior Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8297
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
In 2015, the City of Olympia and City of Tumwater applied for a grant for the design, right-of-way and construction of the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project. This project makes safety improvements for people walking and biking along Mottman Road. In May 2023, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) awarded the Cities of Olympia and Tumwater Connecting Washington (CWA) funds in the amount of $7,608,000 for project design, necessary right-of way, and construction. With 75% of the right-of-way being in Olympia and 25% of the right-of-way being in Tumwater, the grant monies are split 75%/25% respectively.
In order to begin design in 2024, the City needs to approve and execute the State grant documents to obligate the funds. Olympia’s Municipal Code Section 3.16.020(C) states that any contract, agreement or other document with a cost over $300,000 shall be presented to the City Council for approval prior to execution by the City Manager.
City Council will take a separate action with regards to an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Olympia and City of Tumwater to complete the design and construction of the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project.
Climate Analysis:
In the Thurston Region, transportation-related emissions are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in transportation is essential to lessening our impact on the climate. A reduction can be obtained by replacing gas-powered vehicle trips with trips made by walking, biking, and transit. The Mottman Road Project will make it safer and more inviting to make trips by walking or biking. For these reasons, this project supports strategy T2 (Increase the efficiency of the transportation system) and T5 (Increase the use of active forms of travel, such as walking and biking.)
Equity Analysis:
Our current street system is oriented around the car. This project will help make our transportation system fairer by changing Mottman road to better serve people who can’t, or who choose not to, drive. Further, this project will make it easier to walk, bike, and ride the bus for those members of the community that cannot afford a vehicle. Making it easier to get around without a car is a significant step towards achieving greater equity in our community.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Completion of this project will have the following impacts on the community:
• Increased safety of pedestrians and cyclists along Mottman Road from the South Puget Sound Community College to RW Johnson Blvd.
• Wider travel lanes and guardrail construction over Percival Creek.
Financial Impact:
The Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project is funded as follows:
State Connecting Washington (CWA) Grant-Olympia (75%): $5,706,000
State Connecting Washington (CWA) Grant-Tumwater (25%): $1,902,000
Local Cities Matching Funds: $3,739,065
Total Project Cost: $11,347,065
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to obligate funds for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project. The project will proceed as planned.
2. Direct staff to make modifications to the proposed Resolution. The project will proceed as planned.
3. Do not approve the proposed Resolution. The City will not proceed with the project and return the grant funds.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Local Agency Project Prospectus
Vicinity Map