Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Psomas Inc. for the Mottman Road Improvements Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Psomas Inc. for $1,425,559.09 for engineering design services for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Psomas Inc. for $1,425,559.09 for engineering design services 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.
This design of the corridor is focused on non-motorized improvements that will encourage and enhance multimodal travel along Mottman Road SE, making it a “Complete Street”.
On August 13, 2024, City Council approved 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.
City Council took a separate action approving accepting the grant from Washington State - 2023 Connecting Washington for $7,608,000.00 to complete the project design and construction.
Psomas Inc. was selected through a competitive request for qualifications process to provide design services.
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 increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists along Mottman Road from the South Puget Sound Community College to RW Johnson Blvd.
Financial Impact:
2023 Connecting Washington - State Grant: $ 850,000.00
Local Cities Matching Funds: $ 1,300,951.00
Total - Engineering Design Services: $ 2,150,951.00
The costs shown above are for engineering design services only.
The Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements project is funded in total 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. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an agreement with Psomas Inc. for $1,425,559.09 for engineering design services for the Mottman Road Pedestrian and Street Improvements Project. This allows the project to move forward.
2. Direct staff to negotiate a contract with the second-place design consulting firm. This could result in delays to the project and could impact use of State funds.
3. Direct staff to design the project using City engineering staff. Public Works has determined that Engineering has insufficient staff to complete this project in a timely manner without impacting other capital projects.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement
Vicinity Map