Title
Consideration of and action on a resolution ratifying the City Manager’s decision to authorize the submission of a Harris County Pct. 2 Partnership Project Grant application for the Southwest Hike and Bike Trail, committing to provide the required cost share if awarded.
Body
Summary:
In January, Commissioner Adrian Garcia announced his office was accepting new applications for the Partnership Grant. These grants cover 50% of the total cost of a project, with the City funding the remaining half. The Parks and Recreation Department wished to apply for the Harris County Pct. 2 Partnership Grant for funding related to construction of a Hike and Bike trail on the City’s Southwest side. Parks and Recreations applied for, and received, this grant for the “Southwest Hike and Bike Trail”.
Applying for the grant, was a last-minute decision as we struggled to find a project that would meet the guidelines for the grant. Due to the timing, we did not have time to go to Council prior to submitting the grant application, therefore the City Manager gave his approval for us to move forward with the application with the understanding that, if approved, we would have the action item ratified by Council.
The trail will run along the ditch from Kalwick to Red Bluff and down the drainage ditch towards Cenikor and wrap around back to Red Bluff. In order to get a rough estimate for the work, Parks and Recreation staff used similar costs from another trail project with Harris County to obtain costs for this proposed project. On the grant application, staff estimated $650,000 for the match with the county.
The City has received the official award letter from Precinct 2 stating the project was selected for funding in the amount of that Harris County Pct 2 will take the lead on the project. At this time, the estimated match for the project is $650,000. Once the County designs and bids the project, we will have a more accurate number for the City’s 50% cost share.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
Potential grant funding of $650,000 be matched with an additional $650,000 from City resources, which are available for this purpose.
Recommended action
Ratify the City Manager’s decision to apply for the Harris County Pct. 2 Partnership Project Grant application for the Southwest Hike and Bike Trail with approval of the resolution.