| | | | | | | | ALAMOSA CITY COUNCIL
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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| | | | | | | | Subject/Title:
Motion to approve a letter of support to pursue a RAISE Grant to fund a pedestrian bridge |
| | | | | | | | Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that Council approve the attached letter of support to pursue the RAISE grant.
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| | | | | | | | Background:
Staff has identified a Federal RAISE grant that could potentially fund a pedestrian bridge near the ASU campus. While still gathering feedback on bridge locations and trail connection within the Riparian Park to Refuge Master Plan process; the timing of the grant necessitates pursuing this project now. Recognizing the trail system planning process is not complete, staff views the opportunity of rare Federal funding for a historically-desired recreational amenity worthy of pursuit within the context of evolving trail plan priorities. |
| | | | | | | | Issue Before the Council:
Does Council wish to approve the attached letter of support to pursue the RAISE grant?
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| | | | | | | | Alternatives:
While Council is free to select or develop any number of alternatives, those listed below are examples.
1. Approve the letter
2. Decline to act at this time and give staff further direction
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| | | | | | | | Fiscal Impact:
Up to $20,000 in matching funds will be used from the Conservation Trust Fund Trail's existing line item to fund either direct costs of the project or associated land use easements for the site. Most of the direct project match (approximately 80%) is projected to be from private donations and community partners. Total project cost is expected to be approximately $3.5 million with preliminary engineering still underway.
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| | | | | | | | Legal Opinion:
City Attorney will be present if there are any legal questions regarding this action.
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| | | | | | | | Conclusion:
Though Federal grants can be hard to obtain, this project is a worthy pursuit as evidenced by public feedback in the Riparian Park to Refuge Trails Master Plan Process, the most recent Comprehensive Plan update, department goals, and a long history of desirability from the public and community leadership alike. |
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