Title
Approval to program projects in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) using MARTA Offset funds in the amount of $1,687,000.
Presented by Steve Acenbrak, Director
Body
Item Summary:
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) will be programming $25 million of MARTA capital funds in return for funding MARTA Operations earlier this year using the metropolitan areas ARRA (stimulus) funds. Using a formula developed by ARC based on the generation of MARTA sales tax revenue, $6.25 million was allocated to the five north Fulton cities. Staff from the five north Fulton cities agreed to split the funding using the same formula developed by the North Fulton Comprehensive Transportation Plan (NFCTP) memorandum of understanding.
The City of Roswell is eligible to program $1,687,000 in capital improvements. Eligible projects are those that are designed to augment and/or enhance the existing MARTA bus service in the City of Roswell.
ARC will program a list of projects for the north Fulton cities as part of the 1st Quarter 2010 TIP Amendment. The Transportation Department staff has inventoried existing conditions at MARTA bus stops and pedestrian connections (lack of sidewalks) within ½ mile of bus routes. Staff developed broad project categories that consist of installing new bus shelters, new sidewalks, new crosswalks, and a HAWK Pedestrian Beacon. Table 1 summarizes the recommended transit enhancement projects that meet the criteria to augment/enhance the existing MARTA bus service and provide the best economic investment for attracting new transit riders and serving businesses adjacent to the bus routes.
Figure 1 illustrates the potential MARTA offset project locations. Exhibit A illustrates the Finish the Connection project at the GA 400 interchange. Photo 1 shows the first HAWK Beacon installed in the state of Georgia - in the City of Suwanee, GA.
Planning and design of these projects can start in the spring of 2010. Construction will likely begin toward the latter half of 2010.
Additionally, city staff proposes increasing public awareness of the existing MARTA bus service and new transit facilities by:
· Dispersing MARTA bus route schedules/maps to area locations such as the visitor center, libraries, senior centers, and city hall.
· Providing information and a link to MARTAs bus information on the City's website.
· Requesting MARTA replace 33 bus stop signs in the city limits that are faded and difficult to read.
Committee or Staff Recommendation:
On December 16, 2009 the Community Development and Transportation Committee recommended placing this Item on the December 21, 2009 Mayor and Council Agenda.
Financial Impact:
No City of Roswell match is currently required. As the Department identifies projects and contractors, the contracts will come back to Council for approval.
Presented by:
Steven D. Acenbrak, P.E., LEED AP, Director of Transportation