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Consideration of Transportation Projects for Regional Flexible Funding for FY28
PURPOSE: Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization has issued a call for projects for Regional Flexible Funding (RFF) for FY28. A resolution authorizing staff to submit a request for additional funding for the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk project (TIP#C-5650) has been provided for the Council’s consideration.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
___ Race/Equity __X__ Climate __X__ Comprehensive Plan __X__Other
Council Direction Statement
The Regional Flexible Funding (RFF) Call for Projects is an opportunity to seek federal funds for transportation infrastructure projects thereby advancing the implementation of the 2021 Bicycle Plan Update and Transportation and Mobility chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Most transportation infrastructure projects advance the Town’s interests toward Climate Action and Race & Equity. Pocket Questions evaluating the South Greensboro Sidewalk project are provided (Attachments D & E).
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Information
INFORMATION: In early November 2025, Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization (TWTPO) issued a call for projects for the upcoming regional flexible funding cycle (Attachment B). This is a competitive-based opportunity to seek funding for new projects or additional funding for existing projects from the following federal programs: Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), Transportation Block Grant Direct Attributable (STBGDA), and Transportation Alternatives program Direct Attributable (TAPDA). Projects must be included in a locally adopted plan and/or the 2050 MTP to be considered for funding. The deadline for project submittal is January 30, 2026.
On March 4, 2025, the Town Council received an update on the development of the FY2028-2037 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and identified projects for staff to submit for the prioritization process P8.0 (Town of Carrboro - Meeting of Town Council on 3/4/2025 at 6:00 PM <https://carrboro.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1264695&GUID=156A7579-0684-48C8-9ADC-35B2901F092D&Options=info|&Search=>). Staff submitted five projects per the Council’s direction. Subsequent to the March meeting, the Old NC 86 bike lanes & sidewalk project was also added to the list of TWTPO projects in the direction of NCDOT. This increased the number of Carrboro projects under consideration for federal funding in the FY2028-2037 STIP to six.
Town staff have been working closely with the project engineer preparing the plans for the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk to advance this project, and it is anticipated that costs will increase prior to advertising for construction. Based on the timing of the project and cost estimates from the engineering firm, staff recommend that the Town submit a request for $750,000 in additional funds for the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk. Federal funds require a 20-percent local match ($750,000 of additional funds = $600,000 80% federal + $150,000 20% local match). If the project is selected for the additional funds, staff would bring back a budget amendment and a request to enter into a revised municipal agreement with NCDOT.
Orange County Transit funds have been allocated to the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk and can be used toward the local match. If the request for regional flexible funding is granted, there would be an opportunity to request additional transit funds if desired.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion of this item. Should the project be selected for funding, matching funds of approximately $150,000 would need to be identified.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommend that the Town Council consider the resolution (Attachment A) directing staff to submit to the TWTPO a request for $750,000 of FY28 Regional Flexible Funds for the South Greensboro Street Sidewalk project by the January 2026 deadline.
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