TITLE: Title
Endorsement of Recreational Trails Program Grant Applications for the Morgan Creek Greenway
PURPOSE: The Board is asked to endorse two Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant applications that would contribute to funding the construction of Phases 1 and 2 of the Morgan Creek Greenway.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Jeff Brubaker - 918-7329
INFORMATION: Preliminary engineering for Phases 1 and 2 of the Morgan Creek Greenway is currently at the 90 percent plan stage.
The most recent engineer's estimate provided by Coulter Jewell Thames indicates a total cost of Morgan Creek Phases 1 and 2 to be $1,135,000, including contingency. The Town estimates that construction engineering will cost an additional $147,750. Accounting for existing preliminary engineering costs and current federal STP-DA and local revenues, staff estimate that there is a funding shortage of $919,224 to fully build the project from Smith Level Rd. to Chapel Hill Tennis Club/Weatherhill Pointe.
The Town is seeking additional STP-DA funding from the MPO to address this funding gap. Another potential federal funding source is the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). Both sources require a minimum 20 percent non-federal match.
The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for RTP grants for trail projects in the state. Pre-applications for two grants of $100,000 each were submitted by Town staff in November 2013. Town staff propose to submit applications for the same amounts. One grant is for FY14 and another is for FY15 (subject to funding availability). Applications are due on June 6.
The application requires the following: "Resolution of Governing Body or commitment letter supporting at least a 25% match and completion of project within 2 year time frame." (The 25% here refers to 25% of the RTP grant funding requested - rather than 25% of the total cost - so this is the same proportion as what for other ...
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