COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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AGENDA TITLE: Eastern Connector Alignment Study
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Authorize staff to proceed with an alignment study of the Eastern Connector
STAFF CONTACT(S): Messrs. Tucker, Foley, Davis, Kamptner, Graham
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes |
AGENDA DATE: October 5, 2005
ACTION: INFORMATION:
CONSENT AGENDA: ACTION: X INFORMATION:
ATTACHMENTS: Yes
REVIEWED BY:
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BACKGROUND:
This executive summary seeks authorization for staff to proceed with contracting an alignment study for the Eastern Connector. Recent discussions by County and City officials, as well as the CHART, place a high importance on an Eastern Connector as part of the regional transportation solution. While this project was considered as part of the CIP budget authorization, the project was not specifically listed in the approved budget appropriations.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal 3:4: Develop and implement policies, including financial, that address the County’s growing transportation needs.
DISCUSSION:
County and City staff have developed a draft work plan for an alignment study of the Eastern Connector. This study will evaluate a minimum of three possible alignments for cost effectiveness, environmental impacts, impacts on private property, and impacts on public property. The work plan also includes a series of public participation meetings and processes for acceptance by the County Board and City Council. As proposed, this study will be a 50-50 cost share by the City and County, with an estimated project cost of $500,000. As currently proposed, the project would be directed by a steering committee comprised of a City Council member, a County Board member, a Planning Commission member from each locality, a citizen from each locality, and two staff members from each locality. Given the area studied is largely within the County, the study would be managed by County staff. Staff will ask the Board to confirm this project direction and assign members to the steering committee at a later date. The City will be considering a matching appropriation request at their October 3rd meeting and staff will advise the Board if that request is not approved.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The approved FY ’05-’06 CIP set aside $1 Million for undesignated transportation projects. The Eastern Connector study was one of the projects considered to be funded with this source. County staff has been unable to locate any other funding sources for this study. As this service has not yet been contracted, a 20% contingency for the project budget is planned. With this contingency, staff is seeking approval for a project budget of $300,000
Authorize staff to proceed with procuring this study using a 50-50 cost share agreement with the City and expend no more than $300,000 from the CIP for the County’s share of this study.
ATTACHMENTS