ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a RESOLUTION in Support of an Application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for Funding Under the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for Extending the ROCK ISLAND GREENWAY Multi-Use Path (from Park Avenue to the Existing Riverfront Trail on Spring Street). (Council District 1)
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BACKGROUND: With the adoption of the Complete Streets Policy and citywide Bicycle Master Plan, the City of Peoria recognizes the needs and benefits of providing non-motorized transportation options for citizens and visitors. Those programs are intended to guide Peoria to become a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly community, by setting guidelines and priorities for future plans and projects. As Peoria becomes more bicycle friendly, the many benefits of providing healthy alternatives to driving should be realized by the citizens of Peoria.
A major non-motorized route, which is designated in the Bicycle Master Plan, is the Rock Island Greenway, a part of the Rock Island Trail system. This rails to trails path is intended to provide a complete north-south trail through the City. As a rails to trails off-street trail, it currently terminates at Harvard Avenue, just north of War Memorial Drive/US 150. South of this location, the trail is routed on city streets and through Springdale Cemetery. This inconvenient and difficult detour through Springdale Cemetery is the only route for users of the Rock Island Trail system to access areas south of War Memorial Drive, which limits use for commuting and is challenging for less able riders. The City has received grant funding for portions of this planned extension and construction plans have been developed. The project is anticipated to be constructed in 2021.
To help provide the City funds to further continue the work of extending the rails to trails Rock Island Greenway south of Park Avenue to the Riverfront Trail on Spring Street, Staff has submitted an application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding cycle. This Program, which is funded by the State Statue, provides funding for community-based projects that expand travel choices and promote and develop alternative transportation options, including non-motorized modes of travel.
The project proposed for the ITEP application will include the design and construction of a 10’ bituminous shared use path on City owned railroad right-of-way, from the terminus of the previously planned project at Park Avenue to the existing Riverfront Trail on Spring Street.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The 20% local match, or approximately $150,000 of a $750,000 design and construction estimate, will be funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Extending the Rock Island Greenway south of Park Avenue will provide a safe and efficient non-motorized route for bicycles and pedestrians in our community. Extending the Rock Island Greenway has the support of many parties, including the Friends of the Rock Island Trail, Bike Peoria and the Peoria Park District.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will add the approved resolution to the grant application that was submitted for the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program for funding of the extension of the Rock Island Greenway trail south of Park to the Riverfront Trail on Spring Street.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria will withdraw the grant application for the 2020 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to fund the extension of the Rock Island Greenway south of Park to the Riverfront Trail on Spring Street and will need to seek other funding for this project.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
3. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Grow employers and jobs.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works