2021-03-08-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: March 8, 2021 TOPIC: QUADCO TAP Grant with the City of Ellensburg ACTION REQUESTED: Support Staff LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Support staff making a joint TAP Grant application with the City of Ellensburg. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • The City of Ellensburg desires applying to QUADCO for a Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant. • The City proposes a new pedestrian connection along the West side of Pfenning Road connecting Palouse to Cascade Trail to the existing multi -use pathway on 3rd Avenue. • The trail will require a pedestrian bridge spanning Town Ditch. • School District support is anticipated, and the route provides a connection for Valley View Elementary School, Ellensburg High School, and Grasslands to the Palouse to Cascade trail. BACKGROUND: QUADCO recently issued a call for projects using Surface Transportation Block Grant Transportation Alternatives Program set aside funding. The City of Ellensburg has the connection from 3`d Avenue to Vantage Highway identified in its Active Transportation Plan. The project area is fully contained in the City's growth management area as managed by the County. DISCUSSION: Staff proposes a joint application with the City designing and constructing the pedestrian connection from Yd Avenue to Vantage Highway. Public Works (PW) proposes providing survey for the project with cash match from the Road Fund "Paths and Trails" budget line item. Currently, the funding ask appears to be in the $400,000 dollar range with a preferred twenty percent match of $80,000 (along with in kind credit for survey and design). The project is expected to benefit the school district and Grasslands residents. Pagel of 3 Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2021