Memorandum

City of Lawrence

 

TO:

Mayor and City Commissioners

FROM:

City Manager David L. Corliss                            

CC:

Debbie Van Saun, Assistant City Manager

Date:

February 15, 2007

RE:

Federal Funding Requests

 

 

As a follow up to our trip to Washington D.C. and after discussions with appropriate staff members, City Commission direction on submission of several federal funding requests is desired.  These federal funding sources are highly competitive and are also not likely to be funded at previous levels; however, it is essential that we continue to advise our Congressional delegation about our significant local funding needs and seek their financial assistance for worthy projects.

 

Surface Transportation

 

Staff is recommending that we seek federal funding for two major surface transportation projects which are important to economic development and continued quality development of the Lawrence community.  The first request is for $1million in planning and necessary property acquisition for the improvement of the intersection of Franklin Road and 23rd Street (K-10).  The continued concerns about the safety of 23rd Street and East Hills Business Park along with our desire to improve Franklin Road as an important north-south arterial make the future improvement of this intersection an important capital project.  Our desire for enhanced economic development for this area will be enhanced with an improvement at this intersection.  The second request is for $1million in planning and construction services for the improvement of K-10 and Bob Billings Parkway (f/k/a 15th Street and SLT).  Staff believes that a separate graded interchange at this location is necessary prior to City development west of K-10.  The estimated cost for this interchange is $14-15 million.  Future development of this interchange will likely require multiple sources of funding and it is appropriate to seek federal financial assistance for this project.

 

Transit Funding

 

Our Transit Administrator, Cliff Galante, has submitted the attached memorandum describing the City’s transit federal financing request, which includes a joint request with the University of Kansas.

 

Stormwater Funding

 

There is a highly competitive federal funding opportunity for wastewater and stormwater projects for possible congressional approval.  Staff recommends a request for the stormwater improvements at 23rd and Ousdahl which is one of the highest remaining uncompleted stormwater projects from the 1996 stormwater study.  Our federal funding request would be for up to $2million (1996 estimate was $1,022,880).  As we know, this area is a major stormwater challenge during large rain events; impeding traffic flow on an important east-west arterial in our community.  The major projects in either the North Lawrence Drainage Study or the remaining priority I stormwater projects are beyond the fiscal ability to request federal funding.

 

Recommendation:  Authorize staff to submit necessary applications to appropriate Congressional delegation members prior to March 9, 2007 deadline.