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To support an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for the purpose of funding the installation of pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program.
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WHEREAS, the City of Richmond desires to submit an application for an allocation of funds through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program to fund the installation of pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program; and
WHEREAS, such new pedestrian safety improvements include new Americans with Disabilities Act compliant curb ramps, reconstructed sidewalk, bike racks and the consolidation and narrowing of private entrances to minimize pedestrian-vehicle conflicts; and
WHEREAS, site furniture, new landscaping to introduce greenery, and a buffer between vehicles and pedestrians will be installed as part of the pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue between Maple Avenue and Libbie Avenue; and
WHEREAS Virginia Department of Transportation regulations now dictate that only local government agencies may submit proposals in response to Virginia Department of Transportation solicitations; and
WHEREAS, the City, to the extent permitted by law, agrees to provide the required 20 percent matching funds if the project is approved for funding; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Commonwealth Transportation Board construction allocation procedures, it is necessary that, prior to an award determination, a resolution be received from the sponsoring local jurisdiction or agency requesting the Virginia Department of Transportation to establish a Patterson Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue for the City of Richmond.
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the Council hereby supports the application for allocation of funds through the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program to fund the installation of pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue, committing to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program, and requesting that the Commonwealth Board of Transportation establish a project for the implementation of the Patterson Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That, to the extent permitted by law, the City commits to providing the required 20 percent local matching funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the City hereby agrees to enter into a project administration agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation and provide the necessary oversight to ensure that the project is developed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements relevant to the installation of pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That if the City subsequently elects to cancel the project, the City agrees to reimburse the Virginia Department of Transportation for the total amount of costs expended by the Virginia Department of Transportation through the date of notice of such cancellation. Subject to appropriation by the Council of the City of Richmond, the City agrees to repay any funds previously reimbursed that are later deemed ineligible by the Federal Highway Administration or the Virginia Department of Transportation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Chief Administrative Officer, or his designee, is authorized to apply for funds and execute project administration agreements as well as other documents necessary for approved projects for the purpose of funding the installation of pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program.
City of Richmond
Intracity Correspondence
DATE: May 21, 2025 EDITION: 1
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Dr. Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Sabrina Joy-Hogg, Interim Chief Administrative Officer THROUGH: Meghan K. Brown, Director of Budget & Strategic Planning THROUGH: Bobby Vincent, Director of Public Works
FROM: M.S. Khara, P.E., City Engineer
RE: APPLICATION TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (VDOT) REQUESTING PROJECT FUNDING FROM THE BIENNIAL FY2027-FY2028 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP) FOR “PATTERSON AVENUE PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT” PROJECT.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To authorize the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or designee, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, to formally request funding from VDOT for Patterson Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project (Maple Ave to Libbie Ave) utilizing Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) for the FY2027-FY2028 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program and to commit to the (20%) matching funds if VDOT approves funding for this project.
BACKGROUND: The Transportation Enhancement (TE) program established under ‘SAFETEA-LU’ was replaced by the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) with the passage of ‘MAP-21’.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) continues the Transportation Alternatives set-aside from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program. Eligible uses of the set-aside funds include all projects and activities that were previously eligible under the Transportation Alternatives Program under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). This encompasses a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as
historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity
The BIL requires all TAP projects to be funded through a competitive process. This funding program mandates 20% in matching funds to be supplied by the applicant and that the City be responsible for the operating and maintenance cost of TA improvements. A City Council resolution of support for the project is required to participate in TAP application process.
Although the program requires a 20% match the City is proposing more than the 20% match with the use of Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) Local funds on projects that are estimated to cost more than $1,000,000 to make the application more competitive in the program.
The deadline to submit the City’s application to VDOT to participate in the FY27-FY28 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) is September 15, 2025.
FY 2027 TAP Candidate Project:
Patterson Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project (Maple Ave to Libbie Ave):
This corridor has a heavy vehicular traffic in combination with high pedestrian activity with many restaurants and shops. This project will provide pedestrian safety improvements along Patterson Avenue at south curb from Maple Avenue to Libbie Avenue. Pedestrian safety improvements include ADA curb ramps, reconstructed sidewalk, bike racks, and consolidating and narrowing private entrances to minimize pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. This project also includes, site furniture, and the addition of landscaping to introduce greenery and a buffer between vehicles and pedestrians. These improvements will create a safer corridor for pedestrians and drivers and elevate the character of the area. These improvements are a part of Richmond's Vision Zero Action Plan to improve pedestrian safety on high injury designated streets, which include Patterson Avenue. These crossings will help reduce vehicle speeds, shorten pedestrian crossings, and improve vehicle awareness of pedestrians along this corridor for a better connectivity.
The total estimated cost for Patterson Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project is $1,437,700. The City is submitting an application for a total of $ 1,250,000 for this project. The TA program grants 80% ($1,000,000 being requested) in federal funds and requires a 20% City match ($250,000 which will be budgeted in the CIP budget, if project receives federal funds). The remaining project costs of $187,700 will be provided thru proposed CVTA Local funds only if project is granted TA Program funds.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Public hearing/engagement will be through the Land Use and Housing and Transportation Standing Committee (LUHTSC) meeting and City Council meeting on this Resolution request.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: Transportation projects receiving funds from VDOT will improve the city’s streets, by expanding connectivity and enhancing safety for pedestrian and vehicular users.
Land Use and Housing and Transportation Standing Committee (LUHTSC) will review and approve this Resolution request.
FISCAL IMPACT: If requested $1,000,000 federal funding (80%) is received, the City’s share will provide 20% in the amount of $250,000 for total TA program cost of $1,250,000. City funds will be budgeted via future CIP budgets upon federal grant approval. Additionally, remaining projects costs of $187,700 will be budgeted thru proposed CVTA Local funds if federal funds are approved. Additional CVTA funds are proposed to make the application more competitive in the program.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption.
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: July 07, 2025 CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: July 28, 2025 REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting (LUHTC) July 22, 2025
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Public Works; Law Department; Planning and Development; Economic and Community Development; Department of Public Utilities; Finance Department; Budget and Strategic Planning; Copies also sent to: City Mayor (Dr. Danny Avula); Interim Chief Administrative Officer (Sabrina Joy-Hogg).
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None
ATTACHMENTS: None
STAFF: Lamont L. Benjamin, PE, Capital Projects Administrator, DPW, 646-6339 Adel Edward, P.E., Project Manager, DPW 646-6584.