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To support an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program for the purpose of funding Safe Routes to School programs at certain Richmond public schools 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 support Safe Routes to Schools programs at certain Richmond public schools and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program; and
WHEREAS, the Safe Routes to School program is a nationwide initiative to increase the number of children who walk or bicycle to school by improving safety and convenience for walkers and cyclists; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress has annually authorized federal funding for local
implementation of Safe Routes to School programs since 2005 and Safe Routes to Schools programs have been active in Virginia since 2007; and
WHEREAS, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, Inc., a nonstock corporation authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has operated a Safe Routes to School program in partnership with Richmond Public Schools since 2015; 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 of Richmond has partnered with Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, Inc. to submit an application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for federal Safe Routes to School funding available through the Transportation Alternatives Program; and
WHEREAS, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, Inc. has secured funds to cover the cost of the required local funding match to participate in the Safe Routes to School program; 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 Safe Routes to School program 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 support Safe Routes to Schools programs at certain Richmond public schools, 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 City of Richmond Safe Routes to School program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the required local match will be funded by Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, Inc. pursuant to agreement with the City.
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 Safe Routes to School programming.
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 Safe Routes to School programs at certain Richmond public schools and to commit to the required agreements of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program.