Title
Grant Application - NCDOT CMAQ Bicycle and Pedestrian (Park and Recreation)
Summary
ACTION:
Approve the submission of grant applications by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation for up to seven NCDOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Grants to help fund the construction of Irvins Creek, Little Sugar Creek, McAlpine Creek, McDowell Creek, South Prong Rocky River, Stewart Creek and Walker Branch Greenways (at total of up to $9,001,520 in possible grant dollars).
Staff Contact: Gwen Cook, Planner
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Presentation: Yes_____ No__X__
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
1) The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program is a federal program that allocates funding to states for the purpose of supporting projects in non-attainment areas that will improve air quality and/or reduce congestion.
2) These greenways are included in the 2008 Mecklenburg County General Obligation Bond Projects. Submitting these potential projects totaling $17.4 million for an anticipated $9M in CMAQ grant funding provides residents of Mecklenburg County the opportunity to either reduce the amount of County funding necessary to complete these projects or to significantly expand the scope of some of these greenways.
3) These greenways have been selected because they have met the County criteria used to identify the 2008 bond projects, and it is anticipated that, for air-quality CMAQ criteria, they will score well enough to be seriously considered for funding.
4) The CMAQ Grants from NCDOT would cover the cost of construction. The grants require a match from the County. The amount varies among the project and is detailed on the attached spreadsheet. The higher the match, the more likely a project will be selected. For this reason, the Town of Cornelius has asked to participate as a funding partner for South Prong Rocky River Greenway.
5) The MUMPO deadline for final CMAQ application submittal is April 27, 2...
Click here for full text