SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the FY25 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grant Program for the Boulevard of the Americas Project in the amount not to exceed $25,000,000.00 to construct and improve right of ways, roadway crossings, and pedestrian improvements at the four blocks of the IH-35 mile marker one in order to promote pedestrian traffic, improve pedestrian safety, widen sidewalks, bring back life to the area and promoting economic development. Grant has no match at the time of application, but up to 20% for up to $5,000,000.00 may be required at the time of award. This Notice of Funding Opportunity is on a reimbursement basis. Funding will need to be identified in the event project is selected for award, and match is requested by awarding agency.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
Council has approved this project to go forward in other channels such as awarding contracts for design. This grant application is intended to assist the project construction. Resolution 2023-R-182 was taken and approved by Council on 09/18/2023 for the FY2023 Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) program for the Boulevard of the Americas Project. Application was not selected for funding.
BACKGROUND
On November 1, 2024 the U.S. Department of Transportation released a grant opportunity under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) grant program, merit-based, a competitive discretionary grant program for surface transportation infrastructure and planning grants. Council has approved this project to go forward in other channels such as awarding contracts for design. The project calls for construction and improvement of right of ways, roadway crossings, and pedestrian improvements at the four blocks of the IH-35-mile marker one. Consultants who have been contracted estimate the project to cost no more than $25,000,000. The grant application is being submitted to help fund construction.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends approval of this item.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: Capital Grants
Account #: 458
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Funding will need to be identified in the event project is selected for award.
The City intends to apply where the project location is in an Area of Persistent Poverty (APP) and a Historically Disadvantaged Community (HDC). No match is required at the time of application but up to 20% may be required at the time of award.