Authorize Application for and, if Awarded, Acceptance of a Grant from the Texas Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School Program in the Amount of $335,000.00 and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance

It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Authorize the City Manager to apply for and accept, if awarded, a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in the amount of $335,000.00 for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program; and

2.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grants Fund by $335,000.00.

The Texas Department of Transportation has issued the 2009 SRTS Call-For-Projects with an application deadline of November 30, 2009. These are 100 percent federally funded cost-reimbursement programs. City staff has been working in a joint effort with Keller Independent School District (ISD) to develop three SRTS plans. Keller ISD staff and PTA members were instrumental in conducting the required surveys at three schools to collect necessary data for the plans. These plans have been approved by TxDOT and are for Park Glen Elementary School, Parkwood Hill Intermediate School and Hillwood Middle School; all within the Keller ISD. Staff intends to submit one application benefitting all three schools. The following are the projects waiting Council approval for submittal:

• Bike Lanes/Bike Routes - Park Vista Boulevard (North Tarrant Parkway to Basswood Boulevard) –Restriping lanes to accommodate a bike lane on both east and west sides of the road or bike routes if determined a safer alternative
• Bike Lanes - Parkwood Hill Boulevard (North Tarrant Parkway to Basswood Boulevard) – Restriping lanes to accommodate a bike lane on both east and west sides of the road
• Bike Lanes - Redwood Trail (Park Vista Boulevard to Parkwood Hill Boulevard) – Restriping lanes to accommodate a bike lane on both north and south sides of the road
• Pedestrian Crossings – Constructing three pedestrian islands with enhancements to improve the safety of intersection crossings at Park Vista Boulevard and Ash River Road, Park Vista Boulevard and Redwood Trail, and Park Vista Boulevard and Glen Canyon Road.  
  

These projects are located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 4.