Ratify the Application for and, if Awarded, Acceptance of a $750,000.00 Transportation Energy Efficiency Traffic Signal Synchronization or Replacement Stimulus Grant through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance

It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Ratify the Transportation and Public Works Department's Application for a $750,000.00 Transportation Energy Efficiency Traffic Signal Synchronization or Replacement Stimulus cost sharing matching grant administered through the Texas State Energy Conservation Office;
  
2. If awarded the grant:

        a. Authorize the City Manager to accept the $750,000.00 cost sharing matching grant from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office;
  
        b. Authorize the transfer of $187,500.00 from the 2007 Critical Capital Projects Fund to the Grant Capital Projects Fund; and

        c. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Grant Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $937,500.00, subject to receipt of the grant.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, (ARRA) made available federal stimulus funds for qualified and accepted projects. Under this Act, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for distribution and management of ARRA funds to states through State Energy Programs. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) is offering competitive opportunities for cost reimbursement awards to eligible governmental entities to assist them in their initiatives to synchronize traffic signals or replace signal lights to achieve energy efficiencies.
  
The Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) proposes to use these grant funds for minor modifications and equipment upgrades at 14 traffic signals and to reconstruct two traffic signals in the Riverside community area as shown on the attached map.
  
TPW plans to retain consultant services to prepare plans, specifications and contract proposals, develop synchronization timing plans, prepare before and after studies and handle grant reporting requirements.
  
This project involves improvements to City transportation facilities located in COUNCIL DISTRICTS 2, 4 and 8.