HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2023 (43)
Resolution No. 43 (2023)
RESOLUTION OF COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT FOR THE
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WISDOT) 2024-
2028 TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP)
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT THE HIGHWAY 35 OFF-ROAD TRAIL
– PHASE II
COVER MEMO
TO: County Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Jason Kjeseth, Community Development Director
DATE: December 5, 2023
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution of Commitment and Support for the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation (WISDOT) 2024-2028 Transportation Alternatives Program
(TAP) Application to Construct the Highway 35 Off-Road Trail – Phase II
______________________________________________________________________________
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Community Development Department is informed about a competitive grant program called
the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
This program provides 80% funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, with a 20% local match
requirement. The funding cycle for this program occurs every four years, and the current cycle is
for 2024-2028. St. Croix County successfully secured TAP grants in 2014 for the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Plan and in 2021 for Phase I of the State Highway 35 off-road trail, with construction
scheduled for 2024.
Phase II of the STH 35 trail consists of a 1.23-mile off-road trail segment and a 0.98-mile on-
road striping and signage along River Road. This project aims to enhance safe access for
residents in North Hudson, the Towns of Hudson, and St. Joseph to key community facilities,
including North Hudson Elementary School, a retail/service area, and various parks. This trail
connects with Phase I and an existing sidewalk/bike lane facility, providing an 8-mile route
through North Hudson into the City of Hudson and onward into Minnesota via the I-94 bridge.
In addition, Phase II is an essential part of the larger trail system outlined in the 2017 St. Croix
County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. A potential Phase III would further expand the multi-modal
trail/bicycle lanes, connecting this project to the SCR Crossing Loop Trail and Main Trailhead in
Houlton, WI, and the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail System. This extensive network links
to Stillwater, MN, and the Twin City Regional Trail System.
The estimated cost for the Phase II STH 35 Trail project is $668,352, covering
design/engineering, construction, and oversight. The 20% county match is $133,671, allocated
from the Capital Improvement Fund. A detailed cost breakdown and project map are provided in
the agenda packet. These initiatives aim to promote healthier, safer exercise options and
strengthen regional connections among various communities.
The TAP Grant application requires a local resolution of support by December 22, 2023 and is
attached for your consideration.
Resolution No. 43 (2023)
RESOLUTION OF COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT FOR THE
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WISDOT) 2024-
2028 TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROGRAM (TAP)
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT THE HIGHWAY 35 OFF-ROAD TRAIL
– PHASE II
1 WHEREAS, the Community Development Department has been made aware of a highly
2 competitive grant program through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation called the
3 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which funds bicycle and pedestrian trail projects at
4 an 80% grant, 20% local match; and
5
6 WHEREAS, the State Highway 35 Off-Road Trail was identified as of one of the top
7 three priority corridors to be completed in the adopted 2017 St. Croix County Bicycle and
8 Pedestrian Plan; and
9
10 WHEREAS, the Community Development Committee discussed and supports the
11 Community Development Department proceeding with the TAP application for funding of the
12 State Highway 35 Off-Road Trail - Phase II project; and
13
14 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors supports the TAP application
15 submitted to WisDOT for the 2024-2028 award cycle in order to construct the State Highway 35
16 Off-Road Trail Phase II; and
17
18 WHEREAS, St. Croix County recognizes that WisDOT reimburses project sponsors for
19 the federal share of 80% of the approved TAP project costs. St. Croix County agrees to secure
20 and commit the required 20% match in a Capital Improvement Plan allocation.
21
22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED if St. Croix County is awarded funding by
23 WisDOT for the 2024-2028 TAP award cycle, the County of St. Croix is authorized to and
24 agrees to accept the award and enter into all necessary agreements with WisDOT for the above
25 referenced project.
26
27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that St. Croix County agrees to comply with all
28 applicable laws, requirements and regulations as outlined in the WisDOT 2024-2028 TAP
29 application materials.
Legal – Fiscal – Administrative Approvals:
Legal Note:
Fiscal Impact: This resolution authorizes the County to seek 80% of construction costs for phase II
of the Hwy 35 Bike & Pedestrian Trail through a TAP grant. The County would be
required to match 20% of the total construction cost, which is estimated at $133, 671
currently. If the grant is awarded, their would be design and project bidding in fiscal
years 2025-26. If the cost of the project comes in too high, the County could elect to
return the grant dollars and not proceed with the project.
11/16/23 Community Development Committee APPROVED
RESULT: APPROVED \[UNANIMOUS\]
MOVER: Shawn Anderson, Supervisor
SECONDER: Ryan Sherley, Supervisor
AYES: Anderson, Counter, Hansen, Sherley, VanSomeren
EXCUSED: Dick Hesselink
Vote Confirmation.
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
Roll Call - Vote Requirement – Majority of Supervisors Present
RESULT: ADOPTED \[14 TO 2\]
MOVER: Cathy Leaf, Supervisor
SECONDER: Jerry VanSomeren, Supervisor
AYES: Long, Leaf, Koch, Adams, Berning, Feidler, Ostness, Counter, Sherley, Tellijohn,
Barcalow, Swanepoel, VanSomeren, Ramberg
NAYS: Richard Ottino, Mark Carlson
EXCUSED: Lisa Lind, Shawn Anderson, Daniel Hansen
This Resolution was Adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on December 5, 2023
Christine Hines, County Clerk