Title
Transportation Department recommending the Board adopt a Resolution authorizing the Director of Transportation to apply for California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant funds for the El Dorado County Historical Railroad Park. (Est. Time: 30 Min.)
FUNDING: California Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program grant funds.
Resolution 030-2010
Body
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
There is no fiscal impact or change to Net County Cost associated with this item. There is a potential future impact to the General Fund due to operational expense of this facility, however, revenue generated would partially offset costs.
The Transportation Department is also in the process of developing a Countywide Parks and Trails Master Plan. This Plan will come before the Board late in 2010 and will contain sections on operation and maintenance costs and funding. Recommendations will be provided for adoption by the Board for developing funding streams to address the County's needs in Parks and Recreation.
Background:
The California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) administers the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program which provides grants for between $100,000 and $5 million. The grants are for the creation of new parks and new recreation opportunities. While there is no match requirement, the applicant must certify that there are sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project.
The Department of Transportation (Department) intends to submit two (2) grant applications for this program; the Walker Ball Fields at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds and the El Dorado County Historical Railroad Park. These projects were chosen due to the eligibility requirements of this particular grant program. These projects are the most competitive as they provide recreational opportunities in the "critically underserved communities" of Placerville and El Dorado based upon the ratio of existing park land to residents and the median household income within the immediate vicinity of these projects. The Board of Supervisors conceptually approved the El Dorado County Historical Railroad Park on August 25, 2009 (Legistar 09-1051) and further directed the Department to work with Museum staff on the development of the plan for the park.
Reason for Recommendation:
The County must apply to the DPR for Statewide Park grants with qualifying projects by March 1, 2010. One of the requirements of the grant application is the inclusion of an authorizing resolution to apply for the grant funding. The resolution must be project specific, therefore, Resolution No. 273-2008, approved by the Board of Supervisors on October 7, 2008, authorizing the Director of Transportation to submit and execute grant applications will not satisfy this requirement.
The proposed Parks & Trails Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes Project # 90902 to develop a new park facility that will recreate the historic Southern Pacific Depot at El Dorado. The park will have track for railroad cars, locomotives and support equipment, as well as a short section of operational railroad, along with visitor services, exhibit and maintenance facilities. There are some Accumulative Capital Outlay (ACO) funds allocated for this project, however, funding for future phases has not yet been determined. The Department is requesting authorization for the DOT Director to apply for grant funding to continue development of this project.
Project Scope: The Department proposes to construct a new public park and multi use recreational trail in the underserved, unincorporated town of El Dorado, adjacent to the El Dorado Community Hall.
The proposed new park and trail will be constructed in phases. The scope of this grant will include the planning, design, and construction of the following Recreation Features:
· Non-motorized regional multi-use recreation trail - approximately 2.2 mile long extension of the El Dorado Trail, from the west end of the proposed park site to Missouri Flat Road. The trail will be 16-feet wide of which 8-feet will be paved asphalt, 3-feet will be unpaved shoulder, and 5-feet will be aggregate base for equestrian use. The trail will be constructed within the existing Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) right of way.
· Park facility - Historic El Dorado Railroad Park will be an approximately 6.3 acre park area with ADA compliant restrooms, picnic areas (with tables & charcoal grills), open Space, and natural areas. The park will be constructed within the existing Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) right of way.
The scope of this grant will also include the planning, design, and construction of the following Major Support Amenities:
· Parking lot and internal roadways - Approximately 43,500 square-feet of asphalt-paved areas will be constructed that will provide access roadways on the site and approximately 51 spaces for vehicles, five of which will be ADA spaces. The parking lot and access roadways will be a joint-use with the adjacent El Dorado Community Hall.
· Depot Information Center - An approximately 540 square foot building which will be an accurate reproduction of the historic 1888 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, that once stood on the site, will be located on the proposed park site. The new Depot will be the centerpiece of the proposed park and will provide a place for visitor information/services, historical railroad exhibits, a gift shop, and shelter.
· Park access road (Oriental Street) - Access to the Park will be via Oriental Street which will be widened and repaved from North Street to the park entrance. This will require the widening/replacement of the box culvert to accommodate turning radii for larger vehicles (e.g. buses and horse trailers) to access the park.
The Engineer's Estimate for the proposed grant is $2,695,000. This includes construction as well as planning and design costs.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
1) The Board Clerk will have the Chair sign two (2) copies of the Resolution and will forward one signed original to the Department of Transportation to include with the grant application.
Contact:
James W. Ware, P.E.
Director of Transportation
Concurrences: County Counsel