Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board consider adoption of Resolution authorizing the Director of Transportation to apply for approximately $3 Million in Round 2, 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 Round 2 grant funds.
Resolution 104-2011
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 future operational and maintenance expenses of this proposed new County facility. The estimated annual operations and maintenance costs for the proposed Railroad Park would be approximately $65,000. This cost estimate is based on the actual operations and maintenance costs of the County's Pioneer Park/Community Center.
The estimated annual maintenance costs for the proposed 2.2 mile extension of the El Dorado Trail from the Railroad Park to Missouri Flat Road is approximately $15,000. This cost estimate is based on the actual maintenance costs of the El Dorado Trail from Missouri Flat Road to Forni Road. The County's Library Department will be operating the Historical Railroad Museum facility that will be located in the proposed Railroad Park. The Library Department estimates that approximately $5,000 of the operating costs could be off-set with volunteer labor and donations. There is also potential future revenue that could be generated from facility rental fees that may also off-set the operating costs.
Background:
The California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) administers the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program which provides two rounds of $184 million each for the creation of new parks and new recreation facilities in critically underserved communities throughout California. Grant awards range from $100,000 to $5 million per project. There is no match requirement.
The original concept for the El Dorado County Historical Railroad Park was approved by the Board of Supervisors on August 25, 2009 (Legistar 09-1051). The Board further directed the Department of Transportation (Department) Facilities Engineering Division to work with Museum staff on the development of a plan for the park. The Railroad Park is proposed to be located in the town of El Dorado within the existing Sacramento-Placerville Transportation corridor (SPTC) right of way, and adjacent to the El Dorado Community Center on Oriental Street.
In March 2010, the Department submitted two applications for Round 1 of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program; the Walker Ball Fields project in the County Fairgrounds, and the Railroad Museum Park project. Round 1 was very competitive and neither project was awarded. Statewide, 475 applications were submitted, but only 62 projects were awarded, 50 of which were new parks - the highest priority category.
Round 2 applications are due July 1, 2011. The Department intends to re-submit an improved and updated application for the El Dorado County Historical Railroad Park project.
Reason for Recommendation:
A requirement of the Statewide Parks grant application is the inclusion of an authorizing resolution that is project specific to apply for the grant funding. Round 1 Resolution 030-2010 is therefore no longer applicable.
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 - Historical 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, etc. 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 1,275 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 approximately $2,992,000. 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