Title
Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) Agreement (B)
This item involves a request for the City Commission to enter into an interlocal agreement between the Gainesville Area Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO) and the Ocala / Marion Transportation Planning Organization (TPO).
Explanation
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has a funding program for transportation projects called the TRIP. TRIP projects are regionally significant. Entering into this agreement will allow the Gainesville Area MTPO and Ocala/Marion TPO to develop and prioritize a list of TRIP-eligible projects. These projects are then eligible to receive matching funds (up to 50%) from the FDOT through this TRIP funding mechanism. As written, the City of Gainesville will serve as the lead agency for this interlocal agreement.
Pursuant to this interlocal agreement, an Executive Committee will be established. This Executive Committee will consist of four members: one member each from the Gainesville City Commission and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners and two members from the Ocala / Marion TPO. This committee will develop a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). The RTP will identify, list and prioritize regionally-significant transportation facilities within the regional transportation area. The projects on the list will be adopted into the capital improvements program of the comprehensive plan for each local government.
The City of Gainesville will serve as the lead agency. The lead agency will designate a staff person to serve as the Project Manager for developing the RTP and the associated activities necessary to facilitate the adoption and approval of that plan. Projects identified in the Alachua County area will be eligible for funding from FDOT District 2, while projects identified in the Marion County area will be eligible for funding from FDOT District 5.
One of the projects that is eligible for this list is the Traffic Management System (TMS). If TRIP funds are designated for the TMS, the City of Gainesville will serve as the lead agency for the implementation.
Currently, the City has funding commitments from the City of Gainesville for $5,000,000, the University of Florida for $3,789,300 and Alachua County for $2,000,000. We will be seeking matching funds through the TRIP. The Public Works Department is in the process of developing requests for proposals for a consulting contract for system integration, implementation, traffic signal timing modifications, before and after studies, and the design and construction of the Traffic Management Center.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact by entering into this Interlocal Agreement.
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission: 1) authorize the Mayor to execute the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) Agreement, subject to City Attorney approval as to form and legality.
Alternative Recommendation: The City Commission deny the request for this Agreement which would result in the regional partnership not being formed and transportation projects not being eligible for TRIP funding.