Synopsis:	At the November 21, 2000 meeting, Council approved staff's recommendation to execute the fund exchange agreement with ODOT for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 1999 and 2000 Fund Exchange Program to replace the Water Street Bridge obligating 1999 and 2000 federal funds in the amount of $279,310 for State funds of $262,551. Staff is recommending Council authorize the amended agreement to fully fund this project and obligate FFY 2001 and FFY 2002 funds totaling $216,613 for State funds amounting to $201,443. The City has participated in the State's federal fund exchange program through the Oregon Department of Transportation for many years. These dollars are a part of the Federal Surface Transportation Plan (STP) program that can be used to fund state approved projects. The Water Street Bridge Project has been programmed to receive these funds and this action is consistent with the Capital Improvement Program outlined in the budget document.
Recommendation:	It is recommended that Council approve the attached Amendment No. 1, to Fund Exchange Agreement No. 18615-01 for the Water Street Bridge Project.
Fiscal Impact:	Through participation in the Surface Transportation Program, Ashland has received approximately $94,000 to $110,000 per year. This proposed allocation offers an exchange of $216,613 federal dollars for $201,443 of State dollars. Although the City "loses" an average of 7% percent for the exchange to "State" funds, the gain from a contract flexibility and construction management perspective is well worth the minor reduction in funds. Staff estimates the construction of the Water Street Bridge Replacement to be approximately $400,000, which is $100,000 over the original estimate in 2000. The increase in cost is primarily due to the additional stabilization where the creek makes substantial changes in water pathways. Design began in 2001 with Otak Engineers and that contract obligates $98,000.
Background:	The ODOT Fund Exchange Program is an extension of the Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP). Cities with population in excess of 5000 people receive an annual allocation of funds based upon actual population. The State provides these funds at a reduced rate (94% of the federal allocation) for City projects. By using the funds through the State's exchange program, the funds can be used for a wider variety of projects, and work can be completed by City crews or contracted directly through the City. The State's requirements and controls are not as stringent as Federal controls. Staff proposed that fund exchange program be used for replacement of the Water Street Bridge which was identified as a priority from the Otak report on flood related damage, and submitted that request to ODOT. ODOT approved the project prospectus and found the project eligible for the fund exchange program. Prior year's fund exchange dollars have been used to fund the reconstruction of Union Street (FFY98 and is currently being completed under contract), reconstruction of Sherman Street (FFY97 and was completed last fall) and Wightman Street Realignment (completed during the 1997 fiscal year). Council will recall the discussion of the expanded Metropolitan Planning Organization. These STP funds are the funds that will be combined with the MPO funds in future years. Attached are a sketch of the bridge design and a schedule of the design completion, permitting and construction. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2003 and be completed by December 2003.

Water_Street_Design_&_Schedule.pdf (365KB)

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