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TRANSPORTATION FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
FY 2000 GRANT APPLICATION
A.
Contribution Towards Creating a Livable
Community (45 possible points)
1. (1-20 Points) To what extent does the project pertain to a physical setting where deficiencies exist (or will exist) which, if remedied, will provide significant community benefit. If the project is service oriented, how does it address an unmet need as well as provide a significant community benefit (e.g., connectivity of activity and residential centers; walkability; safety and security; economic development; protection of community, cultural, historic or environmental resources; public transit access or amenity; parking design; streetscape design; and access to daily needs)?
2. (1-15 Points) How is the project innovative? To what extent will the overall project have identifiable and likely synergistic effects (i.e., provision of any single community benefit will likely induce additional community benefits)?
3. (1-10 Points) Describe how the project relates to or specifically addresses the American with Disabilities Act, economic development opportunities, environmental impacts, economic/financial considerations, and safety and security.
1. (0-5 points). What degree of support and
involvement is evident for this project? For example, resolutions, public
meetings, special committees formed, funds committed, petitions, newspaper
articles, and so on. Attach copies of
any relevant documentation.
2. (0-5 Points) To what extent does the project support
existing municipal comprehensive plans?
3. (0-10 Points) How will this project ensure a
collaborative planning process between community stakeholders, the project
sponsor(s), and the local jurisdiction. Describe the planning process to be
followed and identify existing or potential project partners and stakeholders.
1. (0-5 Points)
Are the personnel and financial resources necessary to carry out this
project currently available? Will the
planning effort be ready to start when the grant is awarded?
2. (0-5 Points) To what extent does the project seek
to minimize costs and/or leverage other funds or donated services as
appropriate?
3. (0-5 Points) In order for a capital project to be
funded through the MPO TIP process, it must be consistent with the CCMPO’s Long
Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) for the region. Describe how your project could help the region meet one or more
of the LRTP’s goals.
4. (0-10 Points)
Have funding sources been identified, other than the MPO TIP process,
for implementation? Sources may include
funds committed in a capital program, voter support for a bond issue, or
private contribution from developers or other private organizations.
D. Special Considerations (10 possible points)
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Project Title: |
Colchester/South Hero Bike Ferry |
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Brief Project
Description: |
Study the feasibility and plan the
implementation of a bicycle and pedestrian ferry across “the cut” in the
historic marble railroad causeway between Colchester and South Hero. |
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Expected Final Product |
Established regular service, docking
facilities, shelters, and interpretive signage. |
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Municipality(ies): |
Colchester, South Hero |
NOTE: Please
attach (A) a map showing the proposed planning project area and any
project-level detail possible and (B) any available conceptual drawings and
illustrations.
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Total Planning Project Cost |
$12,500 |
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TLC Grant Request |
$6,000 |
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Non Federal Match |
$At least 1,200 |
Project
Type (check all that apply):
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x |
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facility Planning |
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Transit-oriented Development &
Design |
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Pedestrian/Bicycle-friendly Development
& Design |
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Growth-center Accessibility Plan |
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x |
Recreational Facility Accessibility
Plan |
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Streetscape/Landscaping Planning |
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x |
Other (describe): Sustainable Tourism
initiative |
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Agency/Organization |
Burlington Bikeways, Inc. |
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Contact Person |
Brian Costello |
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Phone Number |
864-0424 |
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Fax Number |
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Email Address |
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Mailing Address |
101 Smith Road, Colchester, VT 05446 |
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Project
Co-sponsor (if applicable)
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Agency/Organization |
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Contact Person |
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Phone Number |
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Fax Number |
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Email Address |
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Mailing Address |
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Other
project partners (if applicable): South
Hero Recreation Path Committee
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Tasks |
Costs |
Sub Total |
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Staff Labor |
Consultants |
Material |
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1.Public Forums /
Charette |
$1,500 |
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$ 500 |
$ 2,000 |
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2. Permit Acquisition |
$ 2,750 |
$1,500 |
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$ 4,250 |
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3. Design and engineering |
$ 2,000 |
$ 2,000 |
$ 600 |
$ 4,600 |
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4. Final Report |
$ 1,250 |
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$ 400 |
$ 1,650 |
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Totals
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$ 7,500 |
$ 3,500 |
$ 1,500 |
$ 12,500 |
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Amount of TLC program funding
requested: |
$ 6,000 |
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Matching funds sources: 1. Cash Donations to Bikeways 2.
In-kind staff & Board support 3. In-kind support from Dock firm,
designer |
Matching funds amount: At least $500 (secured) At least $1,000 (secured) $ 750 |
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Total Non-Federal Matching Funds |
$ At least $2,250 |
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Total project budget: |
$ 12,500 |
Note:
Assume a grant award and “notice to proceed” in January 2000; for grants
awarded during the FY2000 cycle, work funded through the TLC program must be
complete by September 30, 2000
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Milestone |
Month/Year
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Hire consultants |
February,
2000 |
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Complete conceptual design |
April,
2000 |
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Public forums |
May,
2000 |
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Begin permit acquisition process |
June,
2000 |
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Final Report |
September,
2000 |
A. Contribution Towards Creating a Livable
Community (45 possible points)
1. Connecting Colchester’s Causeway Park
with the South Hero Recreation Path will create an off-road alternative to the
designated Lake Champlain Bikeways route through Colchester accessing South Hero. This existing route is one of the most
dangerous, least bike-friendly segments of the 350 mile system; U.S. routes 7
and 2, Lakeshore Drive, Prim Road, Hineberg Drive, and Plattsburgh Ave. would
all be avoided (assuming there is an established connection at the mouth of the
Winooski River). Establishing access
across the cut will satisfy the need to connect three towns and two counties
with a completely off-road link. It
will create a new perspective of how Chittenden and grand Isle Counties are
connected. Bridging this gap will
literally change the map and put a new alternative transportation corridor in
the middle of the broadest reach of Lake Champlain.
Safety and
coordination with the US Coast Guard in the design of the crossing will be
stressed. The improvements will provide
an added public benefit of offering safe harbor to boaters in need at a
location very exposed and far from existing services. Further, the ferry Captain could monitor boating activity or be
deputized by the Coast Guard.
This could
possibly be the longest water crossing of any bike path in the world, “the holy
grail of rail-trails” according to Craig Della Penna of the Rails-to-Trails
Conservancy. The obvious cultural
tourism potential of this corridor cannot be overstated, it will become a
centerpiece of the Champlain Valley Heritage Corridor. Even development as a
State Park has been discussed.
Establishing this connection is the critical first step in achieving any
of this.
2.
A small,
inexpensive ferry is creative in more ways than one. Not only is it a unique experience for the user, it also avoids
the high capital costs and
environmental impacts of other solutions, such as a swing bridge, which would
be met with tremendous outcry from the boating community. The synergistic effects locally of
establishing this crossing will be profound.
It will create safe off-road access between Chittenden and Grand Isle
Counties, provide tourism dollars, and foster an enhanced community
relationship between the newly connected towns of Colchester and South
Hero. On a state-wide level, this is
the most critical link in the grander vision of the Champlain International
Bike Route (see enclosed) connecting with Chambly, Quebec and the Route Vert of
Velo Quebec. There is still 8-10 miles
of the original rail corridor still in public ownership between Grand Isle and
Alburg. Success of this project will
spur interest in developing those segments, possibly involving additional ferry
services combined with service to the many State owned islands in the vicinity.
3.
The railbed
and docking facilities and the ferry will be designed to comply fully with the
ADA standards. The National
Organization of Charterboat Operators, NACO is currently working on relaxing
some of the standards for small operators based on the fact that the Captain
and crew are present to offer assistance.
Economic
development in terms of tourism was stated above, plus the development of this
ferry service as a local non-profit business enterprise is in itself promotion
of local business initiatives. The environmental impacts of this project will
only be positive. The use as alternative
transportation is self-evident, and electric power is being considered as
high-profile opportunity for promotion of
the use of alternative fuels. It
would be a great way to promote the State’s EV program.
As with the
Winooski River crossing, the issue of safety is addressed by the fact that the
ferry is staffed unlike all other bike paths
1.
The
Winooski River bike ferry has received the support of the Colchester
Selectboard (unanimous approval), the Zoning Board (unanimous approval), and
the Planning Commission (5-2). The town
master plan lists the South Hero crossing as a goal to be pursued, and similar
support is expected. Governor Dean’s
enthusiastic support is well known. A
survey of the neighborhood partially opposed to the Burlington connection
showed that 57% support connecting with South Hero. The South Hero Selectboard has unanimously supported a resolution
in support of the concept of connecting with Colchester via ferry. Burlington Bikeways has been working
throughout the past year with the South Rec. Path Committee (SHRPC) to promote
the crossing and it has almost universal support. It is particularly encouraging to have virtually unanimous
support from the adjoining property owners.
2.
The
connection is in the MPO plan, the NRPC plan, the CCRPC plan, Colchester’s
Alternative Transportation plan, and probably in Burlington’s plans somewhere.
3.
Burlington Bikeways will establish a planning committee to guide the
direction of this planning initiative. Proposed composition of the
committee would include municipal officials from Colchester and South
Hero, area residents, recreation enthusiasts, a staff person from the
state’s Fish and Wildlife Department, and representatives from the CCMPO
and NWRPC. The planning committee will agree on the scope of work,
develop a timeline, and monitor progress of the study.
In addition to the planning committee, a broad range of stakeholders
will be engaged through attendance at public meetings, comment
opportunities on draft reports, and response to ongoing media exposure
of this second ferry proposal. Burlington Bikeways is committed to a
public process that will offer considerable opportunity for public
input.
1. Brian Costello, Project Director for
Burlington Bikeways has already budgeted time for this project, and the timing
is right with an expected lull in the development of the Winooski river bike
ferry project due to permit appeals. The SHRPC, a very skilled and willing
group of visionary volunteers will also offer their time and expertise. There
is, and we feel, will continue to be widespread community support for this
vision and its great public benefit.
2. See above, and we will work to develop
cooperative relationships with other organizations such as biking and hiking
groups, chambers of commerce, bike touring businesses, Velo Quebec, etc. for
membership building and volunteerism;
creative advertising/promotion exchanges; grant writing.
3.
The Champlain Rail Trail, and the Colchester / South Hero ferry in
specific, is consistent with local, regional and state plans. All four
goals of the CCMPO’s LRTP are met through the development of the
Champlain Rail Trail.
· The first goal of participation (1b) will be met through a minimum of
3 public meetings and public review of the final report.
· The second goal of smarter mobility (2b) will be met through the
re-activation of a historic transportation corridor, enabling walkers,
runners, cyclists to go from Mallett’s Bay to South Hero on a safe
5-mile path instead of 11 miles of high-traffic roadways.
· The third goal of wise land use (3b) will be met through use of
existing facilities to enhance recreational opportunities, lake access
and historic interpretation.
· The fourth goal of fostering transportation alternatives will be met
by connecting existing paths into a spectacular 17-mile transportation
and recreation path (4a), enhancing the local character of South Hero
and Colchester through increased lake access and connectivity between
communities (4b), highlighting the historic Island Line rail corridor
through re-use and interpretation (4c), working to make this connection
accessible for persons will special needs (4d), and preserving the
historic causeway through re-use and greater stewardship (4e).
A portion of a current VAOT grant is earmarked for this
planning effort. We are very close to the kickoff of a membership building/fund
raising effort called “Friends of the Champlain Rail-Trail”. We have identified eligibility for a
discretionary Federal (FHWA) grant program specifically for “acquisition of
ferry boats and construction of ferry terminals” (attached), and numerous state
and local sources.
D. Special Considerations (10 possible points)
