Item:
Title
Review of the Draft Grant Agreement between Durham County and the Federal Railroad Administration for the Durham Rail-crossing Engagement, Planning, and Innovative Revitalization (Durham REPAIR) Study
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: June 10, 2024
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to review the draft grant agreement between Durham County and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the Durham Rail-crossing Engagement, Planning, and Innovative Revitalization (Durham REPAIR) Study prior to approval of a final grant agreement at the June 24th Regular Session.
The agreement will facilitate the start of a study analyzing three rail-crossings in East Durham (Ellis Road, S. Driver Street, and S. Plum Street) for opportunities to improve the safety, mobility, and community near the three adjacent railroad crossings. From 1997 to 2022, there were 19 crashes, including three fatalities and nine injuries at these crossings.
Finalizing the draft grant agreement with FRA will allow Durham County to move forward with the Durham REPAIR project. The grant agreement is in draft form. Staff expect limited change from the draft agreement prior to presenting the final agreement to the Board at the June 24th Regular Session for approval.
The REPAIR project is anticipated to be funded for $1,525,000. Durham County was awarded a grant through FRA to fund 80% of the project cost ($1,220,000). The remaining 20% ($305,000) will be fully reimbursed by Durham County Transit Plan funds administered by GoTriangle. Funding for the REPAIR project is reflected in the Manager's recommended FY25 County Budget and the FY25 Durham County Transit Work Program.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The Durham REPAIR project will further the County's Strategic Plan goal for Safe Communities by addressing unsafe rail crossings in East Durham and the goal for Environmental Stewardship and Community Prosperity by providing better rail services that connect to jo...
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