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From the Director, Department of Transportation and Public Works, submitting an informational report regarding the reconciliation of road project funding through 2012 and future road project funding needs. (Referred to the Committees on Transportation, Public Works & Transit and Finance & Audit) (INFORMATIONAL ONLY UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE COMMITTEE)
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POLICY
The Department is providing an informational report about the status of scheduled road projects and funding necessary to complete these projects for 2011, 2012, and 2013.
BACKGROUND
In 2009, Milwaukee County was in the unique position of accelerating its traditional year-to-year bonding program to a three-year program in order to take advantage of low interest rates available through the Build America Bond Program. In addition, the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) program was introduced providing funding for projects that were construction ready. While these two programs have been helpful in getting projects completed, it has exposed some long standing funding issues within the Transportation Services Division. It has also highlighting significant issues with how the Transportation Services Division must commit local funds for projects that may not get state funding approval.
The Transportation Services Division is dependent on state funded programs to offset the costs associated with design, right-of-way acquisition and construction. Based on established rules for these state and federally funded programs available to the county, the state will fund 80% of design, right-of-way and construction of a Surface Transportation Program funds (STP) project, and 50% of a County Highway Improvement Program (CHIP) funded project. In order for the County to receive reimbursement for STP related projects, an agreement must be in place with the State. If the County were to perform this work prior to having a signed agreement, the County would absorb all costs associated for t...
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