To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Public Works and Town Manger’s Office
Title
Discussion/Direction: Downtown Train Horn Quiet Zone Potential Funding Sources
Body
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Executive Summary
In February of this year, Town Council directed staff to identify potential funding sources for establishing a train horn quiet zone within the downtown area. An overview of potential funding sources is provided for Town Council review for further discussion and direction on this item.
Based on recent discussion with Town Council since November of 2015, the remaining Quiet Zone options that Town Council seems interested in considering are provided in the following table:
The one-way street concept didn’t seem to be of further interest to Council based on discussion held at the February 2, 2016 meeting. The last time this was discussed with Town Council the concept involved reconfiguring the gate systems only at a projected cost of close to $300,000. Further review of this concept would be necessary to get a better understanding of traffic impacts, emergency services impacts, a refined cost estimate, if narrowing the roadway is considered for both Second and Third Streets, determining the appropriate distances of the one-way segments, and public feedback.
Staff has identified several potential funding sources for Town Council review. A summary of these options are provided at (Attachment A). Town staff spoke with six representatives from Colorado jurisdictions that have installed train horn quiet zone projects. Five out of the six jurisdictions self-funded their projects. One jurisdiction received grant funding through the Federal Transportation Improvements Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is also reopening the existing rule for public comment. The attached press release from U.S. Senator Gardner’s office (Attachment B) provides information on this public comment period. It’s possible that the rule may be adjusted once this comment period is completed. Staff can prepare a draft comment on behalf of Council to submit under the public comment period if Council wishes to provide this direction.
Budget Impact
There is no budget impact with this discussion item. Future budget impacts may be forthcoming depending on Town Council direction.
Staff Recommendation
This agenda item is for information and feedback purposes only.
Attachments
Attachment A: Potential Funding Source Options
Attachment B: Senator Gardner’s Press Release