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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ("IDOT") FOR DES PLAINES RIVER TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION AND TO PAY IDOT THE LOCAL SHARE OF COSTS
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the 'Forest Preserves") is seeking to construct a new pedestrian bridge over active Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Des Plaines, Illinois (the "Project") for the purpose of improving safety and connectivity in the Des Plaines River Trail in North Cook County; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning ("CMAP") approved a major federal grant through the local Transportation Alternatives (TAP-L) program for 80% of unfunded construction and construction engineering costs, estimated at $3,500,000 and $350,000.00, respectively, with such funds to be administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation ("IDOT"); and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Forest Preserves became aware of Grade Crossing Protection Funds ("GCPF") through the Illinois Commerce Commission ("ICC") and received a preliminary award of $1,350,220.00 to cover 60% of the bridge structure portion of the Project, subject to agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad (hereafter "the Railroad') to allow the Project and grant a ground and air rights easement; and
WHEREAS, after several years of detailed engineering, review by the Railroad and legal action before the ICC, the Railroad has tentatively agreed to grant a ground and/or air rights easement and allow the Project to proceed subject to reimbursement of the Railroad for certain costs described in an agreement that will was approved by the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners on July 1, 2025 (Board Item No. 25-0034); and
WHEREAS, in 2024, CMAP approved a request to increase federal TAP-L grant funds to $4,493,000.00 for construction costs, including related utility relocation costs, railroad reimbursement and other related costs r...
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