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PROPOSED AGREEMENT
Vendor: Union Pacific Railroad, Omaha, Nebraska
Request: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County (“the Preserves”) to enter into an agreement
Reason: Requesting authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to enter into and execute a “Private At-Grade Crossing Agreement” (the “Agreement”) with the Union Pacific Railroad (“UP”), for construction of a new multi-use path/at-grade crossing (the “Path”) at Mile Post 6.5 along the abandoned Weber Industrial Lead. As part of the Agreement, UP is granting the Preserves a license to construct the Path over a portion of UP’s property. The Preserves will be responsible for future maintenance costs associated with the project. The proposed agreement also requires the Preserves to indemnify the railroad for certain liabilities. The proposed agreement is subject to final review and approval by the Preserves’ Legal Department.
The Agreement will allow the Preserves to provide a direct connection for the extension of the North Branch Bicycle Trail project “Stage 2” between Forest Glen Avenue and Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Area. In September 2016, the Preserves completed construction of “Stage 1”, one and a half (1.5) miles of paved trail from Devon and Caldwell to Forest Glen Avenue. The project provides a connection to the City of Chicago’s Bike System at Gompers Park to the Forest Preserves North Branch Bicycle Trail. The North Branch Trail is the Preserves’ longest linear trail system, one of the Preserves’ most used bicycle trails and is a regional trail system recognized on a nationally recognized trail system.
Contract period: Continuous from the date of execution of the agreement until termination or abandonment of the project.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: None
Account(s): N/A
Concurrence(s):
The Chief Financial Officer and Chief Attorney have approved this item.
District(s): 12
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