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Item 4BM E M O R A N D U M (February 17, 2009) To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager From: Robert H. Price, P.E., Public Works Director Subject: Resolution No. 09-007, Approve a resolution of support for the construction of the DFW Connector Project by TxDOT Action Requested: Resolution No. 09-007, Approve a resolution of support for the construction of the DFW Connector Project by TxDOT. Background Information: The DFW Connector is a 16.2-mile project that will reconstruct and expand SH 114 and SH 121 where they converge. The improvements will include five interchanges with seven highways, including express toll-managed lanes. The public-private partnership opportunity calls for developing, designing and constructing the project, with the potential for maintenance of the road under a comprehensive development agreement (CDA). At its widest point, it would include 6 to 7 non-toll lanes plus two managed express lanes in each direction. TxDOT is seeking a partnership with the private sector to maximize and capitalize on those funds. A public-private partnership would accelerate construction by allowing one contractor to both design and construct the project within a CDA. A formal request for detailed proposals was issued on March 31, 2008. Based on the evaluations, TxDOT will make a recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission on a best value proposer. TxDOT’s recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission is scheduled for February 26, 2009. The private sector teams competing for a comprehensive development are Gateway Connector Constructors, led by Fluor and Balfour Beatty Infrastructure; North Gate Constructors, led by Kiewit Texas Construction and Zachry Construction; and Trinity Infrastructure, led by Ferrovial Agroman and W.W. Webber. The DFW Connector is needed to accommodate the increasing transportation demand in this portion of the region. In addition, the development of this project will greatly reduce congestion, enhance safety, expand economic opportunity, improve air quality and increase the value of the region’s transportation assets. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at the Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main Street, Grapevine, Texas 76051. The purpose of the hearing is to present the planned improvements to the SH 114/SH 121 “DFW Connector”. The limits include SH 114 from east of North Kimball Avenue to east of International Parkway and SH 121 from Hall Johnson Road to FM 2499 (Grapevine Mills Parkway). Displays will be available for viewing at 6:30 pm with a formal hearing commencing at 7:00 pm. Financial Considerations: None Strategic Link: Theconstruction of the DFW Connector links to the city’s strategy map relative to the focus areas of Mobility and Infrastructure. The specific corporate objectives that are met by the construction of this new transportation infrastructure include: Providing travel convenience within the City and region, as well as, collaborating with select partners to implement service solutions. Citizen Input/ Board Review: None Legal Review: None Alternatives: The City Council mayedit or reject this resolution. Supporting Documents: Resolution 09-007 Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 09-007, in support of the construction of the DFW Connector Project by TxDOT. Staff Contact: Robert H. Price, P.E., Public Works Director Gordon J. Mayer, Jr., P.E., City Engineer CITY OF SOUTHLAKE RESOLUTION 09-007 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE EMPHASIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DFW CONNECTOR PROJECT TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MOBILITY IN THIS AREA AND THE ENTIRE DFW METROPLEX. WHEREAS , Traffic congestion has become and continues to be a major problem through the DFW Connector corridor in Southlake and Northeast Tarrant County; and WHEREAS, the DFW Connector improvement project will greatly enhance transportation mobility for a significant and highly populated portion of the DFW metroplex; and, WHEREAS, the portion of the area whose access and mobility is demonstrably improved as well as enhanced by the DFW Connector project includes areas of significant population growth and economic development activity that include major centers of employment; and, WHEREAS, the City of Southlake has been supportive of the final plan to improve the traffic capacity in the corridor with the DFW Connector project; and, WHEREAS, TxDOT has solicited proposals for the construction of the DFW Connector project under the Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) program, and, WHEREAS, TxDOT is currently reviewing three CDA proposals for the construction of the DFW Connector, and, WHEREAS , the Texas Transportation Commission is scheduled to consider the TxDOT staff’s recommended CDA proposal for the DFW Connector in their meeting on February 26, 2009. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE: SECTION 1: That all matters in the preamble are found to be true and correct and are incorporated into the body of this Resolution. SECTION 2: That the City of Southlake takes the occasion of this meeting of its City Council to affirm and emphasize its strong commitment, support, and recognition of the vital importance of the DFW Connector project to the improvement of the quality of life and mobility of this area and of this region and further, authorizes its Mayor or his designate to present this resolution to a public hearing held by the TxDOT to publicly indicate this strong support for the DFW Connector project as proposed. This resolution shall take effect from and after its approval. SECTION 3: PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS 17th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2009. ___________________________________ Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ Secretary