TABLE OF CONTENTS

*REVISED

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOR CITY COUNCIL PACKET

SEPTEMBER 15, 2009

 

The September 22, 2009 Work Study Meeting has been cancelled.

 

The September 23, 2009 Formal Meeting has been cancelled.

 

POLICY SESSION AGENDA

 

1.

 

Council Information And Follow-Up Requests/Consent Agenda, Call for an Executive Session, Agenda Items, and Reports and Budget Updates by the City Manager

2.

 

Employee Service Recognition Announcements (NO REPORT)

3.

 

Graffiti Program Update – Fiscal Year 2008-2009

*4.

 

State Legislative Update

 

*5.

 

a.  Stimulus Program Update

b.  Update on TIGER Grant PHX Sky Train Line Extension

 

Packet Date:  September 11, 2009


 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

POLICY AGENDA

TO:

Rick Naimark

Deputy City Manager

AGENDA DATE:

September 15, 2009

FROM:

Jerome E. Miller

Neighborhood Services Director

ITEM:

 3

 

 

SUBJECT:

GRAFFITI PROGRAM UPDATE – FISCAL YEAR 2008 -2009

 

 

This report provides the Mayor and City Council with a fiscal report on the status of graffiti removal efforts in Phoenix for FY 2008-09.

 

THE ISSUE

 

With the current economic climate and 20 percent reduction in force, the Graffiti Busters program continues to find ways to improve its operations.  Currently, Graffiti Busters has a backlog of approximately 1,500 complaints, with a median response time of 12 days.   In an effort to address the growing graffiti issue, Graffiti Busters responded to City Council’s directive to increase the number of volunteers helping to remove graffiti by developing the “Blight Busters” program.

 

Staff continues to exercise a three-pronged approach of abatement, education, and enforcement to reduce the impact of graffiti.  Calls for abatement services in FY 2008‑09 decreased 14 percent over the previous year.  Graffiti removals also declined 11 percent; 85,026 sites were removed this year, as compared to 95,173 sites last year.  An update of abatement, education, and enforcement efforts is included in Attachment A.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Due to recent staff reductions, Graffiti Busters is focusing resources on ensuring that major thoroughfares are kept free of graffiti, since these arteries have the greatest economic impact on the community.  Graffiti in alleys, which generally cannot be observed from major thoroughfares, will be removed by volunteers who will be provided tools and supplies.  Complaints are being responded to, but no longer within the 48 hour response time.  Graffiti Busters is contacting neighborhood associations to inform them of graffiti complaints in their neighborhood and offer paint and supplies to assist in removing the graffiti.

 

Blight Busters Volunteer Program

 

NSD’s new “Blight Busters” volunteer program was implemented to tap into the community spirit in Phoenix and provide an avenue for convicted vandals to serve community service hours.  Volunteers seeking to make a difference in their neighborhood can join the program.  This citywide volunteer program assists in the abatement and removal of graffiti, illegal signs, litter/debris, and shopping carts.  Each volunteer completes a security screening and is trained to ensure the safe removal of graffiti and illegal signs.  The first graduation occurred on July 11 with 22 Blight Buster Volunteer graduates (BBV).  Currently there are 29 BBVs working in the community and by the end of August 2009, approximately 200 hours of community service were logged.  The second BBV Orientation is October 3, 2009, and approximately 60 residents have expressed an interest in participating. 

 

Graffiti Busters’ partners include the Maricopa County Probation Office, and Maricopa County Superior Court Juvenile Community Offender Restitution and Public Service (JCORPS) program to help address graffiti in hard to reach locations.  With the reduction in the Parks and Recreation Department Work Alternative Program and Project SCRUB, adults and juveniles seeking community service will be directed to the Blight Busters Program.

 

To enhance enforcement efforts, NSD is reviewing its current authority under the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance to consider citing those property owners where Graffiti Busters performed repeated, continued, and excessive numbers of abatement activities.  An example of this would be more than 50 times in a two-year period, and the property owners have not taken advantage of free paint and supplies to resolve their property violations.  Staff is consulting with the Law Department to determine if the current ordinance should be adjusted to enhance enforcement efforts.

 

NSD also continues to pursue legislative remedies to address graffiti in Phoenix.  Last year, NSD supported Representative Chad Campbell in his successful effort to hold parents responsible for continued graffiti activities.  Parents or guardians with knowledge of their children’s activities can be required to work alongside their children to perform community service hours.  In addition, NSD strengthened the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance to include graffiti paint sticks and increase the penalties for adults associated with graffiti vandalism.  For the next legislative session, NSD submitted five legislative proposals to address graffiti vandalism including a proposed tax on graffiti implements, such as spray paint and broad tipped indelible markers.

 

Finally, at the June 3 Formal meeting, City Council approved modifying the City of Phoenix Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance (NPO), Phoenix City Code §39-10C6.  The previous Ordinance mandated that persons convicted of graffiti vandalism are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by a minimum of five (5) days in jail and eighty (80) hours of community service.  This community service is usually expected to involve community clean-up and graffiti removal where practicable.

 

The approved amendment provides the Court with the authority to impose a sentence containing mandatory jail time, some of which would be suspended if the defendant completes the community service hours as ordered by the court.  If those sentenced to community service fail to complete the community service hours as ordered, they would have to serve the additional time in jail and pay possible monetary fines.

 

Prior to this modification, the judge had no option but to continue to require the 80 hours of community service – the requirement could not be transferred if not met within a reasonable period of time.  Many of the adults (53 percent) sentenced to graffiti removal under the City Ordinance did not finish their sentences, and currently, the Court’s only recourse was to extend the time for them to complete their sentences.  Some defendants never complete their community service.  This amendment provides an incentive to complete community service hours and also gives the Courts recourse when needed.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

This report is for information only.  No Council action is requested.

 


ATTACHMENT A

 

Graffiti Busters

 

ABATEMENT

Graffiti Busters continues to support and encourage community groups and volunteers to become involved with graffiti abatement:

·        Gallons of paint (7,175) donated to community groups in FY 08-09 decreased 20 percent from last year’s record pace of 9,009 gallons.  A major reason for the decrease is the loss of Dan Grubb’s (formerly Pioneer Ford) community graffiti removal program. 

·        127 residents received paint sprayer training in FY 08-09, which is a 25 percent increase over last year’s record of 102. 

·        Graffiti Busters added a new tool to its Tool Lending program by outfitting two flatbed trailers that can be equipped with tools for a cleanup, including paint and a paint sprayer for graffiti removal.  

·        Last FY, staff conducted 924 sweeps along Phoenix’s major thoroughfares which included 34,250 sites.

·        The Transit Department has funded a temporary staff person to keep the light rail corridor free of graffiti.  Last FY, 7,722 sites along the route were cleaned of graffiti and 5,725 sites have been cleaned this FY.

 

EDUCATION

Graffiti Busters staff continues to educate students, residents and community organizations.  Some key recent activities include:

·        Sprint and T-Mobile were added as new partners, joining Alltel and Verizon, to provide cell phone users the ability to call #4663 or #GONE and report graffiti sites, free of charge.

·        Graffiti Busters solicited the support of the Phoenix Suns in a public awareness campaign to help paint out graffiti in Phoenix.  This successful partnership has been highlighted locally and nationally by the Phoenix Suns and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

·        NSD and the Public Information Office produced anti-graffiti Public Service Announcement with Al McCoy and the Alhambra High School Graffiti Busters that aired at AMC movie theatres.

 

ENFORCEMENT

Last FY the Mayor and City Council provided additional resources to address the graffiti problem: 

·        Over 60 Flash Cams were purchased and installed in high graffiti areas around the City resulting in a decrease of vandalism on properties.  Approximately 30 Neighborhood Associations and Block Watches have signed up for NSD’s Neighborhood Graffiti Deterrent program, which dedicates cameras to a defined geographic area for a minimum of three months.  Over 100 photos of vandals have been sent to the Police Department to post on an established web page to help identify graffiti vandals.  In addition, these photos have provided leads to the Police and resulted in apprehension of graffiti vandals.

·        A new service, Graffiti Tracker, was implemented in June 2008.  Thousands of pictures have been taken by Graffiti Busters documenting the impact of taggers in the City of Phoenix.  Police have been provided direct access to the Graffiti Busters database and Graffiti Tracker for tracking the most active taggers.  Density maps showing the neighborhoods most impacted by graffiti taggers as well as most frequently hit locations are being provided to the Police Department utilizing the information in the Graffiti Buster’s data base and the Graffiti Tracker.  This information has assisted the Maryvale Precinct in apprehending taggers; in one month alone, 15 arrests were made.  Due to the Police Department’s positive results, NSD exercised the first of four options to extend the contract.

·        The Police Department continues to promote the Graffiti Reward Program and has paid more than $218,712 in rewards.  Since the program began in 1995, over 1,737 arrests have been made as a result of the Reward Hotline.

·        NSD participated in meetings with both Municipal and Superior Court officials to ensure judicial staff is aware of the City’s ongoing efforts to hold graffiti vandals accountable for their unlawful acts, and to seek the judges’ input and assistance.

 

 


 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

POLICY AGENDA

TO:

Frank Fairbanks

City Manager

AGENDA DATE:

September 15, 2009

FROM:

Karen Peters

Government Relations Director

ITEM:

 4

 

 

SUBJECT:

STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

 

 

This report provides an update for the Mayor and Council regarding State legislation of interest to the City.

 

STATE BUDGET

 

As reported earlier this year, on July 1, 2009, Governor Brewer vetoed the FY 2010 state budget package adopted by the Legislature during its regular session and called a Third Special Session to continue work on the budget.  The Governor and Legislature worked diligently through the summer to come to terms on a new budget to address a forecasted $3.2 billion deficit.  In her veto messages and in the media, Governor Brewer had consistently pressed for a temporary three-year, one-cent sales tax increase referral that would offset reductions in education and social services as a condition to her signing a budget package.

 

The dynamics mirrored those in the contentious regular session; the Senate could not muster the 16 votes needed for the tax referral.  After multiple efforts by Senate leadership including proposals for deep cuts in state spending, income tax cuts, and eliminating the equalization property tax, the votes were still nowhere to be found.  As a result, the legislature transmitted a budget to the Ninth Floor on August 25 that was virtually identical to the one the Governor vetoed on July 1, bringing a close to the special session.

 

On September 4, the Governor completed her action on the budget bills, using her line-item veto authority to restore $300 million to K–12 education programs and $50 million to the Department of Economic Security.  Significantly, the Governor also vetoed the bill that abolished the equalization property tax (a $250 million savings for the State), an item that was a top priority for the legislative majority.  The rejected bill also included a $22 million raid on Vehicle License Tax (VLT) funds (an estimated $6 million impact to Phoenix) and a reduction of the property tax assessment ratios for commercial property classifications from 20 percent to 16 percent after December 31, 2011.  If approved, the assessment ratio proposal would have significantly impacted the City’s bond program.  In her letter to Republican legislative leaders, the Governor noted that she remains open to eliminating the equalization property tax as long as it was part of a long-term, comprehensive state revenue strategy.  On the VLT sweep, Governor Brewer wrote that she has “consistently opposed sweeping monies from the cities to help balance the state budget deficit . . .”

 

While these actions should allow state government to function until the end of the year, another special session clearly will be needed to address revenues that continue to fall.  The Joint Legislative Budget Committee released an estimate yesterday suggesting that the current year deficit is approximately $964 million.  Also, Governor Brewer is undeterred in her call for a temporary sales tax referral, now shooting for a March 2010 election.

 

CITY IMPACT

 

With the Governor’s veto, the City avoided a VLT sweep and reduction of the commercial property tax assessment ratio.  The City also benefited when the Governor signed an environmental budget reconciliation bill (BRB) that makes it easier for local governments to access American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for water/wastewater infrastructure projects.

 

Although cities and towns fared well in protecting revenue sharing, several problematic policy measures were approved in the budget reconciliation bills:

 

       A two-year freeze on existing impact fees;

       New or modified building codes cannot be applied to buildings or developments approved prior to June 1, 2009;

       Construction sales tax rates are frozen for two years; and

       Identification that indicates lawful presence in the United States will be required from any person applying for local, state or federal public benefits, with (1) a new misdemeanor for government personnel that fail to report discovered violations of federal immigration law and (2) a private right of action to enforce the provisions.

 

Government Relations staff is working with the appropriate departments to determine the impacts of these BRB provisions.  As enacted, most of the BRB provisions take effect on November 24, 2009.  Some provisions such as the building code “freeze” have retroactive effect.

 

This report is for information only.  No Council action is requested.

 

 


 

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

POLICY AGENDA

TO:

Frank Fairbanks

City Manager

AGENDA DATE:

September 15, 2009

FROM:

Ed Zuercher

Deputy City Manager

 

Karen Peters

Government Relations Director

ITEM:

 5a

 

 

SUBJECT:

STIMULUS PROGRAM UPDATE

 

 

This report provides an update on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), otherwise known as the federal economic stimulus legislation, and community benefits realized to date.  To date, the City of Phoenix has received nearly $240 million in stimulus funding.

 

THE ISSUE

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) was passed by Congress and signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009.  The purpose of the Act is to create and save jobs, jumpstart our economy, and build the foundation for long-term economic growth.  Since February, a citywide ARRA Task Force has reviewed the Act, prioritized funding requests and coordinated implementation of projects using ARRA funding.  City departments have obtained Mayor and Council approval for projects that use formula funding as well as for pursuing competitive grant opportunities.  The matrix (Attachment A) provides more details on the City of Phoenix ARRA program.  (Attachment A is available for public review at the City Clerk’s Office, 200 W. Washington, 15th floor.)

 

The City’s goal is to obtain maximum benefits from the ARRA for the residents of Phoenix and use the funds to put as many people to work as possible, as quickly as possible.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

To date, Phoenix has been notified that it will receive approximately $238.9 million in funding for stimulus programs – plus more than $24 million in low-interest loans.  Formula funds account for $186,152,822 and discretionary funds total $52,756,964.  Approximately $9.1 million has been spent.  Over $130 million in grants are still pending federal agency award decisions.  The City secured significant funding through the first phase of ARRA formula grants.  Since the last report to the Mayor and Council, federal guidance has been provided on many of the grant programs.  Staff are actively working to submit in targeted areas for numerous additional competitive grants.


Where money is being spent and jobs are being created in Phoenix:

 

Public Safety

This month, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) awarded the City approximately $1.7 million in competitive Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne JAG) for a project that will add two experienced City of Phoenix prosecutors cross-deputized as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, support equipment needs, and one analyst position for an expanded Home Invasion Kidnapping Enforcement (HIKE) Unit.  This will continue the City’s successful law enforcement partnerships with the federal government.

 

The City also received $520,000 in Byrne JAG formula funds for the Victims of Crime Community Assistance Program Team that will be used for one part-time community assistance response unit for approximately two years.

 

The City Prosecutor’s Office has received $1.65 million in Byrne JAG formula funds for Community Prosecution and $120,000 for Electronic Prosecutor Records Organization (ePRO) Disaster Recovery and Retention Technology.

 

DOJ has allocated the Phoenix Police Department $824,000 in formula dollars for the expansion of the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.  Additionally, Police received formula awards of $600,000 for electronic citations, $1.3 million for a Police software upgrade, and $1.3 million for Police custom software development.

 

Job Training

The City’s Community and Economic Development Office has received several formula grants from the U.S. Department of Labor for job training.  Adult training programs were allocated $1.3 million and dislocated workers programs received $3.1 million.  These funds are being used in training partnerships with community colleges.  Youth training programs were allocated $3.1 million and will be used to increase funding for summer and year-round employment and other Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth services.

 

Neighborhood Programs

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated $4.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Phoenix.  These funds will be used for eleven job generating public facilities and infrastructure improvements projects.  The City was also allocated $875,000 for the Healthy Homes Demonstration Program and $2.3 million for Lead Paint Removal.

 

Weatherization Funds

The U.S. Department of Energy allocated Phoenix $7.2 million in formula funds to help increase home energy efficiency for low-income residents.  These funds are to be used over a three-year period.  So far, twenty-two owner-occupied homes have been identified for ARRA-funded weatherization services from current active cases.  Sixty-two homeowner applications for service are currently in process.

 

Aviation

Construction on Taxiway C at Sky Harbor International Airport has started using $11.7 million in ARRA formula funding that was received from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

 

This project will be completed by the end of February 2010.  Completing this final 2,200 foot segment opens the entire 11,500 foot taxiway for more efficient and safer use by the Federal Aviation Administration tower and airlines.  As of September 2, 2009, the City has expended and awarded contracts of approximately $10.5 million and the Aviation Department will spend the entire $11.7 million ARRA grant by the end of the project.  The Taxiway C reconstruction project has created approximately 300 new jobs in the community.

 

In order to minimize the project’s environmental impact and future operating costs, the design and methods of construction are incorporating the goal of sustainability by recycling the existing asphalt and stockpiling it near the work site for incorporation into the project pavement section.  Stockpiling this material on site helps to minimize truck emissions by reducing the haul distance compared to an off-site location.  Further, the excavated soil material is being saved for future use on other airport projects instead of going to a construction debris landfill.

 

Transit

Phoenix Public Transit will receive $53.2 million in formula funding for transit programs.  This amount includes federal reimbursement for a portion of the light rail system.  The funding is being used for Central Station upgrades, park-and-ride improvements on Baseline and at Happy Valley Road, Bell Road/State Route 51 bus crossover lane, and other transit improvements like bus shelters.  Design work is underway and federal approvals are in process to begin construction late this fall.

 

Human Services

$1.5 million has been directed for Head Start quality improvements and cost of living adjustments.  These funds enhance Head Start programs at seven local school districts and three local nonprofits.

 

In August, the Human Services Department (HSD) began serving clients with approximately $7 million in Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program formula funds.  Additionally, HSD was allocated $2.4 million in Community Services Block Grants and $265,130 in Aging Services Congregate and Home Delivered Meals funds.

 

Water – Tres Rios

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started new contracting work on the Tres Rios Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Control Project.  $15 million in projects are underway to restore additional wetland acres.  An additional $21 million in work will start in October 2009.

 

Water Projects

Contracts have been released on a number of water and sewer projects and some work is underway.  Projects will replace aging and deteriorating sewer lines in southwest and central Phoenix.  Other projects include installing automatic meter reading devices to improve efficiency.  $6.2 million in ARRA grants has been allocated along with $24.4 million in low-interest loans.  Now that the State legislature has enacted conforming changes to state statutes regarding bond election requirements, the City will be able to put these federal funds to use.

 

Housing

Improvements to public and senior housing sites have already started.  $4.3 million in ARRA formula funds have been made available for improvements in lighting, heating/air, roof repairs, electrical systems and playgrounds.

 

Energy Programs

The Public Works Department was awarded $829,697 in competitive funds to retrofit heavy duty diesel equipment and transit buses.  This diesel emission reduction program through the Environmental Protection Agency will allow the City to retrofit approximately 50 vehicles.

 

Still to be awarded by the federal government:

 

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funds

The City has been notified that it will receive $15.2 million in formula dollars to be used for energy efficiency and conservation projects and activities.  The City's Energy Strategy includes a municipal building energy efficiency and solar energy program, enhancement of the existing traffic signal conversion program and development of a Green Incentives Program.  The funds are awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  At this time, the City is waiting for a final letter of approval from DOE so that the City can access the funds.

 

Transportation Program

$35.4 million has been sub-allocated to Phoenix from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).  This consists of five main programs: Pavement Preservation ($21.4M), Americans with Disabilities Program ($3.5M), Bridge Rehabilitation ($3.5M), Traffic Control Signage ($3M), Intelligent Transportation Systems ($3M), and one Intersection Improvement Project ($1M).  Even though the City is self-certified to administer federal aid projects through ADOT, ADOT requested all statewide local communities receiving ARRA funding to complete Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) for each project before funds can be reimbursed.  The 12 individual project IGAs have been executed by both the State and the City.  Project delivery packages for construction are in progress and will be ready in October/November 2009.  Obligation of funds for construction likely will be granted by the end of the year, allowing the City to bid/advertise the projects for construction in early 2010.  ADOT is requiring several clearances and approval procedures during the design phase to prepare the construction obligation packages.  The first of the ARRA-funded projects, at 7th Street and McDowell, was authorized by the federal government on September 9 and will proceed to bid right away.

 

Examples of funds the City is seeking through competitive grants - applications are either pending or awaiting submittal:

 

Fire Station Construction

The Phoenix Fire Department requested $2.1 million in funding through the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Station Construction Grant program for construction of a replacement fire station.  The City will contribute at least $700,000 towards the completion of the project.  The new facility will be approximately 10,300 square feet,

encompassing two apparatus bays and eight dormitories to house the station’s Advanced Life Support Engine and Basic Life Support ambulance companies.  Substantial work has been undertaken to allow the project to begin immediately upon receipt of federal funding, and it is estimated that completion of the station will be accomplished within 24 months. 

 

Employment Training Administration

Phoenix will request $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor for a project that will provide training and placement services in the energy efficiency and renewable industries.

 

Surface Transportation Program

Phoenix applied this week for $122 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Sky Train.  This project will connect METRO light rail to all three terminals seven years earlier than currently programmed and remove more than 100 buses from airport roadways.  (For full details, see Item B on this agenda).

 

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) 2

The City's application requesting $60 million dollars in NSP 2 funding to address the City's foreclosure issues was submitted to HUD last week. 

 

Federal Reporting Requirements

 

All funds distributed by ARRA are subject to strict transparency and accountability requirements.  The federal government also requires certification by the Mayor that the spending for any City infrastructure projects is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds.  Funding is temporary, and in many cases must be obligated and expended on strict timeframes or be forfeited.

 

The City has already been visited by federal agencies to discuss how the City handles federal funds.  Arizona is one of 16 states that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will audit over the next two years to ensure compliance with ARRA. 

 

On June 22, 2009, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued updated government-wide guidance for carrying out the reporting requirements included in the ARRA legislation.  The reporting framework has been enhanced to capture additional spending data from prime recipients and sub-recipients of federal financial assistance ARRA awards.  Further, OMB has worked with the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board to deploy a nationwide data collection system at the website www.FederalReporting.gov.  The site will reduce information reporting burden on recipients by simplifying reporting instructions and providing a user-friendly mechanism for submitting required data. 

 

In order to meet the October 10, 2009 federal reporting deadline, the City Manager’s Office has worked with the City’s Information Technology Services (ITS) to develop an internal reporting process.  ITS created a new database, combining the stimulus SharePoint program and a City fiscal program, to capture departmental ARRA information.  Each department is responsible for entering its ARRA information into this

City database.  Eight training sessions will be held for City staff.  The City Manager’s Office will then file one report on behalf of the City to meet the required reporting date.  In addition, each department has been complying with the requirements of their federal funding agency, and in some cases, with Congressional committees.

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

This report is for information only.  No Council action is requested.

 


 

UPDATE ON TIGER GRANT PHX SKY TRAIN LINE EXTENSION 

POLICY AGENDA

TO:

David Krietor

Deputy City Manager

AGENDA DATE:

September 15, 2009

FROM:

Danny Murphy

Aviation Director

ITEM:

 5b

 

 

SUBJECT:

UPDATE ON TIGER GRANT PHX SKY TRAIN LINE EXTENSION 

 

 

This report updates the Phoenix City Council on the Transportation Investment Generating Economy Recovery (TIGER) Grant Application for the PHX Sky Train Line Extension project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

 

THE ISSUE

 

Aviation Department staff received the guidelines for the TIGER Grant Interim Notice of Funding Availability on May 15, 2009.  After early efforts by Mayor Gordon and City staff to ensure that airports were not excluded from applying, the Department of Transportation confirmed that airports are eligible for this grant.  

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Construction has started for the PHX Sky Train from the METRO light rail station at 44th Street and Washington to the East Economy parking facilities and Terminal 4.  This portion of the train will be completed in December 2012.  Aviation staff have been working over the last four months to prepare a grant application to accelerate construction of the PHX Sky Train from Terminal 4 to Terminals 3 and 2 in 2013 (Stage 1a).  Funding from the TIGER Grant would allow construction of the PHX Sky Train to Terminals 3 and 2 to be complete nearly 8 years earlier than originally planned.  If the Department of Transportation approves the grant application, this extension would generate 2,000 jobs in addition to the 6,000 jobs already planned for Stage One. 

 

Working through the Mayor’s Office and Government Relations, staff received 19 letters of support for the PHX Sky Train TIGER Grant application from elected officials and community leaders.  Support letters were received from Senator McCain, Congressman Mitchell, Congressman Pastor, six local mayors, Southwest Airlines, US Airways, and several other important stakeholders.  These letters were included with the TIGER Grant application for $122 Million to extend the Sky Train from Terminal 4 to Terminals 3 and 2.  The TIGER Grant application was submitted on September 8.  Grant award announcements are expected by January 2010. 

 

Although the total project cost of the Sky Train Line Extension is estimated at

$180 million, nearly $60 million of this cost is ineligible for grant funding because the previously contracted train system and designers were not procured under Federal procurement rules.  This procurement took place before the TIGER program was enacted.  If the City receives the full grant amount of $122 million, the remaining funding will be provided from airport revenues. 

 

To ensure the project is “shovel ready”, Aviation staff continues to progress with the final design of the Stage 1a Sky Train line extension to Terminals 3 and 2.  Staff will soon bring a recommendation forward to the City Council for the selection of the Construction Manager at Risk who will be responsible for the construction of the fixed facilities for Stage 1a, if American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus funds are received. 

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

This report is for information only.  No Council action is required.

 

 

Last Modified on 09/14/2009 09:28:04