| COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS For Immediate Release: January 24, 2011 For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 |
SUPPORTING PHASE 1 OF THE I-70/71 CORRIDOR RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT: The city of Columbus is working with the Ohio Department of Transportation to create a safer I-70/71 corridor. The current downtown highway system opened in the 1970’s and traffic volume has exceeded the design capacity by more than 50,000 vehicles a day resulting in crashes, congestion and delays. Public Service Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig is sponsoring ordinance 1838-2010, which authorizes the expenditure of approximately $2.5 million from the Build America Bonds Fund for Phase 1 of the project. Phase 1 will include roadway improvements to the I-670/71 Interchange and involve the realignment of Interstate Route 670 eastbound so through traffic stays to the left, traffic to Interstate 71 exits to the right, and work on Interstate 71 from over Jack Gibbs to Long Street. The project will also include 20 mainline, ramp and overhead bridges as well as enhanced crossings on Spring Street and Long Street, lying within the city of Columbus. This is the first phase of the reconstruction project costing $1.6 billion and expected to be completed in 2017.
IMPROVING THE CHATTERTON ROAD WATER MAIN: The city of Columbus provides drinking water to more than one million residents, businesses, and industries in the Columbus area. Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley is sponsoring ordinance 1763-2010 to authorize the expenditure of $2.7 million from the Water Build America Bonds Fund for the Chatterton Road Water Main Improvement Project. The project consists of the construction of a 24-inch and 30-inch water main and the connection of lateral lines along Chatterton Road, between Noe-Bixby Road and Gender Road. The purpose of this project is to close a loop for a 24-inch water main, reinforce the transmission route to the Hines Rd. Storage Tank, and reduce discharge pressures at the Parsons Avenue Water Plant (PAWP). This project will include approximately 11,600 linear feet of water main.
EXPANDING access to the scioto Trail: Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson is sponsoring legislation that will enhance recreational access to the Scioto Trail. Ordinance 1471-2010 will authorize the expenditure of $735,000from the Voted Recreation and Parks Bond Fund/Build American Bonds for the Scioto Trail – Main Street Connector Project. The construction will consist of clearing, grading, concrete paving, building a retaining wall, and landscaping. The connector will provide a link for cyclists and pedestrians from the Scioto Trail to an underpass beneath the Main Street Bridge and north and south travel along the path. The project will increase safety for the cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
CRAFTING A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET: City Council will take the next formal step in passing the 2011 General Fund budget by amending Mayor Coleman’s proposal originally submitted in November. Last week, Council President and Finance & Economic Development Chair Andrew J. Ginther announced that Council would not add any additional spending to the Mayor’s proposal, and would instead bank a $1.9 million surplus from 2010. The carryover was achieved through cost savings, reduced spending and greater than estimated revenue. In addition, Council asked the Mayor to reduce his proposed budget by at least $1 million. The Mayor has proposed $1.1 million in budget reductions, and per City Charter requirements, Council will amend the budget and then table the appropriations ordinances for one week. Council is expected to pass the budget at the January 31st meeting.
-30-
