Number
030205
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Resolution authorizing application for a grant under the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Stewardship Local Assistance Program for the purpose of constructing a riverwalk connection between the existing Downtown Riverwalk system and the developing Historic Third Ward Riverwalk. (DPW)
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Commissioner of Public Works to apply for a State grant in the amount of $250,000 under the Stewardship Local Assistance Program. The grant would be used to construct a handicap accessible riverwalk connection between the existing Downtown Riverwalk and the Riverwalk being developed in the Historic Third Ward. The grant would have to be matched by the City on a dollar for dollar basis. The City's share could be included in the City's 2004 budget. It is recognized that separate Common Council action will be required to authorize the matching funds and to accept the grant, if approved.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee, in conjunction with Downtown and Historic Third Ward property owners, has developed an extensive Riverwalk system over the last decade; and
Whereas, The Riverwalk system is intended to eventually provide a continuous, handicap accessible walkway from the lakefront to the downtown area and beyond; and
Whereas, The Riverwalk has played an instrumental role in the revitalization of Downtown; and
Whereas, The Downtown Riverwalk and the Riverwalk in the Historic Third Ward have been independently designed and developed; and
Whereas, Available funding for both systems has not allowed the construction of a convenient, handicap accessible connection between the two; and
Whereas, A preliminary design for such a connection has been completed and a rough cost estimate (approximately $500,000) has been prepared; and
Whereas, This connection would be located on the east side of the Milwaukee River between Clybourn and Michigan Streets; and
Whereas, The State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administers various grant programs one of which, the Stewardship Local Assistance Program, may be a source of partial funding for the riverwalk connection between Downtown and the Historic Third Ward; and
Whereas, Any grant approved under the Stewardship Local Assistance Program will require a dollar for dollar match from the recipient community; and
Whereas, It is the intent of the Common Council to consider authorization of matching funds as part of the City's year 2004 budget; and
Whereas, It is expected that both Business Improvement District Number 2 (Historic Third Ward) and Number 15 (Downtown Riverwalk) will contribute toward the grant's required local match in amounts consistent with their contributions toward development of riverwalks in their districts; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is hereby authorized to apply for a grant in the amount of $250,000 under the State of Wisconsin's Stewardship Local Assistance Program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That, should the grant be approved, the Commissioner shall not enter into a grant agreement with the Department of Natural Resources unless and until the City's matching funding has been authorized.
Requestor
The Department of Public Works
Drafter
MAS:THM:cp
5/5/2003
DOC: Historic Third Ward Riverwalk grant.res