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FY 2024 All Stations Accessibility Program Grant Application
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DESCRIPTION: FY 2024 All Stations Accessibility Program Grant Application |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to seek federal funds not to exceed the amount of $5,600,000 to assess, design, and construct ADA-accessible stops along the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar route. The total project amount is estimated at $7,000,000; the local match is 20% or $1,400,000.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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RTA operates four streetcar lines. Since 1835, the St Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operated urban railway in the United States. While there have been several improvements and changes to the line over the decades, the vehicles are generally of the original 1920’s vintage, and the stops and route have not changed since 1973. In 2020, in accordance with a 2017 consent decree, 4 heritage-style streetcars with wheelchair-accessible lifts were repainted to match the vintage St Charles cars and 6 of the 54 total stops along the route were adapted to be compliant with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These 54 stops are spread out over a total route of 6.5 miles from Downtown to Uptown, with an average spacing of 645 ft per stop - or about 2 blocks.
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DISCUSSION:
RTA is looking to develop a fully accessible system, regardless of service type and history. The staff proposes to apply for the FTA’s All Stations Accessibility Program funding to design and construct improvements so that all stops and immediately connecting infrastructure are fully accessible for the thousands of residents and visitors that use this vital and scenic service. This work will include developing stop design typologies that meet accessibility needs, beyond ADA, and also fit the iconic historic context. The project will also evaluate possible stop consolidation, to improve travel speed and reduce total program costs. Staff proposes to apply for these funds in partnership with the City of New Orleans to ensure that the connecting infrastructure around the stops is improved at the same time as the transit stops.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA will be responsible for the local match of $1,400,000.
NEXT STEPS:
With Board approval, staff will submit a grant application to FTA. If awarded, staff will return to the Board to approve the allocation of the funds and the procurement of a consultant to perform the work.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
Prepared By: Joanna Farley
Title: Senior Transportation Planner
Reviewed By: Dwight Norton
Title: Chief of Infrastructure, Planning and Information Technology
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
1/4/2024
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer