For years, it has been a strategic initiative to provide a gateway, monument, or other aesthetic improvement to the US75 corridor that announces and establishes the community identity along the US75 corridor. Over $500,000 in Governor's Achievement Award funds (from two separate awards) have been set-aside for this initiative; however, progress has been delayed by the US75 Widening Project three-year construction activity.

The Engineering department has developed a concept and idea to accomplish this aesthetic goal while implementing an innovative and practical solution to enhance traffic flow for the near and long-term horizon.  Reconstruction of the Allen Drive interchange will provide an opportunity to eliminate the three-way stop condition on both sides of US 75 and create islands within the intersections that can potentially be used for public art.  The height of the Allen Drive bridge over the US 75 main lanes presents an opportunity for vertically-oriented artwork, in order to create a sense of place and identity for the community.

The City's concept has been submitted to TxDOT for review and approval.  Since this project lies within the TxDOT right-of-way, the state agency has final approval authority on any concept. TxDOT has requested a Resolution from the Allen City Council approving an LPAFA prior to their approval of this concept.

Staff recommends adopting a Resolution approving a Local Project Advance Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the State of Texas, Acting by and through the Texas Department of Transportation, for the US 75 Roundabout Project.

I make a motion to adopt a Resolution approving a Local Project Advance Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the State of Texas, Acting by and through the Texas Department of Transportation, for the US 75 Roundabout Project.