The Rowlett Creek Trail traces through Allen's primary regional trail corridor.  Ultimately the trail will stretch 5.5 miles across the city, from State Highway 121 to US Highway 75 and will link Allen northward with McKinney, and southward with Plano and beyond.  Although much of this trail section through Allen is built, there are various segments that are yet to be completed, and the proposed grant to be pursued with Collin County's Parks and Open Space Project Funding Assistance Program will provide 50% of the estimated cost of designing needed trail segments within the Exchange Parkway Community Park property.

The grant application requests funding assistance for the design of 4,300 linear feet of 12' wide trail along Rowlett Creek, 1,800 linear feet of 10' wide trail, and six low water crossings at various ravines in the park.

The grant funding sought is summarized as follows:

Total estimated construction costs: $623,550

Estimated design costs (10% of construction costs): $62,355

Geotechnical study: $10,000

Total design/geotechnical costs: $72,355

The Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program will reimburse up to 50% of projects selected.  The program funds are reimbursable, requiring the City to first expend the design costs and request reimbursement of funds granted. 

Design expenses for the Exchange Parkway Community Park Hike & Bike Trails are estimated to be $72,355, with 50% requested from the County and 50% from the trail development funds allocated by the Allen Community Development Corporation.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant through the Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program for the Design of the Exchange Parkway Community Park Trails.

I make a Motion to adopt Resolution No. _______________(R) authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant through the Collin County Parks and Open Space Funding Assistance Program for Design of the Exchange Parkway Community Park Trails.