Resolution 49: New Hope For The Bike Plan

On Monday evening the Common Council of the City of West Bend unanimously approved Resolution 49, “a resolution supporting the grant application for a comprehensive bike route system through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation 2018-2022 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) award cycle.” Here’s what the resolution says:

WHEREAS, the City of West Bend has been made aware of a highly competitive grant program through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) called the Transportation Alternatives Program, which funds bicycle and pedestrian plans at an 80% grant with a 20% local match; and

WHEREAS, the City of West Bend recognizes the benefits of multimodal transportation choices for its residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the City of West Bend and Bike Friendly West Bend have formed a partnership to increase the community’s access to bicycle friendly infrastructure for the purpose of providing safer transportation routes, raising awareness and reducing crashes; and

WHEREAS, the City recognizes the hard work and effort put forth by Bike Friendly West Bend and City Staff in designing a comprehensive bike route system and acknowledges that Bike Friendly West Bend has, and will continue, to fundraise to provide financial assistance for this project; and

WHEREAS, the City of West Bend supports the TAP application as prepared and submitted to WisDOT by City Staff and Bike Friendly West Bend for the 2018-2022 award cycle to provide for a comprehensive bike route system including maps, pavement markings and signage; and

WHEREAS, the City of West Bend recognizes that WisDOT reimburses project sponsors for the federal share of 80% of the approved TAP project costs, up to the limit of the federal award amount, and City’s obligation to secure and commit the required 20% match from private community fundraising.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, if the City of West Bend is awarded funding by WisDOT for the 2018-2022 TAP award cycle the City is authorized to prepare all necessary agreements with WisDOT for the project described in the application for presentation and final approval by the Common Council; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Common Council of the City of West Bend hereby supports City staff to submit and comply with all applicable laws, requirements, and regulations as outlined in the WisDOT 2018-2022 TAP application materials, and any other program and/or project documentation.

That’s a lot of words, and there isn’t one more important than “if.” Authorizing its staff to apply for a grant does not guaranty West Bend will receive an award from WisDOT. But adoption of this resolution is an important step. It signals the willingness of the city’s elected officials to work with and on behalf of Bike Friendly West Bend. Back in December when BFWB appeared before the Common Council, there seemed to be little support for the bike plan. This week’s action creates a way to move forward.