Volume 15, Issue 13 - Wednesday, March 29, 2023

The launching of tourism projects in America is rampant

Public officials at the local levels of government are using recent increases in tax revenue to support tourism projects. State officials throughout the country are also launching new funding programs to increase economic development and lock in future economic vitality. The result is that there is about to be an abundance of new contracting opportunities tied to economic development and tourism.

Earlier this year the Kansas Department of Commerce announced the availability of $30 million in funding for regional tourism projects. The state of Ohio also created a $50 million grant funding program to support tourism-related projects. Many other states are following suit.

One of the larger funding awards from Ohio’s program was allocated to support a downtown revitalization project which will be designed to attract more visitors to the city of Athens. Six historic buildings in the downtown district will be renovated through a regional collaboration. The project will be delivered through a public-private partnership.  

Similar patterns are emerging in Wisconsin. State lawmakers released a budget that includes funding for a new tourism-focused grant program. It has an allocation of $50 million to support tourism-related projects.

Recent changes to North Carolina’s state laws have made larger portions of tourism funds available to local governments. One of the first projects will be a cultural hub with mixed-use housing. Planning documents include the construction of affordable housing facilities for service industry employees. The plans also include new commercial space for retail, arts and cultural activities that will attract visitors to the county. 

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Tulsa mayor proposes $772M improvement plan

The mayor of Tulsa proposed a four-year $772 million “Improve Our Tulsa” (IOT) extension to fund improvement and development projects across the city. 

The plan includes an investment of $279.8 million for streets and transportation, $249.4 million for improvements to city facilities, $79.7 million for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and $47.5 million for a new public safety center. The city park system will receive $31.9 million. The Gilcrease Museum was offered matching funds of $10 million if an additional $10 million in private funding can be raised to build exhibits. 

A housing investment of $75 million is unprecedented and comes as the recently released Tulsa Citywide Housing Assessment found that the city will need to come up with 12,900 housing units over the next 10 years at a cost of approximately $2.5 billion.

Tulsa residents will vote on the IOT extension on August 8. 

(Photo: Tulsa City Hall. Courtesy of the city of Tulsa.)

$243 million bond issue for Saginaw Township schools

Michigan — The Saginaw Township Community School District has approved a $242.9 million bond proposal for the upcoming May 2 ballot. According to officials, the bond will fund improvements at all the district’s schools, but the majority of the funding will support upgrades to Heritage High School. Several of the district’s facilities are around 64 years old. Proposed projects are estimated to be completed by 2027, if approved.

According to officials, the proposal is designed to make necessary upgrades and renovations that exceed the scope and funds of the sinking fund. 

Projects listed in the bond proposal include:

• Demolition and reconstruction of Heritage High School, along with construction of a new performing arts center.
• Upgrading safety and security at all sites.
• Updating interior and exterior facility infrastructure (roofs, boilers, HVAC, site, etc.) to improve the learning environment at all sites.

Design work will begin immediately following voter approval of the bond, followed shortly by a construction schedule and bidding.

Virginia — The James City County Planning Commission unanimously approved a list of 32 projects to include in the fiscal year (FY) 2024-28 Capital Improvement Program. The list of proposed projects now moves to consideration in the budget process.

A skatepark at Warhill Sports Complex, a playground at the James City County Library and a Jamestown High School cafeteria expansion are a few of the proposed projects. Projects originated from county departments, the Williamsburg Regional Library and Williamsburg-James City County Schools. Projects were prioritized based on the quality of life, infrastructure, health and public safety, economic development and location.

Several projects may receive funding in the FY 2024 budget, including additional space for pre-kindergarten programs, a consolidated county complex, improvements to Veterans Park and expansion of Lafayette High School. The total cost for projects requesting funding in FY 2024 is $106.4 million.

Projects on the five-year list include a replacement of a local fire station, construction of a new library, expansion of area softball and baseball complex, creation of an ADA-accessible splash pad and expansion of amenities at Chickahominy Riverfront Park. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) invested $197 million in 100 project proposals benefiting 22 states and seven tribes as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program.

In Oregon, the Soil and Water Conservation District will receive $10 million to perform hazardous fuel reduction on 308 miles of county roads that serve as evacuation routes for residents in need of treatment. In Washington State, the Kittitas County Conservation District will receive $10 million for a fuel mitigation project that will reduce wildfire risk in Kittitas County while creating more resilient communities and forests in the project area.  

In California, Plumas County Fire Safe Council will receive $6.8 million to provide 2,000 acres of hazardous fuel reduction, conduct an update of the county-wide hazardous fuels assessment and recommend priority projects to reduce wildfire risk. The Fire Safe Council of Siskiyou County will provide a home assessment, defensible space work on approximately 500 homes and hazardous fuels reduction work on 300 acres at a cost of $10 million. 

In Montana, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Lincoln County will receive approximately $6 million to implement approximately 500 acres of wildfire fuel mitigation work focused on the home ignition zone and approximately 3,000 acres of non-federal public lands surrounding at-risk communities.  

In New Mexico, the Cimarron Watershed Alliance will create defensible space around homes and structures of value and thin forests to reduce hazardous fuel loadings at a cost of more than $8 million. The project will treat about 150-175 properties per year and approximately 3,400 acres over the next five years. 

 Virginia — Newport News’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a 5-year outline of infrastructure, parks and facilities projects and maintenance, was recently unanimously approved by the City Council. The CIP is a road map outlining the city’s anticipated and long-term projects and maintenance expenses. 

The CIP calls for $128.3 million in spending from fiscal years 2023-2027, which includes items such as $12 million for upgrades to Long Wharf Pump Station, $40 million for relocation of the city yard and $10 million in bonds for design-build services to reconstruct or remove Van Zandt Bridge. 

A total of $29.4 million is slated for 2023, including $6.2 million for infrastructure improvements, property revaluations and public safety equipment. In addition, improvements to the water pollution control system ($17.3 million) and water fund ($4.2 million) are planned for 2023.

Funding will come from a combination of sources, including bonds, water pollution control fund, water fund, transfers from the general fund, maritime and parking, grants and trusts and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Millions awarded to LA County infrastructure projects

The California Transportation Commission has allocated more than $1.1 billion in infrastructure projects throughout the state, including millions toward local projects in Los Angeles County. Investments include $8.9 million to upgrade curb ramps, pedestrian signals, crosswalks, sidewalks and pathways, $2.3 million to build a two-mile bike path, and $1.2 million to install rapid flashing beacons, crosswalks and pedestrian push buttons. 

The total state allocations include more than $533 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and more than $190 million in funding from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act.

Maintenance facility expansion moves forward

Washington — The Federal Way City Council is preparing to vote to expand the current city maintenance facility rather than build a new facility on another site. The expansion is compatible with existing land use and would have minimal environmental impacts. The project is estimated to cost $41.4 million.

The city’s original goal was to start construction in spring of 2024 and they are aiming to maintain that timeline.

The goals for the new facility include:

• Space available for fueling city vehicles and equipment.
• Maintenance area for vehicles and equipment.
• Allow for future growth in both staffing and associated equipment.
• Secure enclosed storage for large and small equipment.
• Outdoor laydown area.
• Racking area for materials.

(Photo: Federal Way City Council chambers. Courtesy of the city of Federal Way.)

The California Transportation Commission has announced that millions of dollars in state funds will be allocated to various San Diego transportation infrastructure repair projects. The funding includes $37.3 million to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) for the fifth phase of the Rail Improvement Program to stabilize Del Mar Bluffs from erosion. 

Other projects include sidewalk and bike lane improvements, bridge repairs, and upgrading facilities to meet ADA standards. Facility and lighting upgrades on State Route 67 will receive $1.7 million. Upgraded pedestrian facilities and ADA-compliant curb ramps in Chula Vista, National City and San Diego will be granted $1.3 million.

Capital projects improvements slated for Overland Park

Kansas — Street improvements, new traffic signals, and updates to the downtown farmers market are among the projects included in an upcoming 5-year capital improvement program proposed by the Overland Park City Council. One of the improvements taking place is the demolition and reconstruction of Fire Station #41. Work includes the installation of solar panels for energy efficiency. Other upgrades to the $34.2 million project include using LED lighting and removing part of the parking lot to incorporate more green space.

The council is scheduled to vote on final approval in April. Additional highlighted projects: 

• Brookridge public street improvements - $13.5 million. 
• Construction of turn lanes and installation of traffic signals - $9.9 million. 
• Reconstruction of downtown farmers market - $8.1 million. 
• Pedestrian trail construction - $2.8 million.
• Marty Park design and construction - $2.7 million.
• Renovation of Young’s Aquatic Center - $870,000.

Funding is set to come from 20 different revenue streams, including federal funds, sales tax, bond proceeds, and private contributions. 

New waterfront development for Mobile

A master plan has been created to transform 98-acre waterfront land in Alabama into a biodiverse park called Brookley by the Bay. The project aims to restore the site's ecosystem while creating a gathering place for the city. 

The vision includes a performance pavilion for events, a kayak launch, playgrounds, hiking trails, public beach access and walking loops. The project's environmental resilience is also a key consideration. Erosion, flooding and drainage were considered when designing the project. Dredged material and driftwood collections will be used to promote shoreline stabilization. The park's design will include elements that educate the public about the site's ecosystem, plant and wildlife biodiversity, stormwater management and sea-level rise. 

The project is entering the engineering and design phase. The project will cost approximately $25 million and will be funded through grants and city funding.

(Photo: Artist rendering of Brookley by the Bay. Courtesy of the city of Mobile.)

City unveils 5-year, $18.1 million Orangeburg Municipal Airport plan

The Orangeburg Municipal Airport in South Carolina revealed a five-year capital improvement plan worth around $18.1 million for upgrades and improvements. The plan includes runway pavement rehabilitation, new runway lighting, taxiway upgrades, a new terminal building, additional hangars and construction of an access road. 

The runway resurfacing and lighting system improvements will go out for design bids this year and the airport expects construction to begin in 2024. The access road, new terminal building and new box hangar are expected to begin construction in 2026 or 2027. 

The airport is applying for Federal Aviation Administration funding to provide for the majority of funding needed for the planned renovation projects and the city is prepared to match approximately $1.8 million.

Bridge extension to enhance access and safety in Tarrytown

The New York governor announced a $13.9 million multimodal project in the Village of Tarrytown in Westchester County. The multifaceted project will extend the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge side path south to Lyndhurst Mansion and includes construction of a 270-foot-long pedestrian bridge over the Thruway I-87/I-287 to improve access and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. 

The New York State Department of Transportation is a funding partner on the 2-year project. Funds will also come from user fees collected by the Thruway Authority. Other projects on tap include: 

• Widen the ramps at Thruway Interchange 9 leading to and from South Broadway.
• Add a second left turn lane from South Broadway to the southbound Thruway entrance ramp.
• Install a traffic signal on South Broadway at Paulding Avenue to make it safer for motorists to turn.
• Repair and resurface South Broadway from Route 119 to just south of Gracemere Lane.
• Relocate a village water main onto the South Broadway bridge.

(Photo: Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.)

Colorado — The city of Florence has hired Amy Nasta as city manager. Nasta's job offer comes after the city spent more than 18 months without permanent leadership after the departure of City Manager Mike Patterson. Nasta currently serves as the deputy city administrator in Gardner, Kan. Prior to joining the city of Gardner, Nasta served four years as city clerk for the city of Eolia, Mo. Nasta's contract indicates she could start working for the city of Florence on May 8. 

Massachusetts — Phillip Eng, an engineer with decades of experience running public transit systems, has been named the general manager of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Eng, the former president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Long Island Rail Road is currently executive vice president at an engineering consultant firm. Steve Poftak, the MBTA's previous general manager, stepped down in January. Jeff Gonneville has served as interim general manager and will assist with the transition to new management. 

California — Holly Alpert has been tapped to serve as Inyo County’s new water director. She will be taking the reins from outgoing Director Aaron Steinwand, who has served in that role since 2019. Alpert will be serving as acting director during the transition period. She was initially hired by the county to serve as deputy water director in December 2022 with the ultimate intention of her stepping into the director role. 

Iowa — Aaron Kooiker has been selected as the city manager of Carroll. Kooiker comes to Carroll with 10 years of experience in city administration. Kooiker has previously served as city administrator in Hull, Iowa, from 2012 to 2017, then in Fairfield, Iowa, from 2017 to 2023. Kooiker has been working with Interim City Manager Jeff Cayler to better understand Carroll’s current position and the issues Carroll is dealing with. 

Missouri — The Bolivar board of aldermen have hired Thomas Relford as city administrator. Relford is a former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent. Relford worked for the FBI for 25 years before retiring as the special agent in charge of the Albany, N.Y., field office in 2021. He currently owns and operates a security audit and compliance consultant firm. In June 22, he was appointed to the city of Salem’s finance committee, which works to prepare Salem’s annual budget.  

Maryland — Tonii Gedin has been selected as Anne Arundel County’s Acting Health Officer. She began her role on March 23, 2023. Gedin joined the Anne Arundel County Department of Health in May of 2020 as the deputy health officer of Public Health. She brings 16 years of experience, providing strategies for improving patient care, health compliance, and quality assurance. 

Washington State — Robert Hodgman has started his new position as the terminal director at Yakima Air Terminal. The position had been filled by two interim managers since November 2021. In 2012, Hodgman joined the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) aviation staff as the state capital improvement program manager. Later that year, he moved into his most recent WSDOT role as aviation senior planner. 

Georgia — The city of Woodstock has merged its information technology and geographic information system (GIS) divisions into a new department and named a new head of the combined department. Katy Leggett is the city’s first chief information officer, after previously serving as Woodstock’s GIS manager. The city restructured the department after the retirement of IT Director Jeff Smith in January. Leggett started working with the city of Woodstock as a GIS analyst in 2013 and was promoted to GIS manager in 2014. 

Maryland — Comptroller Brooke Lierman has announced the appointment of Robert W. O’Connor as the agency’s first-ever chief information officer (CIO). O’Connor, who most recently served as CIO for the Baltimore County Government Enterprise, will lead the Comptroller’s Office in modernizing the agency’s technology, moving from an antiquated mainframe system to a cloud-based platform.  

Ohio — The Central Ohio Transit Authority has hired Monica Tellez-Fowler as chief operations officer (COO). Tellez-Fowler most recently was deputy chief executive officer and treasurer of Clark County Public Transit (C-TRAN) Benefit Area Authority in Vancouver, Wash. The new COO role will consolidate the duties of the transit chief with oversight of other areas. 

Colorado — After Glendale City Manager Linda Cassaday announced her retirement, the Glendale City Council appointed longtime city executive Chuck Line to succeed her. Line came to the city in 1999 where he served as the Community Development Director until 2004. He then assumed the role of deputy city manager in August 2004, a title he has kept until now. 

California — Roger Bradley has been selected to become Downey’s next city manager. He previously served as community services director for Claremont and assistant county administrative officer for Kings County. Bradley replaces Gilbert Livas, who retired last July.  

Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

Editors: Kristin Gordon

             Claire Robertson      

www.spartnerships.com