title
A resolution approving an application for an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to The Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Public Works Department, for the Jefferson Street Multimodal Cap and Connector to better connect the north and south sides of North Nashville with Jefferson Street serving as its anchor.
body
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation is accepting applications for an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant with an award of $72,000,000.00 with a required cash match of $48,000,000.00; and,
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Public Works Department, is eligible to participate in this grant program; and,
WHEREAS, it is to the benefit of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that this grant application be approved and submitted.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Government’s application for an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant with an award of $72,000,000.00, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein, is hereby approved, and the Metropolitan Nashville Public Works Department is authorized to submit said application to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Section 2. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This resolution approves an application for an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in the amount of $72,000,000 for the Jefferson Street Multimodal Cap and Connector to better connect the north and south sides of North Nashville. This grant would be federal pass through funds from the Tennessee Department of Transportation to Metro Public Works for the project. The project will consist of a “cap” over I-40 that could include public space and a public building such as a community or wellness center. As the Council is aware, when I-40 was built in the 1960’s, in divided North Nashville into two sections. This project would provide improved connections along Dr. D.B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. and 16th Ave. N. to Jefferson Street, Fisk University, and Meharry Medical College.
This project was specifically included as part of the Transportation Plan endorsed by the Council through the adoption of Resolution No. RS2020-656. If awarded, there would be a required local match of $48,000,000. The capital spending plan resolution (Substitute RS2021-757) approved in March 2021 included $5,800,000 specifically for this Jefferson Street project, plus $14,500,000 for partnership opportunities. The remaining $27,700,000 of the local match would be provided through capital spending plans over the next two years.
Information about the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant program on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website notes that the Department is specifically focused on projects in which the local sponsor is significantly invested and is positioned to proceed rapidly to construction.
Those interested in learning more about this Jefferson Street project and its history are encouraged to review the thorough and well-written grant application attached to this resolution.