Narrative of Resolution:
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Resolution introduced by the Planning and Community Resources Committee to authorize application for funding from the United States Department of Transportations FY2026 BUILD Grant Program to advance buildout of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail
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WHEREAS, a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion has been issued to solicit applications for projects to be funded under the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program, also known as the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program; and
WHEREAS, BUILD is one of the few DOT discretionary programs for which regional and local governments can directly compete for multimodal transportation funding, supporting projects such as rail trails; and
WHEREAS, the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Community Development is pursuing implementation of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Feasibility study which details plans for connecting the existing, locally-oriented sections of developed rail trail in Sullivan County into a regionally-scaled facility, eventually linking 11 hamlet and village centers on the main line, and a spur that would connect the trail with the Metro-North commuter rail line in Port Jervis; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Planning and Community Development, working in conjunction with trail municipalities and organization partners, has identified an immediate need for FY2026 BUILD grant funding to support the design and build the inter-municipal trail connections, as well as for design and engineering of those trail elements where the right of way is currently in public ownership; and
WHEREAS, the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail buildout meets the two BUILD program criteria for funding up to 100 percent of project costs - that is being located in a rural area or being located in, or will directly benefit, an Area of Persistent Poverty.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Sullivan County Legislature hereby authorizes the County Manager, Chairman of the County Legislature, and/or their authorized representative (as required by the funding source) to execute any and all necessary documents to submit an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for a BUILD Program planning grant of up to $4,000,000 to fund necessary predevelopment activities including but not limited to appraisals, surveys, environmental assessments and legal costs, incorporation of new and green technology and for the design and engineering of elements of the rail trail project currently in public ownership; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sullivan County Legislature hereby authorizes the
County Manager to execute any and all necessary documents to accept the grant award, should one be secured, in such form as the County Attorney shall approve; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should the funding be terminated, the County shall not be obligated to continue any action undertaken or contemplated to be undertaken for the use of this funding.