6B - 2011 - 2016 Greenways Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
CITY OF BOULDER
INFORMATION ITEM FOR:
OPEN SPACE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - June 9, 2010
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD - May 24, 2010
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD - June 2, 2010
PLANNING BOARD - June 3, 2010
WATER RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD - May 17, 2010
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD - May 24, 2010
GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2010
SUBJECT:
2011-2016 Greenways Capital Improvement Program
REQUESTING DEPARTMENT:
Anne Noble - Greenways Coordinator
PURPOSE: The 2011-2016 Greenways Capital Improvement Program is being provided to
board members as an information item. If you have any comments or concerns regarding the
2011-2016 Greenways Capital Improvement Program, please pass them along to your
Greenways Advisory Committee representative. If you have questions on this material, please
contact Annie Noble at 303-441-3242 or nobleaC&bouldercolorado. ov
GREENWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACTION REQUESTED:
A recommendation from the Greenways Advisory Committee to the City's Planning Board
and City Council concerning the proposed Greenways Capital Improvement Program is
requested.
FISCAL IMPACT: See attached
Attached is information concerning the proposed 2011-2016 Greenways Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) for review and consideration. A recommendation by the Greenways Advisory
Committee to the city's Planning Board and Council is requested.
Attachment A: Greenways 2011-2016 Capital Improvement Program Overview
Attachment B: Greenways 2011-2016 Capital Improvement Program Summary Spreadsheet
Attachment C: Greenways Program CIP Map
Attachment D: Greenways 2011-2016 Project Descriptions
AGENDA ITEM # V_ ~-6, PAGE
Attachment A
GREENWAYS
2011- 2016 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The 2011 Greenways Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget is $450,000. The Greenways
CIP has been developed within the context of and is consistent with the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP), the Transportation Master Plan (TMP), the major drainageway
plans and the Greenways Master Plan. Future opportunities will also be coordinated with the
Open Space and Mountain Park's Grassland Plan and Visitor Master Plan and Trail Study Area
plans where appropriate.
The city of Boulder Greenways System is comprised of a series of corridors along riparian areas
including Boulder Creek and its tributaries, which provide an opportunity to integrate multiple
objectives, including habitat protection, water quality enhancement, storm drainage and
floodplain management, alternative transportation routes for pedestrians and bicyclists,
recreation and cultural resources. In order to maximize the overlap of objectives and to
coordinate projects along the Greenways, identification of projects for the 2011-2016 Greenways
CIP was done as a team effort, combining input from Flood Utilities, Transportation, Parks and
Recreation, Water Quality and Environmental Services, Environmental Affairs, Planning and
Open Space and Mountain Parks. The Greenways CIP follows an opportunistic approach,
contributing funding toward projects that are being completed by other departments or private
development in order to meet the various objectives of the Greenways program. The Greenways
CIP also looks to leverage funds with outside agencies in order to move projects forward that
meet more than one objective of the Greenways program, but may not be the highest priority
when evaluating any one particular objective.
Transportation and flood utility projects were identified from the Transportation Master Plan,
and the major drainageway plans, and intra-departmental meetings were held to determine
project priorities and timing. Private development activities were also evaluated. Many of the
Greenways projects shown in the CIP are being designed and constructed in coordination with
major flood or transportation improvements. The Greenways funding associated with these
projects focuses on habitat restoration, water quality improvements and trail connections. In
addition to leveraging funding with the Transportation and Flood Utilities budgets, funding for
Greenways projects is also available through the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and
Federal Transportation funds.
During 2007 three Greenways projects were submitted for federal Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) funding, with matching funds anticipated to be provided by the Flood and
Greenways CIP. These projects included: Fourmile Canyon Creek from 26`x' to 28th Street,
Wonderland Creek at 28ffi Street and Wonderland Creek at Foothills Highway. All three of these
projects include a multi-use path connection, flood mitigation improvements and potential water
quality and habitat restoration. None of these projects were granted federal funds at that time.
However, the city was awarded $198,230 by the Colorado Department of Transportation's Safe
Routes to School program to construct the path connection portion of the Fourmile Canyon
AGENDA ITEM V~ ~ PAGE?`
Attachment A
Creek project from 26th to 28`h Streets. $75,000 was included in the 2010 Greenways budget to
provide habitat and water quality enhancements for that project, as well as to conduct the public
input process. The city will be submitting projects for the next TIP funding cycle in September
2010 for a construction period of 2013-2014. We will resubmit the two projects along
Wonderland Creek, as well as a project along Fourmile Canyon Creek near Crestview
Elementary School.
In November 2009, City Council accepted a modified plan for the Fourmile Canyon Creek and
Wonderland Creek flood mitigation improvements. The Flood Utility program's highest priority
project at this time is to complete the Wonderland Creek improvements from Foothills Highway
to 30th Street in order to eliminate routine flooding that occurs in the Noble Park neighborhood.
This project will also provide flood mitigation improvements in order that a significant number
of properties will no longer be in the high hazard and 100 year floodplain. Utilities staff has
moved forward with this project and is in the process of completing a Community and
Environmental Assessment (CEAP).
The Greenways CIP includes $319,744 in carry over for the Wonderland Creek project from
prior years and $195,000 in 2011. Additionally in 2015-2016, $195,000 is shown for the
Wonderland Creek improvements at 28th Street. During the November meeting, City Council
expressed an interest in moving forward with improvements to mitigate street flooding adjacent
to the Crestview Elementary School, allowing access to the school during a 100 year flood.
Flood mitigation improvements along Fourmile Canyon Creek near Crestview Elementary
School was therefore also considered a high priority. In the 2011-2016 Greenways CIP,
$195,000 is shown each year for 2012-2014 for the Crestview improvements. Significant
funding contributions are also included in the Flood CIP for these projects.
Maintenance of the Greenways system was reviewed as part of the CIP process. Funding for
habitat maintenance was first allocated in the 2002-2007 Greenways CIP to address deficiencies
identified in the Greenways Master Plan. A seasonal habitat crew and crew leader have been
hired annually to remove noxious weeds and revegetate with native plants along the Greenways.
During the 2008 season the oversight of the habitat maintenance crew was transferred to the
flood utilities maintenance work group. As part of the Flood Uitlities operating budget, a new
full-time Greenways Maintenance position was requested and approved in the 2009 budget,
along with a $30,000 budget increase in the Flood Utilities operating budget. The balance of the
funding needed to support this position was to be taken out of the existing Greenways CIP
budget, along with the funding to support the seasonal crew. However, due to city-wide budget
constraints, the position was not filled until November 2009, at which time it was filled as a one-
year fixed term position. A temporary Habitat Maintenance Crew Leader was hired during the
summer season. In addition to managing noxious weeds along the Greenways, this position will
also be responsible for maintaining the flood carrying capacity of the drainageways. Having a
full-time employee serving as a crew lead, rather than a seasonal employee, will provide the
much needed continuity that the habitat maintenance program needs.
During the 2009-2014 CIP process, the Greenways Advisory Committee made a motion to
restructure the Greenways CIP into the following categories:
FTE Salaries $130,000
AGENDA ITEM , PAGE
Attachment A
Seasonal Salaries $50,000
Non-personnel Expenses $25,000
Contributions to major flood & transportation projects $195,000
Restoration, water quality and trail improvements $50,000
This structure has remained in the 2010-2015 and 2011-2016 CIPs.
During the 2010 budget process, the GAC made a motion requesting staff to seriously consider
that the Greenways program contribute $30,000 toward the Goodhue Fish Passage project as part
of the $50,000 "Restoration, Water Quality and Trail Improvements" line item, in conjunction
with a Fishing is Fun grant application being submitted by the Open Space Department. The
Open Space Department was not awarded funding for this project in 2010. A grant application
has been resubmitted for 2011 for this project. The local match of $35,000 will be split equally
between Greenways and the Open Space Department if this grant is awarded to the city.
The 2010 budget includes $235,000 in the "Restoration, Water Quality and Trail Improvements"
line item, including carry over funding from previous years. $200,000 of this is currently shown
to be used to help finance a commitment that was made by the city with the University of
Colorado to replace three bicycle/pedestrian bridges that cross over Boulder Creek with "break
away" bridges. $10,000 is shown to be used for a fencing project along Fourmile Canyon Creek
east of 28`t` Street in partnership with the Open Space Department. Fencing is being installed to
help protect the riparian habitat and water quality. The Utilities Division is also working in
partnership with the Parks Department to initiate a stream bank restoration project along Boulder
Creek in Eben Fine Park. The city is hoping to develop a preliminary design for this project that
can be used to solicit outside grant funding for the construction of these improvements. The
Parks Department is also in the process of updating the master plan for the golf course. We are
hoping to utilize funding from this line item to provide habitat enhancements and water quality
improvements along Dry Creek through the golf course.
POLICY ISSUES
All large-scale projects in the 2011-2016 CIP will go through the CEAP process, either as part of
a bigger flood or transportation project or as a separate project as indicated on the project status
reports.
HIGHLIGHTS
The focus of the 2011-2016 Greenways CIP is on the Fourmile and Wonderland Creek corridors.
In addition to the projects along Fourmile Canyon Creek and Wonderland Creek, possible habitat
restoration projects during the next few years include:
• Stream bank restoration along Boulder Creek at Eben Fine Park
• Confluence of Bear Creek and Boulder Creek at Foothills Community Hospital iii
conjunction with the multi-use trail connection to 48`h Street, a culvert removal under
Bear Creek and drainage improvements to the underpass at Foothills and Arapahoe
• Dry Creek through Flatirons Golf Course
Attachment A
• Goose Creek, railroad to 47 h Street tree plantings
• Goose Creek at the Transit Village
• Fish Passage projects in association with Fishing is Fun grants
• South Boulder Creek minimum stream flow
FINANCING
Greenways projects are funded from the Transportation Fund, Stormwater and Flood
Management Utility Fund, and the Lottery Fund. Existing CIP expenditures are estimated at
$450,000 per year for the next six years. Annual funding distribution for the Greenways
Program for 2011-2016 is as follows:
Transportation - $150,000
Flood Utility - $150,000
Lottery Fund - $150,000
RELATIONSHIP TO OPERATING BUDGET
The Greenways corridors are currently maintained by several work groups within the city, as
well as outside organizations. Tasks are divided up by geographical location as well as by
function. The responsibility of each work group is described below:
• Boulder County Parks and Open Space maintains the Boulder Creek path from the mouth
of Boulder Canyon to Fourmile Canyon.
• The city's Parks and Recreation Department maintains Greenways that traverse a city
park, as well as the Boulder Creek Path from Eben Fine Park to 55 Street.
• The city's Street Maintenance is responsible for snow removal and general path
maintenance (debris removal and sweeping) along all of the Greenways paths, except
those portions of path maintained by the Parks Department.
• The city's Open Space and Mountain Parks Department is responsible for maintenance of
natural, environmentally sensitive, or re-vegetated areas on open space land and
easements. Currently this includes portions of Boulder Creek east of 38`" Street and
Arapahoe Avenue and portions of South Boulder Creek from KOA Lake to Marshall
Road.
• Flood Utility Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the flood carrying capacity of
all of the Greenways channels, which primarily involves removing tree limbs and
downed trees from obstructing the flow in the channels, removal of channel sediment,
and bank stabilization.
• Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) performs maintenance on sections
of Boulder Creek and all tributaries included in the Greenways Program.
• City Forestry, University of Colorado (CU), ditch companies, and Xcel Energy are also
involved in maintenance along the Greenways.
BUSINESS PLAN
All of the projects identified in the Greenways CIP have been categorized as "Desirable"
BOARD ACTION
AGENDA ITEM # V1 r . PAGE
Attachment A
The Greenways Advisory Committee will review the Greenways 2011-2016 CIP on June 10,
2010 and be asked to make a recommendation for approval to the Planning Board and City
Council. The Planning Board hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2010 and the City Council Study
Session is July 27, 2010. The final City Council budget hearings are scheduled for October
2010.
AGENDA ITEM ~ V11 . P,4G14
5/101201 0H:1GREEN WAYICI P1CI P2011-2016
Attachment B
CITY OF BOULDER _
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
Total GreenwaA Prior Carry 2010 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 _
Contribution Years Over Budget Proposed Pro ected Projected Pro ected Projected Projected Projected
Project Location
1 Goose Creek Restoration
2fFourmile Broadway to Violet $150,0001 $150,0001 $150,000
Major Flood/Transportation $199,744 $195,000
3 Fourmile 26th to 28th $75,000 1 $75,000 1
4 Wonderland Foothills to 30th Street $549,474 $34,730 $319,744 $195,000
5 Wonderland 28th Street Underpass $390,000', 1 I $195,000! $195,000
6 Crestview Und 19th and Upland $585.000 $195,ODO $195,000 S195,000
Greenways Salaries 5130,000, $130,000 $130,000, S130,000', $130,000 $130,0001 $130,000, 5130,000
_Habitat Maintenance Crew $50,0001 $50,000 $50,000; $50,000! $50,000 550,000, $50,000; $50,000
_Non- etaonnel expenses 525,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000
Restoration, Water Quality and Trail Improvement,. 1 5185,8431 $50,000, $8,343 $50,0001 $50,0001, $50,000', $50,000 550,000; $50,000
Ebert Fine Restoration .
Dry Creek through Golf Course 1
i
7 CU Bike/Pad Bridge Replacement $200,000
8 South Boulder Creek fish Passages Goodhue $17,500 1 1
9 Fourmile, Creak Fencinx $10.000
TOTAL GREENWAYS CIP $535,587 $450,000 $985,587 S450,000 $450,000, 5450 000 5450 000 5450,000 $450,000
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES
Greenwa s Open Space Flood Transportation TIP Developer_ Other Unfunded Total
.Project -
I Goose-Creek Restoration (funded bytthe;Coras) $200,000 $2,000,000 S2,20 000
2,Fourrnile Broadway to Violet $150,000 $160,000 $250,000 $560,000
3 Fotumile 26th to 28th $75,000 $198,232 $273,232
Wonderland Foothills to 30th Street $549,474 $3,863,572 $4,413,046
5 Wonderland 28th Street Underpass $390,000 $2,000; OM $2,390,000
6e Crestview Underpasses @a 19th and Upland 5565,000 51,500,000 $2,085,000
7 CU Bike/Pod Bridge Replacement $200,000 S200,000 $200,000 5600,000
S; South Boulder Creek fish Passages Goodhue $17,500 $17,500 $70,000 $117,500 5222,500
9 Fourmile Creek Fencing $10,000. $10 000 820 000
Prior Years 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
2010 2010 Revised Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected
Fourmile $1,575,859
Broadway to Violet 1 $160,000; I i 1 r $160,000
Crestview Topaz to Violet $750,000 $750,000 $1,500,000
CU Bike/Ped Bridge Replacement i j $200,000 1 1 $200,000
Wonderland $947,713
Foothills to 30th 1 $2,363,5721 $750,000! $750,000 $3,863,572
th sued $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $2,000,000
High Hazard ro ert $1,668,3071 51,669,307 $500,000 $500,000, $500,000, $500,000' $515,000' $530,450 $4,713,757
AGENDA ITEM # - PAGE
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5 Wonderland 28th Street Underpass
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AGENDA ITEM # , PAGE
Attachment D
2011-2016 CIP Project Descriptions
'Tributary Greenways
New Construction - Not Growth Related
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
Collaboration with Major Flood and Transportation Projects
PW1Tributary Greenways $185,000 $195,000 $195,000 $195,000 $195,000 $195,000 $1,170,000
Project Includes Improvements to Wonderland and Fourmile Creek, flood mitigation, environmental restoration and off-street trail
connections. These improvements will be done in conjunction with work being done by the Flood Utilities Division, Transportation
Division and the Parks Department. 'The top three projects Include Wonderland Creek Foothills to 30th Street, Underpasses at
Crestview Elementary School along Fourmile Canyon Creek and Wonderland at 28th.
Miscellaneous Water Quality, Restoration and Trail Improvements
PW! Tributary Greenways $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $300,000
Miscellaneous water quality, habitat resoration and trail improvements projects.
On-Going Projects
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
Miscellaneous - Greenways Operating
PW/Tributary Greenways $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $150,000
General administration of the program including such expenses as printing, copies, food for meetings, program expenses for the
Circle Boulder by Bike event, lighting, signs, tree planting.
Maintenance and Weed Control Seasonal Crew
PW/ Tributary Greenways $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $300,000
This fine item includes funding to hire a sesonal crew that supports on-going habitat maintenance practices along the Greenways,
primarily weed control, including purchase of equipment, materials and general operating expenses for the crew,
Greenways Salaries
PW/ Tributary Greenways $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 $130,000 $30,000 $680,000
This line item Includes salaries for 1 Full time employee (Greenways Coordinator) and 112 of a full time employee (Maintenance
Person).
05/04/2010 a
AGENDA ITEM , PAGE `
Attachment D
2011-2016 Capital Improvements Program
Tributary Greenways 04-Mav-I0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total
Recommended Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected
New Construction - Not Growth Related
Collaboration with Major Flood and Transportation Projects 195,000 195,000 195,000 195,000 195,000 195,000 1,170,000
Miscellaneous Water Quality, Restoration and Trail Improvements 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 $0,000 300,000
Total: 245,000 245,000 245,000 245,000 245,000 245,000 1,470,000
On-Going Projects
Greenways Salaries 130,000 130,000 130,000 130,000 130,000 30,000 680,000
Maintenance and Weed Control Seasonal Crew 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 300,000
Miscellaneous - Greenways Operating 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 150,000
Total: 205,000 205,000 205,000 205,000 205,000 105,000 1,130,000
Total for Tributary Greenways 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 450,000 350,000 2,600,000
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