Title
Federal Funding for the East Charlotte Connector
Action
Action:
A. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate and execute a grant agreement with the Federal Highway Administration to accept Fiscal Year 2023 Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program funds in the amount of $1,400,000 for the East Charlotte Connector, and
B. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $1,400,000 from the Federal Highway Administration to the General Capital Projects Fund.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Debbie Smith, Transportation
Samantha Miller, Transportation
Explanation
§ This project is a result of a robust study and community engagement process conducted by the Corridors of Opportunity program in 2022 and was further refined by a multi-departmental team during the development of the East Charlotte (CLT) Connector Framework Plan in 2025.
§ The program goals align with the goals in Charlotte’s Strategic Mobility Plan, particularly the goal to create mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles to active modes like walking and biking and to better connect residents to essential goods and services.
§ The East CLT Connector, (formerly the Albemarle Cultural Trail) is a planned, comprehensive eight-mile pedestrian and bicycle corridor intended to safely and more effectively connect surrounding neighborhoods to key destinations within the Albemarle/Central Corridor of Opportunity in Council District 5.
§ The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) competitive grant program to construct projects that provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in active transportation networks.
§ As part of the ATIIP, the city was awarded a $1,400,000 planning grant to advance the feasibility design of the preferred alignment within the Albemarle/Central Corridor of Opportunity.
§ Grant requirements include a 20 percent local match. The total budget for the project is $1,800,000 and includes:
- $1,400,000 in federal grant funding, and
- $400,000 in local funds from the Corridors of Opportunity Program.
§ The East CLT Connector is anticipated to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2028.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Federal grant funding and General Capital Investment Plan
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Map
Resolution
Budget Ordinance