It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to:

1.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriation in the Intergovernmental Contribution Fund in the amount of $23,000,000.00; and

2.  Authorize the execution of an Interlocal Agreement with Tarrant County in an amount not to exceed $23,000,000.00 for the Construction of Hemphill Street from Lancaster Avenue to West Vickery Boulevard (City Project No. 00141).

The Hemphill Street Connector Project from Lancaster Avenue to Vickery Boulevard will provide a four-lane divided tunnel arterial under IH-30 and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks including a new bridge for the UPRR tracks. Staff is managing the Hemphill project through the Construction-Management-At-Risk (CMAR) delivery method.

Over the next 30 days, Staff is working closely with North Central Texas Council of Governments and funding partners to finalize the project funding plan and commitments for the construction of the Hemphill Street Connector Project. The CMAR will advertise the construction works packages beginning in April 2017 with receipt of bids in May 2017. Staff expects to present an M&C to Council in June setting the Guaranteed Maximum Price for the Project and securing final Council authorization of funding. A notice to proceed will be issued to the CMAR following Council approval.

The Hemphill Street Connector project is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 9, Mapsco 76D and 76H.

This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education:  Tarrant County.