University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Table of Contents A. Project Description ...... 1 Users ...... 1 Transportation Challenges ...... 2 Proposed Statement of Work...... 3 History of the Project ...... 4 University District ...... 5 University District Partnership ...... 6 University District Neighborhood Association ...... 7 University District Development Corporation ...... 7 UALR Participation ...... 7 Coordination with Other Planning Efforts ...... 7 Four Corners Redevelopment Plan...... 8 University Village - studioMAIN ...... 8 STIP...... 8 Campus Planning Team...... 9 Ladders of Opportunity...... 9 B. Project Location ...... 9 C. Project Parties ...... 10 D. Grant Funds and Sources and Uses of Project Funds ...... 12 E. Selection Criteria ...... 13 i. Primary Selection Criteria a. State of Good Repair ...... 14 b. Economic Competitiveness ...... 14 c. Quality of Life ...... 17 Walkability ...... 18 Access ...... 19

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Health Benefits of Walkability ...... 20 Other Benefits of Walkability ...... 20 Improved Transportation Choices ...... 21 d. Environmental Sustainability ...... 22 e. Safety ...... 22 Pedestrian / Bicycle Safety ...... 22 Vehicular Safety ...... 25 Transit Safety ...... 25 ii. Secondary Selection Criteria a. Partnership ...... 26 b. Innovation ...... 27 F. Results of Benefit Cost Analysis ...... 27 G. Project Readiness ...... 28 Technical Feasibility ...... 28 Financial Feasibility ...... 28 Project Schedule...... 29 Required Approvals ...... 29 Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies...... 30 H. Federal Wage Rate Certification ...... 30 I. Appendices ...... 30 Appendix A University District by Census Tracts Appendix B Detailed Project Costs Appendix C Map of Other Redevelopment Efforts Near University District Appendix D Map of Project Area Appendix E Metroplan Board Resolution 15-02 Appendix F University District Partners Appendix G Technical Details of the Benefit-Cost Analysis Appendix G-1 Notes to Benefit-Cost Analysis

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List of Figures Figure 1 University District ...... 6 Figure 2 University Village Apartments ...... 6 Figure 3 University District Neighborhood Association Map ...... , . . . . .7 Figure 4 Mixed Use Option ...... 8 Figure 5 Map of Project Area ...... 10 Figure 6 Road Condition South Campus Entrance ...... 14 Figure 7 Existing Conditions on University Avenue ...... 18 Figure 8 20-Minute Walkshed ...... 18 Figure 9 University Avenue Today ...... 19 Figure 10 University Avenue As Proposed ...... 19 Figure 11 Prevalence of Self-Reported Obesity Among U.S. Adults ...... 20 Figure 12 University Avenue Safety Conditions ...... 23 Figure 13 Pedestrian-Bicycle Crashes Near University District ...... 24 Figure 14 Bus Stop Along University Avenue ...... 26 Figure 15 Poor Transit Conditions For People With Disabilities ...... 26

List of Tables Table 1 University District Economic Distress Identifiers ...... 15

Table 2 Results of Benefit Cost Analysis ...... 28 Table 3 Undiscounted Benefits by Type ...... 28

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A. Project Description

The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project (Project) will enhance safety, multi-modality, quality of life, and economic revitalization of an under-performing urban corridor, providing a ladder of opportunity by fostering vitality and better connections for area residents to job and educational opportunities, while preserving vehicular traffic flows on this critical arterial. To achieve these goals, the Project will improve four intersections (one of which is a major intersection of a state highway and city arterial street), reduce travel lanes on University Avenue from 5 to 4, add a landscaped median, sidewalks, raised pedestrian crossings, bicycle lanes and improve bus safety and accommodations. Additionally, geometric changes will be made along the east and west approaches at Asher Avenue to improve intersection operation and pedestrian safety. Low Impact Development practices will be used where feasible in the design of the streetscape. This transformative project is Phase 1 of a longer-term vision to revitalize all four corners of the University Avenue and Colonel Glenn Avenue / Asher Avenue intersection (the Four Corners) and the University Avenue corridor north of Four Corners to 28th Street. In Phase 1, TIGER funds will be used to change University Avenue from an auto-centric, unattractive roadway dominated by aging strip centers on the west, into a pedestrian-friendly vibrant urban environment that promotes the safety, health and well-being, equity and opportunity, and economic vitality of the area. The Project length corresponds roughly to the western border of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) on the east side of University Avenue. In addition to better connecting the university and mostly low-to-middle income, residential communities to the east with commercial and employment opportunities, the roadway improvements proposed for this stretch of University Avenue will vastly improve safety along University Avenue and stimulate new mixed-use development. The Project will also improve access to the one medical facility in the area (St. Vincent Family Clinic). Users Users of the Project include the 35,000 motorists that travel this portion of University Avenue on a daily basis, plus what is hoped will be a growing number of pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users. Among the users are the 13,000 students, staff and faculty members of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, neighborhood residents, riders of Rock Region Metro who get on or off the buses in this area, and visitors to the Mexican Consulate. The corridor currently does not effectively serve any of these users. Congestion and peak travel delays are the problems for vehicular traffic and safety is a concern for all users. Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are frequent due to congestion. Bicycle traffic is non-existent due to the heavy vehicular traffic and no connections with other safe bicycle facilities. Pedestrian traffic is extremely dangerous due to the design speed of the road which encourages rates of speed much higher (45+ mph) than posted (25 mph), a wide cross-section with right-turn bypass lanes in some places, and a long stretch of road without a protected mid-block crossing. Those individuals in wheelchairs who need to access the bus stop in this location must hop the curb to get to the stop, and amenities for bus riders consist of occasional benches only. University Avenue is a challenging travel environment for all.

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“What we’ve got is a speedway that was built in 1957 and has had relatively little done to it since then. It’s in a state of disrepair. University Avenue is unsafe. It’s an eyesore, and it depresses economic activity in the area.” - UALR Chancellor Joel Anderson

Transportation Challenges A major challenge of the Project is the sheer volume of traffic at the intersection of University Avenue and Asher / Colonel Glenn Avenues. Traffic along University Avenue is in excess of 35,000 vehicles per day. The annual average daily traffic on the segment of Colonel Glenn immediately west of University Avenue is approximately 36,000. For many years, the traffic signal at this location has had the longest cycle in the state. Although these thoroughfares no longer carry a significant amount of intercity traffic as was once the case, all three legs are critical to intracity transportation in this part of Little Rock, so that solutions to improve safety on University Avenue must be weighed to balance pedestrian with vehicular flow. Initial studies by the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute indicated that a system of roundabouts might be a solution for the University Avenue corridor. However, the three-lane roundabout suggested for the University/Asher/Colonel Glenn intersection by the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute is untested in Arkansas, so UALR commissioned a Corridor Study by Jacobs Engineering to use a different modeling software (VISSIM) to see how the roundabouts fared.1 The system of roundabouts, including the three-lane roundabout, did not perform well in VISSIM models, but a single point urban interchange (SPUI) at University/Asher/Colonel Glenn did. However, the SPUI was rejected by stakeholders because of the cost and the continued barrier it would put between north and south University Avenue at this location, defeating the longer term plan to connect the Four Corners into a viable multi- modal commercial center. In the end, to combat the safety problems, encourage multi-modality, and preserve vehicular flow, the one alternative that best achieved the objectives of the Project is relatively simple: A Complete Streets approach in which travel lanes will be reduced from five to four 10’ lanes, with a landscaped median, controlled access, raised pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes on both sides. To ensure that southbound traffic is able to flow, access will be controlled where possible by combining driveways and gaining joint/cross access agreements with property owners on the west side.

1 See comparisons of VISSIM versus other modeling software by Joe G. Bared and Praveen K. Edara (2005). “Simulated Capacity of Roundabouts and Impact of Roundabouts Within a Progressed Signalized Road,” found at http://www.teachamerica.com/Roundabouts/RA057B_ppr_Bared.pdf and David Stanek and Ronald T. Mila (2004). “High Capacity Roundabout Intersection Analysis: Going Around in Circles” found at http://data.ptvamerica.com/docs/RoundaboutPaper.pdf

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Proposed Statement of Work There are four critical intersections along University Ave that will be significantly improved and updated as the major focus of this proposed Phase I of the Project. Following are descriptions of the proposed changes at each intersection:

University /Asher/ Colonel Glenn intersection. Improvements at the south end of the Project at this intersection include geometric changes along the east and west approaches of Asher Avenue / Colonel Glenn to improve intersection operation and pedestrian safety. Currently there are no north and south sidewalks, no sidewalks on the south side, and no pedestrian signals. Planned improvements at the south end include properly sizing the left-turn bays, designing pedestrian refuge areas on the east and west sides of the intersection, adding pedestrian signals, adding access ramps around the intersection, and improving driveways and sidewalks along the north side of Colonel Glenn. Other potential enhancements would include mid-block pedestrian crossings on the east and west legs of the intersections with appropriate signalization.

University Drive / Town & Country intersection. Enhancements at this intersection seek to improve sight distances at the University Drive / Town & Country intersection, an area feared by campus stakeholders for both vehicular and pedestrian reasons (email string). The area is also the site of the planned expansion of the eStem charter school and will have increases from that facility’s traffic by the 2017 school year, further amplifying the need for increased safety. The area is problematic for cars because the left turns are offset and create an occluded area that makes left turns hazardous. The area is problematic for pedestrians because visibility on the east side is also occluded. The proposed pedestrian tables in this location should help to slow traffic and make pedestrians more visible to motorists.

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32nd Street intersection. Currently, this intersection is the main pedestrian crossing for UALR faculty, students and staff accessing the businesses on the west side of University Ave. such as restaurants, parking facilities, and retail and service companies. It needs significant improvement for pedestrian safety. The southbound drivers on University Ave. have a limited sightline as they enter the intersection due to the slope of the road. This intersection is also a primary focus for future development of businesses that will service the UALR population as well as residents in surrounding neighborhoods. The university will be targeting this area for future growth of university facilities as well. Improvements planned in Phase I for this intersection include pedestrian tables, median landings for pedestrians and enhanced signalization. 28th Street intersection. This intersection is the primary northern gateway into the UALR campus. As such, the intersection will be improved to create a focal point for entering the university. Decorative concrete treatment, landscaping and redesigned medians will add to the aesthetics of this entrance zone. As well, improved pedestrian safety will be a focus of the redesign of this intersection due to the current high number of accidents here and the traffic speed around this part of the roadway.

In addition to the proposed improvements listed above for the four major intersections, additional work that will occur along the entire corridor will include landscaped medians, bicycle and transit lanes, sidewalks and mid-block crossings to enhance pedestrian safety. Transit improvements along the roadway include the provision of appropriately placed and designed ADA-accessible bus stops and shelters at eight proposed locations (four sites with stops on each side of roadway). History of the Project University Avenue has not been upgraded since 1957 when the City of Little Rock widened Hayes Street and renamed it University Avenue. The north-south arterial roadway quickly became the focal point for new residential and commercial development in Little Rock. In effect University Avenue became the new “Main Street” for Little Rock. New subdivisions centered on University Avenue attracted thousands of families, providing a market for the city’s first major commercial centers located at the Markham and Asher intersections with University

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Avenue. The shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues at both intersections became major statewide destinations. During the 1960s and 1970s, tens of thousands of people worked, shopped, and dined along University Avenue. UALR made the transition from a small, private college to the major commuter campus of the University of Arkansas System, doubling enrollment to 7,000. However, as Little Rock’s westward growth continued, Interstate 430 became the center of gravity for new residential and commercial development in the 1990s. Growth in the Mid-Town area leveled off, with population growth flat since 1990. Correspondingly, property values University District 2004 stagnated or declined. No major public infrastructure Vision Statement investment took place in the area in two decades. The ratio of homeowner households declined as single-family houses In 2014... were converted to rental properties. Deferred maintenance on much of the residential and commercial buildings The University District is a thriving increased blight in the area, contributing to a higher cultural and entertainment incidence of code violations and nuisance crimes. destination, regarded throughout the city as a neighborhood of choice—a walkable in-town district University District with excellent schools and services, In an effort to address the neighborhood decline, UALR vibrant commercial areas, rich commissioned several study and planning efforts that cultural resources, and connections ultimately led to the development of the University to open space and transit. A mix of District. A large number of partners contributed to the 2004 Vision Statement for the District, and University single-family and higher-density District leaders have been steadily working to implement housing attracts a diverse com- elements of the plan. (All of the studies and planning munity, including many UALR faculty documents can be found at the website and staff who choose to live as well http://ualr.edu/universitydistrict/home/strategicplan/). as work in the district. The university’s presence in the district The original University District planning area encompasses is leveraged into resources for 3.5 square miles. It is framed by Boyle Park and the improving the area: technical Fourche Creek wetlands on the west and south, by urban assistance for small businesses, corridors on the north, and the Oak Forest neighborhood on faculty research linked to emerging the east. Two major arterial streets, University Avenue and companies, improved K-12 schools, Asher Avenue/Colonel Glenn, traverse the University supporting families in the district, District and link it to all major destinations in the metropolitan area. The UALR campus anchors the District. and green space for the community created by the restoration and enhancement of Coleman Creek.

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Figure 1. University District The residential neighborhoods of Fair Park, Broadmoor, Point O’ Woods, College Terrace, University Park, War Memorial, and the western edge of Oak Forest are situated in the University District. These neighborhoods are comprised mainly of single- family houses constructed in the post-World War II period. Older commercial strips line the arterial street corridors in fragmented development and ownership patterns, and older multi-family apartment developments border the commercial areas.

Over the past decade, several buildings have been constructed by individual owners for single purposes, such as banks and franchise restaurants. However, the larger commercial areas have not been modernized, and no new private residential development has occurred. UALR campus development, Figure 2. University Village Apartments including 1,400 units of student housing, has been the primary public investment. University District Partnership The University District Partnership (UDP) was formed to provide the necessary leadership to bring the 2004 Vision to fruition. The UDP has taken the lead in a number of initiatives to benefit the equity and opportunity, health and well-being, economic vitality, and safety of the neighborhood, including preparation of a sidewalk plan for the University District, construction of sidewalks with Community Development Block Grant Funds and Safe Routes to School funding. The UDP works with community partners to encourage residential stability, strengthen neighborhood organizations, emphasize public health and safety for seniors and youth, prevent crime, and serve as an advocate to ensure that developments comply with the University District Revitalization Plan. The UDP also works with area churches on events, including the annual Thanksgiving Festival, sponsored by the Vine and Village CDC, associated with Mosaic Church. It also partners with the Arkansas Interfaith Conference to improve Curran Conway Park and promote events and activities in the park.

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Figure 3. UDNA Map

University District Neighborhoods Association The UDP in collaboration with neighborhood and property owners associations formed the University District Neighborhoods Association (UDNA), which serves as a leadership council representing all of the active neighborhood organizations within the University District. The UDNA provides assistance for community building programs that engage area residents in program planning, project activities and fund raising for community events. The UDNA sponsors the annual National Night Out Celebration, which focuses on community awareness and crime prevention.

University District Development Corporation (UDDC) The UDP formed the University District Development Corporation (UDDC) in 2008. The UDDC is a private non-profit development corporation that is certified as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) by the City of Little Rock and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The UDDC is governed by a 15-member board of directors with one-third from the CHDO area, one-half from the University District neighborhoods and one-fourth from UALR faculty and staff. During the past 5 years, the UDDC has substantially rehabbed 4 houses and constructed 3 new houses and marketed them to first time homebuyers under the HUD Home Investment Partnership Program. In addition, the UDDC repaired 36 owner-occupied single family houses using funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank in Dallas. Through the Growing Healthy Community program, the UDDC has provided garden training to approximately 175 families and provided raised bed gardens to 105 families. Through the GHC Wellness Fair, approximately 500 neighborhood residents have received health screening and qualified for free membership in the UALR fitness center. Finally, through a partnership with AARP Arkansas, the UDDC operated a Community Presence Project that emphasized wellness, socialization and public safety and security for older adults living in the University District. Approximately 250 older adults have benefit from the project activities.

UALR Participation A number of UALR faculty, students and staff have been directly involved with the University District projects, including the UALR Bowen School of Law; School of Social Work; Institute of Government; State Data Center; Health, Human Performance and Sports Management Department; Department of Criminal Justice, UALR Athletics Department, UALR Student Services Department, and student organizations, fraternities and sororities.

Coordination with Other Planning Efforts Other revitalization efforts impacting the University District are the Central Little Rock Promise Neighborhood, which was formed in 2010 through a U. S. Department of Education Promise

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Neighborhood planning grant; the Little Rock Choice Neighborhood formed in 2012 through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development planning grant; and the 12th Street Corridor Project, funded by the City of Little Rock. The map in Appendix C shows how these planning processes are targeting the area east of University Avenue and south of Interstate 630. Several other planning processes in the past several years which have been critical to the development of the University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Project are described below:

Figure 4. Mixed Use Option. Source: AECOM Four Corners Redevelopment Plan The University District Partnership formed the Four Corners Association in 2011. It is made up of businesses and property owners in close proximity to the intersection of University/ Asher / Colonel Glenn Avenues. The Four Corners group participates in development planning for the area and works with community law enforcement officials to improve public safety and security of the area. The 2011 Redevelopment Potential Analysis produced by AECOM focuses on the Four Corners area. This study was conducted to update the previous plans in light of the ever-changing economic landscape and to provide direction for next steps. Key elements of the plan include redesign of the University /Asher / Colonel Glenn intersection and improvement of the streetscapes along all three roadways, as well as other recommendations for commercial, residential and land use changes. Very recent changes in ownership and proposed new developments on the two south corners have given urgency to the current Project. University Village - studioMAIN Vision The University District Partnership continues to work on elements of the previous plans, including redevelopment of the Four Corners. Most recently, though, University District leaders have joined with studioMAIN (a local planning and engineering collaborative) to develop and refine the plan for the University Avenue section in the heart of the District. The planned roadway transformations are critical to the success of the University Village. Key goals of the University Village development are to: 1. Create pedestrian friendly crossings and slow traffic along University Avenue 2. Establish a "campus neighborhood" along the corridor and west side of UALR 3. Create symbolic gateways and enhance the neighborhood surrounding UALR 4. Enhance the economic viability of the business areas by improving transportation access 2016-2020 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) UALR and the University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor planning team worked with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to have the Project included in the 2016-2020 State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The UALR team along with city planning staff

8 will work with the AHTD staff in the lead up to the design and engineering phase of the Project to integrate the project into the overall transportation plans for the area. Campus Planning Team In the spring of 2016, the university convened a University Avenue Planning Team composed of UALR personnel who are involved in various development projects and/or plans of the campus. The projects include future housing developments, a new academic art and design building, new sports facilities, and potential conference and mixed-use space for an innovation center. The goal of the group is to integrate campus planning for the projects near the perimeter of the campus that will be included in or adjacent to the University Avenue corridor.

Ladders of Opportunity U. S. Dept. of Transportation Ladders of Opportunities Initiative emphasizes using transportation investment to build community connections, develop workforce capacity and stimulate neighborhood revitalization. The University Avenue Corridor Complete Streets Revitalization Project achieves these three elements: Connect: As an outdated high-speed thoroughfare, University Avenue is an unsafe and unattractive physical and psychological barrier that limits active movement of people through the University District. The planned improvements will slow the traffic and introduce safe pedestrian crossing and bicycle paths and connect the UALR Campus with the west side commercial areas and neighborhoods. The connections across the aging infrastructure will encourage UALR students, faculty and staff to move freely through the area to study, work, play and learn. Work: UALR is the primary work destination, employing upwards of 2,000 fulltime and part time faculty and staff. Historically, these employees drive in to campus, spend their workday on campus, and drive out toward home. Now, increasing numbers of employees are finding homes in the improving adjacent neighborhoods. The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization project will vastly improve access and movement from home to workplace. Moreover, the transportation investment will generate new businesses and new jobs on the west side of University Avenue. Revitalize: The University District Partnership’s sole purpose is to revitalize the neighborhoods and commercial areas around the UALR campus. University Avenue is the north-south spine that traverses the area. It literally touches every neighborhood and the planned improvements will strengthen existing neighborhoods, making the entire University District a prime destination for social and business activity.

B. Project Location

The Project runs along University Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas, north from the intersection of University Avenue at Asher Avenue/Colonel Glenn to the intersection of 28th Street and University Ave.; to the extent funding allows, additional construction may take place north of 28th Street up to Berkshire to provide a transition into the area. To the south, University Avenue

9 connects to Interstate 30; to the north it connects to Interstate 630. The main intersection at the south end of the Project area (University / Asher / Colonel Glenn Avenues) is also known as the intersection of Arkansas Highway 5 with U.S. Highway 70B and U.S. Highway 67. NORTH SOUTH Latitude : 34°43'51.84"N Latitude : 34°42'52.76"N Longitude: 92°20'30.40"W Longitude: 92°20'34.24"W

Figure 5: Map of Project Area Little Rock is in the center of Arkansas, the largest city in the Little Rock-North Little Rock- Conway MSA. The population of Little Rock is 193,524, with 46.7% white, 42.2% black and 6.8% other. The median income is $44,896.2 The population of the University District, on the other hand is 69.3% black, 25.9% white and 4.6% Hispanic, with a median household income of $27,418.3 C. Project Parties

University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a state-chartered metropolitan research university that provides access to a quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. Home to more than 11,000 students, the UALR campus consists of more than 50 buildings

2 2010 U.S. Census Data. 3 Statistics about the University District compiled by UALR Institute for Economic Advancement (see Appendix A).

10 on 250 tree-covered acres in Little Rock’s midtown area. UALR is a driving force in Little Rock’s thriving cultural community, and is a major component of the city and state’s growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation. UALR is the largest employer in the University District. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UALR hosts a number of outreach efforts, including the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Children International, Institute for Economic Advancement, Institute of Government, Institute on Race and Ethnicity, radio stations KUAR and KLRA, Community Connections Center, MidSOUTH Social Work, University Television, and the University District. The University is the prime mover behind the University Avenue Corridor Plan. The mission of the University District Partnership is to redevelop the areas around the UALR campus in order to create a dynamic urban place and improve the quality of life for all persons who live, work, learn, play, shop, socialize, and worship in the area. Located in the heart of Little Rock and anchored by the UALR campus, the University District includes the homes, workplaces, and schools for thousands of families, workers, business owners, teachers, and students. studioMAIN is a volunteer design collective focused on encouraging collaboration between the creative fields of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Engineering, Urban Design, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Public Art, and the Construction Industries by providing a catalyst-forum for community based design and advocacy. studioMAIN works toward educating the general public about the role and value of good design in their daily lives, and the positive effects good design provides to people, cities, regions, and even ecosystems. A team of ten professionals devoted over 500 hours to preparing the vision for a revitalized University Avenue Corridor. studioMAIN develops opportunities for emerging design and construction professionals to gain hands-on experience through providing pro bono services.

City of Little Rock The City of Little Rock is the Arkansas state capital and the largest city in Arkansas, with a population of 193,524 as of the 2010 Census. It is also the county seat of Pulaski County. Little Rock is a major cultural, economic, government and transportation center within Arkansas, the South and the nation. The City will provide, $2.1 million in TIGER matching funds, the largest portion of the match for the Project. Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department Act 192 of 1977 created the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD), with responsibilities for coordinating public and private transportation activities on the Arkansas State Highway System and implementing a safe and efficient intermodal transportation system. AHTD will provide $600,000 in state funds toward the redevelopment of the University/Asher/Colonel Glenn intersections that is planned as part of the Project on the south end of the project area and has included this project in the 2016-20 STIP list.

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Central Arkansas Water Central Arkansas Water is the largest public drinking water system in Arkansas and an industry leader in water quality, operations, and regulatory compliance. Central Arkansas will relocate 3400’ of a 12” water main as an in-kind contribution to the Project.

University District Neighborhoods Association (UDNA) The UDNA includes the leaders of the active neighborhood organizations within the boundaries of the University District. The UDNA plays an important role to both existing and newly forming neighborhood associations, assisting them in communications strategies. Also, the UDNA reviews public policy issues that have a bearing on neighborhood development in the area. The UDNA meets monthly.

Rock Region Metro Formerly Central Arkansas Transit Authority, Rock Region METRO operates the region’s public transportation system, providing fixed-route bus service in the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock, and express service that links the communities of Sherwood, Maumelle, and Jacksonville with downtown Little Rock. Rock Region METRO also operates the popular River Rail Street Car and Links paratransit. eStem Public Charter Schools eStem Public Charter Schools, Inc., is a non-profit charter school management organization dedicated to improving public education in Arkansas. eStem established eStem Elementary Public Charter School, eStem Middle Public Charter School, and eStem High Public Charter School in downtown Little Rock under a five year charter granted by the Arkansas State Board of Education in December 2007. eStem plans to build a new high school on the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus as part of an innovative partnership to improve student opportunities and boost the state’s economy with classes to begin in the Fall of 2017. During the first year on campus, the high school is expected to grow from 500 high school students to 725 students, with a long-term goal of 1,500 students.

D. Grant Funds and Sources and Uses of Project Funds The total cost for the Project is $14,699,734. Construction and engineering costs are estimated to be $12,395,134. The value of the right-of-way is estimated at $1,304,600. TIGER funds will be used to pay for pre-construction activities including environmental approvals and design. Costs are detailed in Appendix B.

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Uses of Funds Amount Funds % of Total Source of Funds Construction and Engineering $12,395,134 $2,100,000 14 City of Little Rock $600,000 4 AHTD $9,695,134 66 TIGER Funds ROW Acquisition $1,304,600 $1,304,600 9 UALR In-Kind Donation Water line Relocation $1,000,000 $1,000,000 7 Central Arkansas Water $14,699,734 $14,699,734 100

Total local match is 34% of the total project cost. The federal funding requested is 66% of the total cost. The match documentation is linked below: The City of Little Rock (documentation) The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department (documentation) Central Arkansas Water (documentation) UALR right-of-way (documentation). UALR wall value in right-of-way (documentation). UALR is donating most of the right-of-way for the Project. With regard to other purchases of right-of-way that may be necessary, for any person(s) whose real property interests will be impacted by this proposed Project, whether donated or purchased, the acquisition of those property interests will comply fully with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 as amended. All impacted owners will be provided notification of the intent to acquire an interest in their property, including a written offer letter of just compensation specifically describing those property interests. A right-of-way specialist will be assigned to each property owner to assist him or her with this process. E. Selection Criteria

The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project is a transformative Project that will achieve many of the goals of USDOT, as illustrated by the graphic here. This transformation will start with the figurative removal of the University Avenue barrier to safe pedestrian and transit access. This Project uses walkability as the means to prime redevelopment of the University District, and connect people to jobs and training opportunities available at UALR.

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In this economically distressed area, improving access to opportunities available on both sides of University Avenue will boost the success of area residents. Aspects of the Project, like proposed transit improvements, will have an even broader impact. The enhanced amenities along University such as bus shelters and ADA-accessible stops will increase ridership and facilitate much-needed expansion in the economically distressed southwest part of Little Rock.

Figure 6. Road Condition South Campus Entrance i. Primary Selection Criteria CamEntrEntranceEntranceEntrance a. State of Good Repair Although, the City of Little Rock maintains the University Avenue roadway, its age-related obsolescence, repeated overlays and utility cuts, and damaged drainage culverts steadily erode its condition. In addition, streetlights, which are located in the middle of the asphalt median are occasionally hit by cars, resulting in several of the light poles not being replaced. The roadway is a hazard to both vehicles and pedestrians in its present condition. New construction is the only effective solution to the obsolete and damaged roadway. TIGER funds, combined with City of Little Rock funds, will not only change the street to a more walkable environment, but will allow more effective street maintenance. As the environment in this area becomes friendly to pedestrians and bus riders, vehicular traffic will calm, putting less stress on the roadway. Additionally, Central Arkansas Water will replace aging water lines as a result of this Project. In recent years, water lines have failed under other parts of University Avenue, causing major problems with vehicular traffic. The new lines will help to ensure this portion of University Avenue is reliable for all users.

b. Economic Competitiveness As documented with Table 1, the University District is in an economically distressed area, part of an even larger economically distressed area in Little Rock that has been the subject of many plans and projects to provide ladders of economic opportunity for those who live, work and go to school in the area.4

4 HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant (Imagine Central Arkansas), HUD Choice Neighborhood (Central Little Rock Promise Neighborhood), City of Little Rock 12th Street Corridor Project.

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Table 1. Economic Distress Identifiers: Pulaski County Census Tracts 18, 19, and 21.02: 2009-2013

Measure Dollars

Per Capita Personal Income

United States $28,155

80% of United States $22,524

Tracts 18, 19, and 21.02 $15,736

Unemployment Rate

United States 9.6 Source: American Community Tracts 18, 19, and 21.02 16.7 Survey 2009-2013

The University District serves a number of populations that would benefit from the enhanced multi-modal connections that will be furthered by the Project. In addition to the university, the area houses the Mexican Consulate and the Little Rock Islamic Center is nearby. The university population itself includes a number of students with disabilities who would otherwise have difficulties accessing not only needed services, but difficulties getting to work and performing regular life activities like going to the grocery store. Although there are some ethnic markets in the area, the only full grocery store in the entire University District is the Kroger on Asher University, a third of a mile from the Asher & University intersection and even farther from most of the residential neighborhoods in the District. Because of the long intervals between buses (30 minutes, in most cases) and the hazards of walking in this area, the trip to the grocery store itself is a major economic barrier. The Project will help to connect both sides of University Avenue and increase access to not just the services and retail opportunities on the west side, but to broader services and opportunities throughout Central Arkansas because of the improved transit service offered by the Project. The Complete Streets approach offered by the Project will provide more of the critical first-and last- mile connections to transit stops and improve the overall connectivity of the transportation network, which is vital for the households in the area without access to cars. This is not only an economic benefit for businesses in the area, but a quality of life benefit. Data on the economic performance of Complete Streets retrofits is highly place-specific, but a recent report by Smart Growth America5 documented the results of five redesigns:  West Jefferson, NC: 10 new business openings and 55 new jobs, 14% increase in visitors  Lancaster, CA: 96% increase in retail sales  Normal, IL: 46% increase in retail sales

5 Smart Growth America (2015). Safer Streets, Stronger Economies: Complete Streets Project Outcomes From Across the Country.

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 Raleigh, NC: 42% increase in retail sales  New York City (Columbus Avenue): 20% increase in retail sales

It is therefore expected that the Complete Streets retrofit of the University Avenue Corridor will encourage retail investment in the area and provide similar economic benefits. The commercial strip on the west side of the University Avenue corridor includes mostly aging, obsolete structures not conducive to current marketing and merchandising approaches. Real estate developers are reticent to redevelop the strip because the relatively low commercial rents will not support financing improvements. The Complete Streets design approaches will greatly improve safety, attractiveness and access to new business development in the corridor. As the primary destination in the area, UALR is leveraging its economic influence as it acquires property and builds facilities on the east side of the roadway south past the University Avenue/Asher Avenue/Col. Glenn Road Intersection. All told, UALR has invested approximately $40 million in the area south of campus, which can be leveraged by the TIGER Grant to stimulate new private development. In addition, and in anticipation of the roadway improvements, new owners are updating strip centers and big box buildings for adaptive reuse. Approximately $10 million has been invested in upgrades to the Village Shopping Center and the adaptive reuse of the former K Mart store for a church and large fitness center. The southern part of the University District is beginning to turn around.6 Retail jobs, though, typically do not command the kind of salary that becomes a ladder of economic opportunity, so what will the Project do to entice those better paying jobs to the area? Recent experience with the location of the Little Rock Tech Park proved that some believe a more downtown, walkable, urban feel is desirable to the location of technical industries, so the University Corridor Complete Streets retrofit is a step in the right direction to help transform the grayfields in this area into a better draw for such jobs. With a safe and pedestrian friendly corridor, UALR can consider moving some of its academic and research programs to the west side of University Avenue. UALR is seeking federal grants to fund an Innovation Center, and is considering a site in the Broadmoor Shopping Center, which is across University Avenue from the UALR Engineering and Information Technology College. The Innovation Center will provide incubator space for start-up enterprises commercializing research and technology developed by students and faculty of UALR’s Engineering and Information Technology College. EIT students provide a natural workforce for those firms that would choose to take advantage of relatively inexpensive land and a more walkable, livable place in which to build. In addition to the proposed Innovation Center development, UALR will be the site of new high school facilities to be developed by eStem Public Charter Schools. Within two years, eStem will relocate its 11th and 12th grades from downtown Little Rock to Larsen Hall, a UALR facility adjacent to University Avenue. Within 4 years, eStem plans to construct new facilities on 28th street for its’ 9th and 10th grade students. Within 4 years, approximately 1,400 eStem high school

6The current reinvestment on the south end of the project is a factor to consider when it comes to estimating net benefits; however, the fact that the University Avenue Corridor itself is currently NOT experiencing a similar resurgence makes that task easier.

16 students will be attending class either on or adjacent to the UALR Campus. The eStem development will leverage UALR’s presences as a major destination within Little Rock and Central Arkansas, increasing markets for retail, restaurants and other businesses. Employment in general has been boosted in eleven Complete Streets Projects, as documented by the Smart Growth America study referenced above. In seven of the eleven projects, employment increased during the study period, in some cases outperforming citywide averages. In one case, employment in the corridor grew 64% compared to the 3% citywide growth. Higher property values and private investment accompanied eight of the ten Projects. In one case, property values increased 111%! The Project will provide additional economic benefits by providing a viable alternative to driving a car. Walking and bicycling will become much more desirable, providing the last-mile transit connection to more destinations; when coupled with the new jobs and businesses that will hopefully be enticed to locate in the University District, the burden of car ownership may no longer be necessary. c. Quality of Life A number of livable developments have been built in Central Arkansas recently, starting with the River Market District in Downtown Little Rock, and spreading out to the Argenta area in North Little Rock and the South Main district, and beyond. Leaders of the University Village Project have proven track records with initiatives like these, and they hope to spread the movement to the University Avenue Corridor, especially by providing more affordable and convenient transportation choices for the people who live, work, study and play in the area. As it stands now, the commercial corridor of the University District is anything BUT livable; with the exception of the park-like UALR campus, the area is a vast grayfield. As shown in Figure 7, sidewalks are few and interrupted, curb cuts are frequent, and vehicular speeds are well above posted limits so that walking is a perilous practice and bicycling is non-existent. The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project will provide the public investment needed to encourage the privately funded investment to boost quality of life here.

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Figure 7. Existing Conditions on University Avenue

Walkability Currently, Walk Score rates the University District portion of University Avenue as a “somewhat walkable” 62, based primarily on the location of amenities. However, those who live, work, and go to school in the area might not be so generous, given the actual conditions on the ground, as seen in images throughout this document. The 20-minute walkshed for the area shown in Figure 8 encompasses a number of destinations, but most people are unwilling to take the risk of walking. Additionally, elements that lead people to enjoy and thereby extend their walks are not present. The re-envisioned University Avenue incorporates the characteristics necessary to achieve walkability, shown by the before (Figure 9) and after (Figure 10) images below.

Figure 8. 20-Minute Walkshed (walkscore.com)

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Figure 9. University Avenue Today

Figure 10. University Avenue as Proposed

UALR will work with the City of Little Rock and business owners on the west side to adopt the appropriate land use, zoning, and other regulatory changes necessary to complete the more pedestrian-friendly form.

Access One key consideration not mentioned to this point is that 12% of the 4,797 households in the census tracts that include the University District do not own a car (Appendix A). Providing reliable non-motorized transportation for these residents is key to their economic survival. The changes afforded by the Project will create affordable and convenient transportation choices.

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Health Benefits of Walkability

Figure 11.

In a state that consistently ranks near the bottom on health indicators (see Figure 11), especially obesity and its accompanying conditions like heart disease and diabetes,7 the benefits that will come from making University Avenue more walkable are invaluable. One study shows that of people with safe places to walk within ten minutes of home, 43% achieve recommended activity levels, compared with 27% of those who do not have safe places to walk.8 Public health professionals view boosting walkability for both utilitarian and recreational trips as an important strategy to help fight the obesity epidemic. In their meta-analysis of walkability studies, Shay, Spoon and Khattack (2003) point out that the factors that influence walking activity can be divided into opportunity (external) factors and personal motivation (internal) factors. External factors like distance, cost (time and money to travel), along with infrastructure factors like the presence and condition of pedestrian facilities, access (proximity to destinations), connectivity, transportation alternatives and street lighting are elements of the University Avenue Corridor Project that can reasonably be expected to increase the number of walkers and the amount of time they walk, AND increase their health benefits. Other Benefits of Walkability A large body of literature discusses means to quantify the benefits of walkability, beginning with its general economic benefits. For example, a 10-point increase in Walk Score increases commercial property values from 5-8%.9 Another study found that walkability tends to increase home values, and found that a one-point increase in Walk Score is associated with an increase of $700-$3,000 on home values (depending on the market). The home’s value increases even more

7 Arkansas is ranked 50 out of 50 by America’s Health Rankings (http://www.americashealthrankings.org/all/obesity) and 8 ECU 2004b. Physical Activity Facts and Figures, College of Health & Human Performance, East Carolina University (www.ecu.edu); at www.ecu.edu/picostcalc/pdf_file/FactsandFigures.pdf. 9 State of Health: Safety, Health and Economic Vitality in Arkansas.

20 dramatically if the Walk Score goes from average to above average, with an increase of $4,000 to $34,000, depending on the metro area.10 Then there are user savings that accrue from not having to operate a car: The average annual cost of operating a car is $8,220, while using Central Arkansas Transit costs $432, operating a bicycle costs $308 and walking is free. Some studies consider the equity costs associated with the huge expense of operating a car to the detriment of the poor, and how this limits their ability to find and get to jobs. With the per capita income of residents of the University District a mere $15,736, the expense of owning and operating a car does not leave much for housing and food, not to mention other necessities like clothing and medical care. Another benefit is prevention of the social isolation experienced by the elderly. Additionally, many elderly people are simply homebound and can not get to needed services like a doctor’s appointment or the grocery. Aging in Place - Arkansas reports that 85% of seniors polled are not able to walk to a doctor’s appointment, 72% cannot walk to the bank, and 68% cannot walk to the grocery. This is not because they are unable to walk, but because the pedestrian facilities do not exist. Improved Transportation Choices The University District has been identified by Rock Region METRO as an area ready for more transit investment based on current and growing demand and need. The METRO bus stop on Midtown Avenue just north of the district and I-630 is one of the most popular transfer stops within the agency’s system and is the point where several lines serve University Avenue southbound toward the district. Two of these five routes, Routes 16 and 21, serve the UALR campus directly, with Routes 14, 17 and 22 serving areas on the campus perimeters. Together, these routes accounted for 583,467 riders in 2015, which represents 23 percent of the total system ridership for that year. The portion of the riders in that corridor who received discounted fares in 2015 is 75,850, representing 13 percent of the total ridership for the University District routes.11

The proposed roadway design for University Avenue creates a more pedestrian- and commuter- friendly environment, increasing access to transit and reducing the prevailing traffic speed, which reduces the likelihood of bus-vehicle collisions. A walk-friendly environment has been proven to support transit use, encouraging pedestrians to feel safe walking along the road and crossing the street to access bus stops. The proposed design allows the bus to travel more safely along the roadway and provides locations conducive to transit stops. Tactics to speed up transit

10 Joseph Cortright (2009). Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Housing Values in U.S. Cities. 11 Data from year end statics for 2015; yearly ridership has remained steady for the last three years.

21 service along the corridor, and therefore make it more appealing, include signal priority and right lane bus queue jumps, or special lanes at intersections that allow a bus to move to the front of stopped traffic. Ideally, these practices would be applied to the 28th Street, 32nd Street and University Campus Drive intersections where open bus bays at the west side of the intersection would serve as the bus boarding area. The intersection at Asher and University Avenues could also be used for a bus priority lane to serve the bus stop there.

The proposed University Avenue roadway changes will also have environmental and financial benefits. The street enhancements will provide a more transit-friendly, walkable neighborhood, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gases by creating more viable transportation alternatives for residents and commuters. The enhanced bus service would serve the 12,377 UALR riders with significant savings. The average yearly cost of car ownership in Arkansas is $10,972, versus riding the bus to campus for $360 per year on a UALR corporate pass.12 d. Environmental Sustainability This Project will drastically increase the number of street trees and plant life along University Avenue, providing many benefits. The street trees will help reduce the urban heat island effect by providing cool shade over paved roadways. The trees and plants will filter the air and reduce air pollution. Low Impact Development techniques will be incorporated into the streetscape where possible to help capture storm water and reduce runoff and to filter / infiltrate the water and improve water quality. The trees and plantings will also provide aesthetic benefits, drastically improving the appearance of the roadway. The trees will provide shade for walkers, thereby enticing more of them into the more enjoyable area. The trees and plantings will also provide a buffer for pedestrians, protecting them from vehicular traffic. Some air quality benefits may result from the Project due to reduced speeds that will result from some of the traffic calming methods. e. Safety Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Figure 12, below, illustrates adverse conditions on University Avenue that confront pedestrians and persons with disabilities daily. Metroplan statistics presented below Figure 12 bear out the dangerous environment that the roadway presents to all users.

12 Current student rate plan offered by Rock Region METRO, www.rrmetro.org

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Figure 12. University Avenue Safety Conditions

The comprehensive analysis of Central Arkansas bicycle and pedestrian crashes done by Metroplan13 in 2015 found that two of the primary intersections in the Project area (32nd Street/University Ave. and University Ave./Asher Ave.) were in the Top 7 intersections with highest number of pedestrian crashes in Central Arkansas for the period 2004-2013. The Colonel Glenn corridor had the 3rd highest rate of bicycle/pedestrian crashes (43) combined for that same time period, and the Asher Ave. corridor had the 10th highest rate (18). Figure 13 illustrates the most recent crash data available for the University District area. The figure shows that both bicycle and pedestrian crashes are common.

13 http://www.metroplan.org/files/53/2015Ped-BikeCrashAnalysis.pdf

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Figure 13. Pedestrian / Bicycle Crashes Near University District (Source: Metroplan) Bicycle crashes, though, are relatively few because of the perils of riding around the University District--no one rides this section. The City of Little Rock 2011 Master Bicycle Plan shows south of the Asher intersection as a designated bike route, with the Coleman Creek Greenway the primary north-south bike route along the rest of the Project area. Boyle Park is the nearest designated bike route that serves the businesses and neighborhoods west of University Ave. This Project will help provide safer access to these areas. As a result of the death of a faculty member walking across University at 32nd, in 2004 UALR convened a pedestrian safety committee. The group made recommendations (2011 update) for safety that have been implemented over time; however, the problems associated with the 28th and University Avenue, and Campus Drive/Town & Country and University Avenue have not been satisfactorily addressed to date. The Complete Streets elements proposed by this Project are intended to reduce or eliminate some of these problems. Planned overall improvements include narrowing University Avenue from five to four 10’ lanes to reduce speeds and thereby promote increased safety for pedestrians. The

24 installation of raised pedestrian tables at each crossing may reduce the number of pedestrian crashes as much as 45%. Additionally, University Drive / Town & Country intersection has been singled out for specific improvements that will increase sight distances. Campus stakeholders fear this intersection for both vehicular and pedestrian reasons (email string). The area is problematic for cars because the left turns are offset and create an occluded area that makes left turns hazardous. The area, which experienced the third highest rate of pedestrian crashes in Central Arkansas for 2001- 2010, is problematic for pedestrians because visibility on the east side is also occluded. The proposed pedestrian tables in this location should help to slow traffic and make pedestrians more visible to motorists. Additionally, new lighting will be provided along University Avenue, to make walking safer. Vehicular Safety As the above discussion about the University Drive / Town & Country intersection illustrates, pedestrian and bicycle crashes are not the only safety concerns along University Avenue; vehicular crashes are also frequent. An analysis of the most recent data from 2009-201214 found that the majority of crashes are rear-end or angle crashes, with rear-end crashes frequently involving three cars. Most crashes are property damage only, but the 28th / Broadmoor and University area experiences a mix of more severe crashes (2 “incapacitating injury,” 3 “non- incapacitating injury,” and 4 “possible injury”). Each intersection has its own unique challenges that will be addressed by the final design, but the overall severity of many of the crashes will be mitigated somewhat by the reduced and more regular speeds along the entire corridor as a result of the Project. Transit Safety Transit safety is a problem for bus riders in this area because of the high rates of speed from cars that travel University Avenue and the possibility of collisions with stopping buses. Also, the existing stops are not set up to facilitate access for persons with disabilities. In some cases, the bus stop is simply that--a stop, with no landing pad for wheelchairs, as illustrated below in Figure 14 (as captured by Google Earth).

14 Arkansas State Police, Vehicle Crash Data for Pulaski County.

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Figure 14. Bus Stop Along University Avenue

In Figure 15, also captured by Google Earth, a man using a wheelchair crosses University Avenue to the bus stop area on the opposite side of the street. The proposed Project will drastically improve the safety of bus stops from 28th to Asher / Colonel Glenn.

Figure 15. Poor Transit Conditions for People With Disabilities ii. Secondary

a. Partnership A diverse and representative group of Little Rock stakeholders birthed the University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project in December, 2012. UALR Chancellor Joel

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Anderson invited a consulting team from the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute to convene a 3-day workshop at which neighborhood representatives, UALR faculty and staff, business and professional leaders, state and local government officials, non-profit agency staffers, real estate owners and developers, and local business operators laid out the concept for the roadway improvements. The workshop was funded by UALR, the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County Government, AARP Arkansas, and the University District Development Corporation. As evidenced by the letters of support for this application, and the funding partners, the community has persisted for four years in bringing forth this project for 2016 TIGER funding. To be certain, other financing efforts have been made before and failed, but each iteration of project plans and budgets strengthens the resolve of the partners to see it happen. The local funding partners for this 2016 TIGER Grant include UALR, a public university; the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, a constitutionally independent state agency; the Central Arkansas Water System, a multi-county urban water system, and the City of Little Rock, a general purpose local government. The project faced fierce competition for scarce local resources, but has prevailed because the importance of rebuilding University Avenue and applying Complete Streets principles is embraced by the community at large and the immediate surrounding neighborhoods. A list of community partners is included as Appendix F. b. Innovation The City of Little Rock adopted its Complete Streets Policy in 2015, which was recently recognized as one of the nation’s best by Smart Growth America. The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization Project will be the first major arterial roadway to be constructed under the newly adopted policy. Nationally, Complete Streets concepts are hardly new, but applying them in Little Rock, Arkansas, under the new policy on a major historical thoroughfare is certainly innovative. Through this project, the community has an opportunity to apply new technologies in roadway design, intersection operations, transit service and facilities, and mixed-use urban planning concepts. University Avenue was constructed in 1957, over what had been a country gravel road. Hardly anything formative has changed on the roadway in the almost 60 years since it was constructed. The community can expect the new roadway to endure for at least half a century, so stakeholders are correct to focus on applying sustainable, modern concepts and approaches to the project.

F. Results of Benefit-Cost Analysis A benefit-cost analysis conforming to the requirements of OMB Circulars A-4 and A-94 was performed. The benefit-cost ratio and net present value were calculated for a 20 year project life using both the 3 and 7% discount rate. A favorable benefit-cost ratio was attained with both discount rates as shown in Table 2. (The Jacobs Engineering analysis used for the Benefit-Cost Analysis included a roundabout at 28th Street. However, pedestrian safety concerns led to the elimination of the roundabout in the final plan in favor of a signalized intersection.)

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Table 2. Results of Benefit Cost Analysis

7% Discount Rate 3% Discount Rate Total Discounted Benefits $37,662,806 $54,917,742 Total Discounted Costs $15,658,454 $16,063,396 Net Present Value $22,004,352 $38,854,346 Benefit/Cost Ratio 2.41 3.42

Appendix G contains the technical details of the benefit-cost analysis. (An Excel spreadsheet version of Appendix G is located in the attachments to the grant.) Appendix G-1 contains the notes on the benefit-cost analysis. Total benefits by category (undiscounted) over the 20 years of the project life include: Table 3. Undiscounted Benefits by Type Benefit Amount Over 20 Years Health Benefits from Active Transportation $9,452,350 Reduced Transportation Costs $20,720,020 Benefits of Street Trees $835,280 Crash Reduction & Safety Benefits - Scenario 2 $38,822,192 Economic Competitiveness Benefits $6,108,450 Total Benefits $75,938,292

G. Project Readiness Technical Feasibility Design of the Project will take place after funds are awarded and an engineer is under contract. The Project’s conceptual design has been prepared to assume that the Project will take place in existing right-of-way or on right-of-way donated by UALR. Given that fact, the NEPA process is estimated to take little time because the Project is expected to receive a Categorical Exclusion. Cost estimates included in the proposal were identified through the University Ave. Corridor study conducted by the Jacobs Engineering firm in June 2015; the firm generated their cost estimates for Phase I project elements by examining the conceptual designs of the studioMAIN plans and comparing them to actual recent projects completed in central Arkansas. Contingency levels were determined by the industry standard of a percent of the total cost of projects of similar nature. Financial Feasibility The bulk of match funding for this Project will come from the City of Little Rock, combined with in-kind funding from Central Arkansas Water for replacement of the water main, state funds from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and the donation of right-of-way from UALR. Current Project limits are from the University Ave./Asher Ave./ Colonel Glenn

28 intersection north to 28th Street, but if the Project expenditures allow, the limit will be extended north of 28th Street to Berkshire Drive and south to Falls Drive (First Tee entrance) to allow for a transition zone for the Project. UALR will manage the Project. The Office of Research and Sponsored Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock annually manages a federal grant portfolio in excess of $45 million. Grants come from a range of departments including the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Science Foundation among others. The Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at UALR oversees the Facilities Management Division of the university. The Facilities Management Division is staffed by professionals with varying engineering, construction and design backgrounds and skills. All university construction projects are managed by the staff of Facilities Management, including the construction of major academic facilities and campus infrastructure and roadway projects. When necessary, the campus staff members interact and collaborate with the engineering and planning staffs at the state level and the City of Little Rock level when projects abut state and/or city property. The most current construction project underway at UALR is the engineering and design phase of the $20 million Center for Applied Design and Art. Project Schedule April 29, 2016 TIGER Application Due October 15, 2016 TIGER Grants Awarded November 30, 2016 FHWA/AHTD clearance given for engineer RFQs to go out March 5, 2017 Selection of Engineer August 1, 2017 Engineering consultant under contract to do environmental & design November 30, 2017 Draft NEPA Document March 20, 2018 Final NEPA Document May 15, 2018 ROW defined, begin acquisition process, if necessary September 15, 2018 Design completed October 30, 2018 Preliminary obligation process completed December 1, 2018 Bid project March 31, 2019 Select contractor and finalize contract

Required Approvals The proposed Phase I work is all planned to occur within the existing right of way of the street or on land owned by UALR which would be donated as a contribution to the Project. NEPA permitting is not expected on the project since it is anticipated that it will be a Categorical Exclusion. On April 27, 2016 the Board of Metroplan, the MPO for the Little Rock-North Little Rock- Conway MSA, voted to amend the CARTS FY 2017. Transportation Improvement Program to include this Project as an illustrative project. A copy of the resolution is attached in Appendix E. UALR and the University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor planning team worked with the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department to have the Project included in the 2016-2020 State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The UALR team along with city planning staff

29 will work with the AHTD staff in the lead up to the design and engineering phase of the Project to integrate the project into the overall transportation plans for the area. The project is on the list as part of the Central Arkansas Regional Transportation Study (CARTS) as noted above.

Assessment of Project Risks and Mitigation Strategies The University Avenue Complete Streets Corridor Revitalization project faces similar risks as any other major capital improvement project in a small urban area. State, local and federal agencies as well as property owners, utility companies, business operators and neighborhood residents will have to work together to complete the project. Representatives of all of these groups have participated in the public planning discourse that resulted in this proposal. The same parties are prepared to work together to complete the project. This spirit of cooperation is evidenced by Central Arkansas Water quickly identifying an aging 12-inch water main in the west side of the roadway and making a commitment to replace the water main at its expense. Also, UALR has agreed to provide right of way for the project, even at the cost of demolition of a decorative, but substantial campus fence, which was constructed years ago in an attempt to direct student pedestrians to cross at signalized intersections. UALR, the City of Little Rock, and residents of the University District are ready to complete this project and will work closely together to mitigate any unforeseen risks.

H. Federal Wage Rate Certification

The applicant certifies that UALR will comply with the requirements of Subchapter IV of Chapter 31, of Title 40 United States Code (federal wage rate requirement) as required by the FY 2016 Appropriations Act. The university’s federal wage certification letter is linked here. I. Appendices

Appendix A University District by Census Tracts Appendix B Detailed Project Costs Appendix C Map of Other Redevelopment Efforts Near University District Appendix D Map of Project Area Appendix E Metroplan Board Resolution Appendix F University District Partners Appendix G Technical Details of the Benefit-Cost Analysis (An Excel spreadsheet version of Appendix G is included in the grant attachments.) Appendix G-1 Notes to Benefit-Cost Analysis

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