Title
Approval to Apply for 2015 Federal Transportation Alternatives Program Grant Opportunity
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) reviewed the proposed project in 2014 and supported the recommendation to apply for grant funding at that time. They have not reviewed this specific proposal due to time constraints and the deadline to apply for the grant.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for the Fern Street Sidewalk Project in the 2015 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). If the City receives grant funding for this project, authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary documents allowing the City to spend the grant funds.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to apply for a federal grant program with the Thurston Regional Planning Council, 2015 Transportation Alternatives Program.
Staff Contact:
Randy Wesselman, Transportation Engineering and Planning Manager, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8477
Presenter(s):
None. Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Each year, staff looks for federal and state grant opportunities to make City dollars go further to complete priority projects in the Capital Facilities Plan (CFP).
Thurston Regional Planning Council (TRPC) will allocate TAP funds to projects that support objectives of the Regional Transportation Plan, reiterated by Sustainable Thurston. Historically, TRPC has looked most favorably on using this funding source for bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs.
The total funding for the TAP is $302,000 for priority regional projects. The City uses existing local funding as match-to-leverage grants in order to be more competitive. A 13.5% local match is required for this grant program. Applications are due by April 3, 2015.
The Fern Street Sidewalk Project, from 9th Avenue to 1105 Fern Street, will be submitted for TAP funding. See attachment for a more detailed description of the proposed project.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Fern Street Sidewalk is identified in the 2003 Sidewalk Program and is listed in the Parks & Pathways Sidewalk Program in the CFP. The City has received several public requests asking for a sidewalk on this street.
Options:
1. Authorize staff to apply for the Fern Street Sidewalk Project in the 2015 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). If the City receives grant funding for this project, authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary documents allowing the City to spend the grant funds.
2. Direct staff not to apply for grant funds in the Transportation Alternatives Program. The Fern Street sidewalk will remain on the CFP project list until future funding can be identified.
Financial Impact:
This is a preliminary cost estimate and may be updated to meet the requirements of the grant application.
Fern Street Sidewalk Grant Request: $302,000
Match (41%): $212,000
Project Total: $514,000
Match of $212,000 will come from the Parks and Pathways Sidewalk Program.
Attachment:
TAP Program Project