Title
Approval to Apply for 2014 City Safety Program Grant
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) was informed of the upcoming grant application at its June 25 meeting and had no additional comments.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for a project in the 2014 City Safety Program. If the City receives grant funding, 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 the 2014 City Safety Program grant.
Staff Contact:
Randy Wesselman, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8477
Presenter(s):
None. Consent 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).
The purpose of the City Safety Program is to reduce fatal and serious injury collisions by constructing infrastructure safety improvements. To be eligible for these funds the City must address at least one fatal or serious injury collision from 2008-2012.
The Program has two focus areas:
1. Spot Location Program, $25 million is available for projects statewide (projects at intersections, mid-block locations, or on corridors).
2. Systematic Program, $12 Million is available for projects statewide (low-cost, widespread, risk-based projects in the entire city or over wide areas in the city). Maximum of $1 Million available per agency.
Staff proposes to submit an application for funding under the Spot Location Program. The Pacific Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Improvements project would install:
· Pedestrian activated flashing beacons;
· Crosswalks;
· Signing; and
· Curb access ramps.
These improvements would be installed at the intersections of Pacific Avenue and Devoe Street, and Pacific Avenue and Lansdale Road.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The pedestrian crossing improvements on Pacific Avenue at Devoe Street and Lansdale Road are identified in the City's Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Program and are included in the 2014-2019 Capital Facilities Plan. Several public requests have been made for pedestrian crossing improvements at these intersections.
Options:
1. Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for a project in the 2014 City Safety Program. If the City receives grant funding, authorize the City Manager to sign the necessary documents allowing the City to spend the grant funds. Receiving these grant funds would advance priority pedestrian crossing improvement projects identified in the City's Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Program. Preparation of the grant application requires staff time with no assurance of receiving the grant.
2. Provide guidance on other projects to submit for the 2014 City Safety Program grant. This will advance other transportation safety needs. Preparation of the grant application requires staff time with no assurance of receiving the grant.
3. Direct staff not to apply for grants funds in the 2014 City Safety Program. The City's ability to address identified transportation safety needs is slowed. This requires no staff time to complete the grant application.
Financial Impact:
This is a preliminary cost estimate and will be updated for the grant application.
Pacific Avenue Pedestrian Crossing Improvements Grant Request: $148,500
Match (10%): $ 16,500
Project Total: $165,000