Title
Approval to Apply for Transportation Grant Opportunities
Issue:
Request approval to pursue grant funds for priority transportation projects.
Committee Recommendation:
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) discussed the proposed sidewalk grant proposals and concur with these recommendations.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for projects in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program and the Transportation Improvement Board Sidewalk Program.
Staff Contact:
Randy Wesselman, Transportation Engineering and Planning Manager, 753-8477
Background and Analysis:
Each year, staff looks for federal and state grant opportunities to stretch City dollars and help complete priority projects in the Capital Facilities Plan. Proposals have been developed for three upcoming grant opportunities:
Pedestrian and Bicycle Program
· West Bay Drive sidewalk from Brawne Avenue to Schneider Hill Road
· Eastside Street/22nd Avenue Sidewalk from Boulevard Road to Cain Road
· Fern Street sidewalk from 9th Avenue to Cambridge Court Apartments
These projects include a pedestrian and bicycle encouragement and safety education element to be implemented in coordination with Intercity Transit.
Transportation Improvement Board Sidewalk Program
· Fern Street sidewalk from 9th Avenue to Cambridge Court Apartments (this project does not include an encouragement and education element).
Attachment 1 is a more detailed description of the grant programs and the proposed projects.
These grant proposals are in addition to Safe Routes to School grant opportunities reviewed by City Council in April 2012 and the City Safety Program reviewed in October 2011.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Neighborhoods were not specifically consulted on these grant proposals. These sidewalk projects were identified in the 2003 Sidewalk Program, which neighborhoods had the opportunity to review and provide comment. Multiple public requests have been made for sidewalks on West Bay Drive, Eastside Street/22nd Avenue and Fern Street.
If approved:
· Projects in the Parks and Pathways Sidewalk Program can proceed on schedule or with less delay, depending on the grants received.
If denied:
· Projects in the Parks and Pathways Sidewalk Program will proceed at a pace that is based on the existing funding: West Bay Drive in 2013-2014; Eastside Street/22nd Avenue built in phases from 2015-2020; and Fern Street likely beyond 2020.
Options:
1. Authorize staff to submit grant funding applications for the projects recommended by staff and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
2. Provide guidance on other projects to submit for grant funding in these programs.
3. Direct staff not to apply for grant funds in these programs.
Financial Impact:
Project Grant Request Match Match Source Total Project Cost
West Bay Drive Sidewalk $ 861,840 $2,010,960 Parks and Pathways Program $2,872,800
Eastside St/22nd Sidewalk $1,020,000 $ 680,000 (40%) Parks and Pathways Program $1,700,000
Fern St. Sidewalk Proposal
for Ped and Bike Safety
Grant $ 327,000 $ 218,000 (40%) Parks and Pathways Program $ 545,000
Fern St. Sidewalk Proposal
for TIB Sidewalk $ 269,280 $ 179,520 (40%) Parks and Pathways Program $ 448,800