Title
Approval of Six-year Transportation Improvement Program and Adoption of Resolution
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
· Hold the Public Hearing.
· After close of testimony, move to approve the 2015-2020 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and adopt the resolution.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council should approve the Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and approve a resolution to adopt the 2015-2020 TIP.
Staff Contact:
David Smith, Transportation Project Engineering, Public Works Department, 360.753.8496
Presenter(s):
David Smith, Transportation Project Engineering, Public Works Department, 360.753.8496
Background and Analysis:
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requires local governments to outline their specific transportation needs in a six-year TIP. Projects need to be identified in the TIP before cities can receive state and federal funding. City staff updates the TIP annually to ensure that all projects identified in the current Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) are included in the TIP. A table summarizing the 2015-2020 TIP is attached. The 2015-2020 Six-year TIP in the required WSDOT format, which will be sent to WSDOT, is also attached.
It is important to note that City staff works closely with state and federal agencies to understand funding criteria. Every year, staff reviews projects and makes revisions to the TIP, so that the City is in the best position to successfully secure funding. For example, the Eastside/22nd Avenue Sidewalk is split into two projects: the portion from Boulevard to Cain Road and the portion from Fir Street to Wheeler Avenue. This allowed us to secure funding for the Boulevard Road to Cain Road portion; and the City can continue to seek opportunities for the remaining portion from Fir Street to Wheeler Avenue.
The cost estimates and project schedules in the TIP are preliminary and will be updated when funding is requested. The TIP is organized as follows:
1. Fully Funded Projects. These projects have received grant funding and are in the process of being implemented.
2. Capacity Projects. These projects do not meet current levels of service (capacity) as defined by the Olympia Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan). They often have multiple funding sources including impact fees, grants, and City general fund dollars.
3. Annual Programs. These programs fund multiple projects within specific categories such as bicycle facilities, safety (hazard elimination), sidewalks, pedestrian crossing improvements and pavement preservation.
4. Parks, Arts and Recreation Projects. These projects are included in order to qualify them for state and federal funding.
The resolution for adopting the 2015-2020 TIP is attached.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
On May 28, 2014, City staff distributed the draft TIP and gave notice of the Public Hearing to the following organizations: City-recognized neighborhood associations, the West Olympia Business Association, Intercity Transit and WSDOT, Thurston Regional Planning Council, the cities of Lacey and Tumwater, Thurston County, Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Olympia Safe Streets Campaign and other interested parties.
Options:
1. Approve the 2015-2020 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and adopt the resolution after receiving public comment. This will allow the City to meet state law for updating the TIP annually and allow the City to be eligible for grant funding on the listed projects.
2. Incorporate City Council changes to the 2015-2020 Six-year TIP and adopt the resolution after receiving public comment. The document will not be consistent with the 2014-2019 CFP.
3. Delay approving the TIP so City Council can consider deleting, revising and adding projects. Council would need to take action no later than July 22, 2014 in order to meet WSDOT's July 31 deadline.
Financial Impact:
The 2015-2020 TIP identifies 34 projects totaling approximately $135 million. The City is seeking more than $48.6 million in federal funding and $16.8 million in state funding. The CFP establishes specific funding sources and commitment for funding of the projects in the TIP.
Attachment(s):
1 - TIP 2015-2020 Resolution
2 - 2015 TIP Project Summary 2015-2020
3 - TIP WSDOT Report 2015-2020