Title
Public Hearing on the 2016-2021 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a Public Hearing on the 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council should approve the 2016-2021 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Staff Contact:
David Smith, Transportation Project Engineering, Public Works Department, 360.753.8496
Presenter(s):
David Smith, Transportation Project Engineering, Public Works Department
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 Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) are reflected in the TIP.
In the past, these two documents had separate public hearings and approval processes. Each July, the TIP was submitted based on the CFP approved the prior December. These two approval processes created confusion for the public. The City is moving up the TIP approval process so that it can be done at the same time as the CFP since the list of projects in both programs are the same. The TIP will still be submitted in July of each year to WSDOT. By bringing these two adoption processes in sync with one another, the public can now comment on the same set of projects during the same time frame instead of several months apart.
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.
A table summarizing the 2016-2021 TIP is attached. The 2016-2021 Six-year TIP in the required WSDOT format, which will be sent to WSDOT, is also attached. Adoption of the TIP is scheduled for December 9, 2014.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
On October 30, 2014, City staff distributed the draft 2016-2021 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. Hold a public hearing on the 2016-2021 Six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The City Council is scheduled to adopt a resolution approving the 2016-2021 TIP on December 9, 2014. Prior to adoption, any changes to the 2016-2021 Capital Facilities Plan will be incorporated into the TIP. The City will meet state law for updating the TIP annually and be eligible for grant funding on the listed projects.
Financial Impact:
The 2016-2021 TIP identifies 33 projects totaling approximately $146 million. The City is seeking more than $58.2 million in federal funding and $19.4 million in state funding. The CFP establishes specific funding sources and commitment for funding of the projects in the TIP.
Attachment(s):
1. TIP Project Summary 2016-2021
2. TIP Project Maps
3. TIP WSDOT Technical Report, 2016-2021