Title
Approval to Apply for 2014 Grant Opportunities: 2014 Safe Routes to School Program and Pedestrian and Bicycle Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed the proposed projects and concurs with the recommendation to apply for the identified projects in the Safe Routes to School Program and Pedestrian and Bicycle Program.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for projects in the 2014 Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian and Bicycle Programs. If the City receives grant funding in either of these programs, the City Manager is authorized to sign the necessary documents allowing the City to spend the grant funds.
Report
Issue:
Whether to authorize staff to apply for two grant programs with the Washington State Department of Transportation. They are the 2014 Safe Routes to School Grant Program and 2014 Pedestrian and Bicycle Grant Program.
Staff Contact:
Randy Wesselman, Engineering and Planning Supervisor Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8477
Presenter(s):
N/A
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 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is to increase the number of children walking and biking to school safely. All projects must be within two-miles of primary, middle or high schools (K-12).
The purpose of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is to improve conditions for biking and walking and encourage "complete street" type projects that safely meet the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, public transportation users and motorists while protecting and preserving the environment and character of the community.
The combined funding for the SRTS Program and Pedestrian and Bicycle Program is $8 Million statewide. The City uses existing local funding as match-to-leverage grants in order to be more competitive. No match is required for these grants but preference is given to projects that provide a match.
2014 Safe Routes to School Program
The following project will be submitted for funding:
1. Quince Street Sidewalk, Miller Avenue to Reeves Middle School. (see attachment for a more detailed description of the project.)
2014 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program
The following projects will be submitted for funding:
1. Fern Street Sidewalk, from 9th Avenue to 1105 Fern Street; and
2. Eastside Street/22nd Avenue Sidewalk, from Fir Street to Wheeler Avenue - Design Only.
See attachment for a more detailed description of the proposed projects.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The 22nd Avenue/Eastside Street Sidewalk and Fern Street Sidewalk are identified in the 2003 Sidewalk Program. Several public requests have been made for sidewalks on these streets.
Quince Street is an Identified school walking route to Reeves Middle School. The Olympia School District and City have received numerous concerns about this section of street.
Options:
1. Move to approve and authorize staff to apply for projects in the 2014 Safe Routes to School and Pedestrian and Bicycle Programs. If the City receives grant funding in either of these programs, the City Manager is authorized to sign the necessary documents allowing the City to spend the grant funds.
2. Provide guidance on other projects to submit for the Safe Routes to School Program and Pedestrian and Bicycle Program grants.
3. Direct staff not to apply for grants funds in the Safe Routes to School Program and/or Pedestrian and Bicycle Program.
Financial Impact:
These are preliminary cost estimates and will be updated for the grant applications.
2014 Safe Routes to School Program
Quince Street Sidewalk Grant Request: $203,200
Match (20%): $ 50,800
Project Total: $254,000
2014 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program
Fern Street Sidewalk Grant Request: $308,400
Match (40%): $205,600
Project Total: $514,000
22nd Avenue/Eastside Street Sidewalk Grant Request: $390,000
(Design Only) Match (40%): $260,000
Project Total: $650,000