Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for the Southeast to Downtown Bike Corridor Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for the Southeast to Downtown Bike Corridor Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State TIB or the Southeast to Downtown Bike Corridor Project.
Staff Contact:
Sophie Stimson, Planning and Engineering Supervisor, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8497
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia applied for and was awarded a TIB Complete Streets Grant for $300,000.
The grant will be used to construct the Downtown to Southeast Bike Corridor project. This project is estimated to cost $989,000. It will be constructed in 2024. Additional grant funds are being pursued for this project from the Washington State Department of Transportation, Pedestrian and Bicycle Program.
The project is in the City’s Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP). It will provide an important “low-stress” route for people bicycling from the downtown to the southeast neighborhoods. Low-stress bike routes are defined in the City’s TMP. They are intended to support bicyclists of a wide range of age and ability.
Bike corridors have primarily signs and pavement markings on low-volume streets that guide cyclists along the route. More extensive treatments are built when the route interfaces with larger streets. This bike corridor includes a new crossing island and flashing beacon on Union Avenue, as well as a reconfiguration of the Eastside Street bridge over I-5 to better accommodate bicyclists. From the trailhead on Eastside Street, cyclists can access the southeast neighborhoods using the Karen Fraser Woodland Trail, as well as the larger regional trail network.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The project has been shared with the public through public engagement in the development of the TMP. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee also provided input on the development of the TMP, and the low-stress bicycle network in particular. The project is included in the 2022 CFP. Each year the public has an opportunity to provide comments on the CFP through a public hearing before the City Council.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for the Southeast to Downtown Bike Corridor Project. The project will proceed as planned.
2. Do not approve a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Agreement with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) for the Southeast to Downtown Bike Corridor Project. Staff will continue to seek other ways to fund this project.
3. Amend the Resolution and consider approval at a later date. Returning the grant agreement to TIB will be delayed.
Financial Impact:
The Downtown to Southeast Bike Corridor project is estimated to cost $989,000. The grant will reduce the amount of City funds needed to construct this project by $300,000.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement