Title
a. Approve the proposed projects list to submit to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) as candidate projects for Cycle 6 Statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP); and
b. Authorize the Director of Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP), or designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the proposed projects list to submit to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) as candidate projects for Cycle 6 Statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP); and
b. Authorize the Director of Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP), or designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds.
SUMMARY:
The Statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created by Senate Bill 99 and Assembly Bill 101 and signed into law on September 26, 2013. The ATP is a competitive grant program that combines various elements from the Transportation Enhancements, Recreational Trails Program, and the Safe Routes to School programs into one program. The ATP is funded from various Federal and State funds appropriated in the annual Budget Act. ATP program includes the following goals:
• Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking.
• Increase the safety and mobility of non-motorized users.
• Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas
reduction goals as established pursuant to Senate Bill 375 (Chapter 728, Statues of 2008) and Senate Bill 391 (Chapter 585, Statues of 2009).
• Enhance public health, including reduction of childhood obesity through the use of programs including, but not limited to, projects eligible for Safe Routes to School Program funding.
• Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program.
• Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users.
Caltrans issued the call for projects for statewide ATP funding on March 16, 2022. PWFP has partnered with Monterey County Health Department (MCHD) to develop ATP grant applications for the following projects:
Chualar Community and School Connections Through Active Transportation Project: This project consists of the construction of approximately 6600 lineal feet of curb and gutter, and 39, 600 square feet of sidewalk, installation of corresponding pavement marking and signage to close gaps in pedestrian facilities to increase safe community and school connections. Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs of approximately $6.3 million in ATP grant funds.
San Ardo Community and School Connections Through Active Transportation Project: This project consists of the construction of approximately 1.03 miles of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on one side of selected streets, installation of corresponding pavement marking and signage, and two (2) sets of pedestrian activated beacons. Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs up to $3.5 million in ATP grant funds.
Castroville Community and School Connections Through Active Transportation Project: This project consists of the construction of approximately 2.25 miles of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on selected streets in the community of Castroville, including the installation of corresponding pavement marking, signage, and pedestrian crossing enhancements. Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs of approximately $6.6 million in ATP grant funds. To enhance application competitiveness, a portion of the Castroville Street Improvement Project, an approved project funded by Measure X, may be used as leverage and will not have any fiscal impact.
Additionally, PWFP will develop ATP applications for the following projects:
Carmel Valley Road Safety Improvement Project: This project consists of widening a 3/4-mile segment of Carmel Valley Road (from the entrance to Los Laureles Lodge to the intersection of Panetta Road) to accommodate a Class II Bike Lane and expand the shoulder. Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs of approximately $900,000 in ATP grant funds.
Esquiline Road Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Improvement Project: This project consists of
widening a segment of Esquiline Road to accommodate pedestrians and bicycle users. The
County Bridge to be widened is along a tight curve with a large hill along the west side of the
bridge. The sight distance is limited due to the hill and tight curve radius of the roadway.
Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs of
approximately $5.3 million in ATP grant funds.
The grant applications will be reviewed and scored by Caltrans to assess which projects will receive funding. Additional points may be granted in the scoring of these applications to projects where the agency is willing to provide matching funds, although it is not required by the program. The application deadline is June 15, 2022.
Maps of the Proposed Projects are included for reference in Attachment A. If the proposed projects are selected to receive grant funding, staff will return to the Board for approval to accept the grant award(s) and approve the project(s). Programming Federal and State transportation funds will support construction jobs, enhance public safety, as well as provide needed improvements for economic development, business retention, quality of life, and mobility throughout the County.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP coordinated with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC), project consultants, and the Monterey County Health Department to develop the grant applications.
FINANCING:
A local cash match is not required. Applying for ATP grant funding will not have a fiscal impact other than staff time.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives for Administration, Health & Human Services, Infrastructure, and Public Safety by proactively seeking grant funding to enhance the County’s ability to facilitate infrastructure projects and offer improved facilities and safe public recreation experiences to the community.
X Economic Development
Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Janie Bettencourt, Management Analyst II, (831) 755-5184
Reviewed by: Chad Alinio, PE, Senior Civil Engineer (831) 755-4937
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A- ATP Cycle 6 Proposed Projects
(Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board)