Title
a. Ratify the submittal of three grant applications to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funds for bicycle/pedestrian projects;
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works & Facilities, or his designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds; and
c. Direct the Resource Management Agency (RMA) to return to the Board for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award(s).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Ratify the submittal of three grant applications to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funds for bicycle/pedestrian projects;
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works & Facilities, or his designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds; and
c. Direct the Resource Management Agency (RMA) to return to the Board for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award (s).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On May 23, 2016, the RMA Director informed the Board of Supervisors that RMA intended to submit two ATP grant applications that were due June 25, 2016 (Attachment A). The timing of the application deadline did not afford opportunity to follow current procedure for processing grant applications, which is to receive approval and authorization by the Board of Supervisors prior to submittal of a grant application.
The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is funded from various federal and state funds with approximately $240 million in funds for this cycle. Annual funding distribution is 40% to Metropolitan Planning Organizations with populations greater than 200,000, 10% to small urban and rural areas with population of 200,000 or less, and 50% to projects competitively awarded by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) on a statewide basis. The minimum request for ATP grant funds is $250,000. A match is not required, but for projects that opt not to include a match; the 11.47% federal match needs to be programmed with use of Toll Credits. Toll Credits are toll revenues earned on existing toll facilities applied toward the non-Federal match share of an eligible project. Through the use of toll credits, the non-federal share match requirement can be met by applying an equal amount of toll credits and therefore allowing a project to be funded at 100%. The projects being submitted for ATP grants are eligible for Toll Credits and do not require a match. Toll Credits will be used in lieu of a local match.
ATP funds both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. Eligible projects include infrastructure projects, plans, and non-infrastructure projects such as education, encouragement, and enforcement, activities.
The RMA submitted ATP grant applications for the following projects:
Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) - Moss Landing Segment Bicycle/Pedestrian Path and Bridge Project -
This project consists of the installation of a Class I bicycle path approximately 0.84-mile long from the North Harbor (northwest of the existing State Highway 1 Bridge) to Moss Landing Road and a 386 foot long bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the Elkhorn Slough (parallel to the existing State Highway 1 Bridge). The total project cost is $13.4 million. The County has secured $4.3 million in Local, State, and Federal grant funds. A $1.5 million State Coastal Conservancy grant is pending. Through the subject ATP grant application, the County is requesting the difference of $7.6 million in ATP grant funds to fully fund the project.
See Attachment B for more information.
Las Lomas Drive Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Project -
This project consists of the completion of environmental (NEPA), right of way, and design phases. It also consists of the construction of curb, gutter, sidewalks, driveways, water treatment, retaining walls, and Class II bicycle lanes along Las Lomas Drive from Hall Road to Thomas Road and portions of Sill Road approximately 0.25 mile long. The total project cost is $3.2 million. The County has secured $365k in Local grant funds. Through the subject application, the County is requesting $2.9 million in ATP grant funds to fully fund the project.
See Attachment C for more information.
San Ardo and San Lucas Schools Pedestrian Improvements Project -
This project consists of the construction of 1.03 miles of curb, gutter, and sidewalk on one side of selected streets in the communities of San Ardo and San Lucas, installation of corresponding pavement marking and signing, and pedestrian activated beacons at two (2) crosswalks. Through the subject application, the County is requesting the full amount of the project costs of $1.3 million in ATP grant funds.
See Attachment D for more information.
In the event that any of the grants are awarded to the County, the RMA will present the project(s) and grant(s) to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of the award.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
RMA coordinated with Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) and the County of Monterey Health Department.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund. Local, State and Federal grant funds, if awarded, will fund One Hundred Percent (100%) of the project costs.
Prepared by: Ogarita Carranza, Management Analyst II
Reviewed by: Benny J. Young, Interim Director of Public Works & Facilities
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
Attachments: Attachment A - Memo
Attachment B - MBSST - Moss Landing
Attachment C - Las Lomas
Attachment D - San Ardo