Title
a. Approve the proposed projects list to submit to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) as candidate projects for the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP); and
b. Authorize the Director of 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 Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) as candidate projects for the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP); and
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP), or designee, to act as the agent for the County in processing all documentation to secure these funds.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) was established by California State Statute utilizing Surface Transportation Program Funds that are identified in Section 133 of Title 23 of the United States Code. The State of California allows smaller counties to exchange their apportionment of federal RSTP funds for State Highway Account funds, which are easier for local agencies to use for transportation with less stringent paperwork than with federal funds.
The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) distributes these funds to local agencies as part of its responsibilities as a Regional Transportation Planning Agency through several programs, which are detailed in the following section. The RSTP program includes the following goals:
• Delivering projects of regional significance that improve safety
• Provide maintenance for existing facilities
• Support the development of a multimodal transportation network utilizing the principles of Complete Streets.
On March 22, 2023, TAMC issued the call for projects for local countywide RSTP funding. PWFP plans to submit grant applications for the following projects:
Prunedale Roundabout Project (G-12 Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study, Segment 1):
This safety project will convert the existing T-intersection into a three-legged roundabout with single approach and departure lanes. The roundabout will also require transition improvements for all three (3) existing roadway approaches. The roundabout will include new median islands, a centered-circle with a truck apron, a decorative monument (optional), pedestrian/bicyclist crossings (optional), road lighting, Class II bike lane facilities along San Miguel Canyon Road, landscaped areas, traffic signs, striping, and pavement markings. This project has received partial funding through a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant. Through this RSTP application, the County is requesting the balance of the full amount of the project costs.
Pajaro/Salinas Road Project (G-12 Pajaro to Prunedale Corridor Study, Segment 6):
The project will implement a road diet and reduce travel lanes from four (4) to two (2) lanes along Salinas Road between Elkhorn Road and Porter Drive, and along Porter Drive between Salinas Street and San Juan Road. The project will also install safety and multimodal improvements which include Class II bike lanes with 3-ft wide buffers, raised median(s), rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB) upgrades, 5-ft sidewalk at selected locations, convert Salinas Road east leg approach at Porter Drive to be right turn only (outbound) with a splitter island on the minor approach, and install dynamic/variable speed warning signs at the selected location. This project has received partial funding through a HSIP grant. Through this RSTP application, the County is requesting the balance of the full amount of the project costs.
Countywide Bike Facilities:
This project will install bicycle facilities on various County roadways where they do not currently exist. The County has road resurfacing projects that are scheduled for construction within the next few years, and this RSTP project would add bike lanes to these roadways. These roadways include Inter-garrison Road from the East Garrison community to the Marina city limits, and Blanco Road from SR 68 to Abbott Street. The County would be requesting the full cost to add these facilities to the current resurfacing projects.
Carmel Valley Road Bike Lanes
This project consists of adding Class II bicycle lanes to a segment of Carmel Valley Road from the entrance of Los Laureles Lodge near Rancho Road to Panetta Road. This project will provide designated bicycle facilities where there are currently none.
Carmel Valley Road / Laureles Grade Roundabout Project:
This project will convert the existing T-intersection into a three-legged roundabout to provide enhanced safety, access, and operations for residents, visitors and commuters. This roundabout will reduce conflict points and provide safe and efficient movements for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.
Old Stage Road / Encinal Road Roundabout Project:
This project will reconfigure the existing Y-intersection to a roundabout to improve road approach geometries and safety at this location. The project will also incorporate drainage improvements to mitigate existing intersection flooding.
The grant applications will be reviewed and scored by TAMC to assess which projects will receive funding. The TAMC Technical Advisory Committee will recommend approval for funding by the Transportation Agency Board. The Transportation Agency Board will vote to approve projects for funding by adopting a resolution. The application deadline is June 1, 2023.
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). RSTP 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:
RSTP grant applications will be prepared by PWFP and project consultants. No other county interagency coordination is required to complete the RSTP grant applications. Applications will be reviewed and scored by TAMC.
FINANCING:
Projects using RSTP funds are not required to have a local match like federal transportation programs. Applying for RSTP grant funding will not have a fiscal impact other than staff time, funded by Fund 002 Road Fund.
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.
Economic Development
X Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Fabian Hernandez, Assistant Engineer, (831) 755-8908
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
The following attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A- Map of Proposed RSTP Projects