Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Appropriating Matching Funds for a 2012-13 Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) Grant Project
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the appropriation of Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian funds in the amount of $61,660 for matching funds for the 2012-13 BTA grant project.
BACKGROUND
The BTA is an annual program that provides State funds for city and county projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. To be eligible for BTA funds, a city or county must prepare and adopt a Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) that complies with Streets and Highways Code Section 891.2 and is approved by the local agency’s Regional Transportation Planning Agency. On February 7, 2011, by Resolution 2011-010, the City Council adopted the City’s 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
Caltrans anticipates an appropriation of $11.9 million this year for projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. This includes a one-time augmentation for Fiscal Year 2012-13 of $4.7 million that will increase the opportunity for project funding. California Streets and Highways Code (CSHC) Section 2106 stipulates the annual BTA funding level, subject to appropriation in the approved State budget. Per CSHC 891.4(b), funds are allocated to cities and counties on a matching basis that requires the applicant to furnish a minimum of 10 percent (10%) of the total project cost.
ANALYSIS
Staff has submitted a grant application for 2012-13 BTA funds to implement the bicycle network of Class II bike lanes and Class III bike routes in locations that are identified in our Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in support of the City’s Priority Development Areas. The project area, which includes downtown San Leandro and the San Leandro BART station, will fully support the San Leandro Transit-Oriented Development Strategy (TOD) and the San Leandro BART Area Interface Plan.
The estimated cost of this bicycle network improvement project is $616,600. If the San Leandro application is selected, the City will be required to provide at least 10 percent (10%) local matching funds, or $61,660.
Caltrans is expected to announce and award the BTA funds later this year. If this project is selected, the work is expected to be completed by June 2014.
Current Agency Policy
2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan.
Previous Action(s)
On February 7, 2011, by Resolution 2011-010, the City Council adopted the 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and approved its statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Applicable General Plan Policy
• Goal 14 Bicycle and Pedestrian - Promote and accommodate alternative, environmentally-friendly methods of transportation, such as walking and bicycling
• Action 14.01-A Bikeway Plan Implementation - Maintain and implement a city-wide Bikeway Plan and update that plan regularly as conditions and needs change
• Action 14.01-B Capital Improvement Scheduling - Maintain a schedule of capital improvement priorities in the City’s Bikeway Plan and update this schedule as projects are completed and additional funds become available. Capital projects should be developed in accordance with the design standards and priorities identified in the Bikeway Plan
• Action 14.02 Funding - Aggressively pursue State and Federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, while also including funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the City’s Capital Improvement Program
Environmental Review
The project has been determined to be categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Fiscal Impact
$61,660 in matching funds is to be appropriated from the Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian fund by this action.
Budget Authority
The Finance Department has confirmed that sufficient funds ($61,660) are available in Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian account to provide matching funds for this grant, if awarded.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
PREPARED BY: Reh-Lin N. Chen, Senior Transportation Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department