Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Authorizing Submission of a Request to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the Allocation of Fiscal Year 2014-15 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle Project Funding to Install Pedestrian Improvements
Staffreport
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager or his designee to submit a request to the MTC for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2014-15 TDA Article 3 Pedestrian/Bicycle project funding to install pedestrian improvements.
BACKGROUND
In the nine-county Bay Area region, the MTC makes TDA funds available for pedestrian/bicycle purposes. The funds are from the Local Transportation Fund, which is from the State Legislature initiating a one-quarter percent sales tax in Alameda County in 1972. Each year, the MTC allocates TDA Article 3 funds to eligible claimants after review of applications from counties and congestion management agencies. Alameda County is responsible for submitting an annual program of projects that are initiated by each local agency in the county. The TDA grant funds are distributed by population.
Analysis
Annually, the City applies for TDA grant funds from the MTC for pedestrian improvements throughout the City. The City is entitled to $41,898 for this next fiscal year (FY 2014-15). Additionally, the City will request an advance of $30,000 from the FY 2015-16 allocation for a total allocation of $71,898. The City is able to request an early allocation because some Alameda County jurisdictions are not using their allocations this year.
The TDA funds will be used to install the following: handicap ramps, sidewalk, sidewalk bulb-outs, pedestrian safety signage, accessible pedestrian traffic signals, and lighted crosswalks at various locations citywide. The work is typically completed as part of the City's Annual Sidewalk Repair project and the end result is a more accessible City.
Previous Actions
· The City Council annually authorizes staff to apply for these funds
· On April 15, 2013, by Resolution No. 2013-048, the City Council authorized the filing of a claim with the MTC for allocation of TDA Article 3 funds for FY 2013-14
Applicable General Plan Policies
This project is consistent with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Goal (14) of the General Plan and Action 14.07-B: Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements.
Board/Commission Review and Actions
On November 13, 2013, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee reviewed and approved the proposed project for the use of TDA funds as required by the MTC.
Environmental Review
This action will not have a significant impact on the environment, and thus is not subject to CEQA review.
Fiscal Impacts
$71,898 is the amount the City is allocated in FY 2014-15, and there is no required match. Grant funds will need to be appropriated and will be reimbursed once all of the spending is complete (within a three year period).
Budget Authority
$71,898 is the amount the City is allocated in FY 2014-15. The request for the appropriation of funds will be updated with the new amount in the CIP Budget for FY 2014-15.
PREPARED BY: Keith R. Cooke, Principal Engineer, Engineering and Transportation Department