REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application for FY 2020/21 Transportation Development Act Funding [Council Pillar: Deliver and Enhance Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure]
Report
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), as the County of Santa Clara Congestion Management Agency (CMA), is soliciting project proposals from cities for FY 2020/21 Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 grant funding. TDA funds may be used for bicycle or pedestrian related improvement projects and funding is derived from a quarter cent of the general sales tax collected statewide. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) delegated authority to the local CMA to coordinate how funds are spent within the County. An authorizing resolution is required for the City of Santa Clara to apply for TDA funds from the VTA. VTA will submit a consolidated application to the MTC for its final approval. Once MTC approves the allocation of funds, local agencies have three years to complete projects and submit a claim for reimbursement.
The TDA grant program is comprised of two components. The first component consists of a dedicated 25 percent portion of the funds set aside for the Santa Clara Countywide Bicycle Expenditure Program (BEP). The second component consists of guaranteed annual funds available to each City, which may be banked up to four years. The City has banked these funds for the past four years and it is recommended that the City now apply this year to use the oldest annual funds from FY 2016/17 or risk forfeiting this allocation. For FY 2020/21, staff recommends requesting approval for the use of banked TDA funds for upgrades to existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities at multiple locations within the City.
DISCUSSION
The City currently has a FY 2016/17 banked TDA allocation of $94,054. Staff recommends that these banked TDA funds be used to improve striping and signage at the following locations (Attachment 1): 1. Along San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail; 2. Monroe Street (Homestead to Newhall Street); 3. Los Padres Avenue (Cabrillo Avenue to Saratoga Avenue); 4. Calabazas Boulevard at Georgetown Place; and other miscellaneous locations within the City. These locations represent facilities where the City has received inquiries regarding the need for improved striping and signage. Improving these areas is intended to increase safety for bicyclists as the striping and signage delineates the extent of the bicycle facilities and also alerts motorists and pedestrians that bicyclists may be present.
At the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting on January 27, 2020, the BPAC discussed and supported staff’s recommendation to apply for the use of FY 2016/17 banked TDA funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15304, “Minor Alterations to Land,” subdivision (h), as the activity consists of the creation of bicycle lanes on existing rights-of-way, and 15301, “Existing Facilities,” subdivision (c), as the activity consists of the minor alteration to existing highways and streets.
FISCAL IMPACT
The FY 2020/21 TDA grant funding application to be submitted by staff will request funding in the amount of $94,054 to upgrade existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities at multiple locations. A budget amendment to appropriate this funding within the City’s Capital Improvement Budget will occur after the City receives notification from VTA that MTC has approved the allocation of funds for the project. It is estimated that the City will receive notification from the MTC in the fall of 2020. There are no local match requirements for this project.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
At the BPAC’s January 27, 2020 meeting, the members discussed projects for potential application for FY 2019/20 TDA grant funding and supported staff’s recommendation.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Filing of an Application with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for Allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 3, Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Funding for Fiscal Year 2020/21.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Resolution