REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on 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 2021/22
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
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 Fiscal Year 2021/22 Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA) 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 (Attachment 1) 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 guarantees annual funds for each City and allows funds to be banked up to four years.
DISCUSSION
The City has banked TDA funds that have accumulated to $485,907. Staff recommends that these funds be used to upgrade lighting to LED at traffic signals throughout the City (Attachment 2). Using recent contractor bids, staff estimates the banked funds could potentially upgrade the lighting at all 144 traffic signals throughout the City. This project will implement the Pedestrian Master Plan 2019 recommendation to “expand LED Streetlight Retrofit Program to priority pedestrian zones and other areas outside of these zones, as opportunity arises.”
At the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on January 25, 2021, the BPAC discussed and supported staff’s recommendation to upgrade lighting to LED at traffic signals using 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 Fiscal Year 2021/22 TDA grant funding application submitted by staff will request funding in the amount of approximately $485,000 to upgrade crosswalk lighting at traffic signals. A budget amendment to appropriate this funding within the City’s Capital Improvement Budget will occur after the City receives confirmation from the 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 November 2021. 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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
At the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting on January 25, 2021, the BPAC discussed and supported staff’s recommendation to upgrade crosswalk lighting to LED lights at traffic signals using banked TDA funds.
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 2021/22.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution
2. Location Map