REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 9, 2018
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, P.E., Director
Public Works Department
BY: ANDREW J. BENELLI, P.E., City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department
JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer / Public Works Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
SHELBY D. MACNAB, MPA, Grants Administrator
Public Works Department, Administration
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submission of grant applications to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 9 and authorizing the execution of all application related documents by the Public Works Director or designee (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of grant applications to Caltrans for HSIP Cycle 9 funding, and authorize the execution of all application related documents by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting authorization to submit grant applications to Caltrans’ HSIP Cycle 9 Call for Projects. A list of projects for which funding will be sought is attached to this Staff Report. These projects were selected based on a review of Council approved traffic signal and left turn phasing lists, the Active Transportation Plan as well as a review of citywide accident and fatality data from the last 3 to 5 years.
BACKGROUND
On April 30, 2018, Caltrans released a Call for Projects for Cycle 9 of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST) was signed into law on December 4, 2015. Under FAST, the HSIP program codified as Section 148 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C §148), is a core federal-aid program to States for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. California's Local HSIP focuses on infrastructure projects with nationally recognized crash reduction factors (CRFs). Projects submitted to the HSIP program must be identified on the basis of crash experience, crash potential, crash rate, or other data-supported means. A total of approximately $140 to $160 million in Federal funds are available this cycle. The application submittal deadline is Friday, August 31, 2018.
HSIP guidelines prioritize funding for projects which improve roadway safety using the most cost effective methods feasible, with minimal need for right of way acquisition. Applicants are directed to review roadway network data to select projects, pairing appropriate Local Roadway Safety Manual (LRSM) countermeasures to areas with high rates of accidents or fatalities. Project selection is a technical process which determines project eligibility based on the following variables: accident type, severity of accidents, project costs, countermeasure(s) applied, crash reduction factors and the expected “life” of the countermeasures selected. A Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) calculation based on these variables is performed using a formula provided in the grant application package to determine final eligibility for HSIP funding. For most projects, a BCR score of 3.5 or greater is required to apply for funding.
The HSIP program provides set-aside funding for project types which include: high friction surface treatments, guardrail upgrades, horizontal curve signing, pedestrian crossing enhancements and set-aside funding for tribes. Projects sought under this cycle’s set-aside categories do not require BCR calculations or accident review. Maximum set aside funding is specific to each application category. Minimum project costs of $100,000 apply to all projects. Traffic Operations and Planning staff have reviewed collision history from the last 3 to 5 years, as well as Council adopted Traffic Signal and Left Turn Phasing lists and the Active Transportation Plan to identify potential projects. A list of eligible projects is attached to this report.
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
A resolution applying for grant funding is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not implicated because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no immediate impact on the General Fund. Should the grant be awarded, local matching funds will be identified through future fiscal year capital budgets.
Attachments:
Resolution
HSIP Project List
Overview of HAWK signals