REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Scott MOzier, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: jill m. Gormley, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
ANNE SEHM, Grants Administrator
Public Works Department, Grants and Project Administration
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Public Works Director or Designee to Submit a Grant Application in an amount not to exceed $400,000 for the 2024-2025 California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant (STPG) Program to fund the development of a City of Fresno Mobility Design Guide (MDG), and Authorizing Execution, Acceptance of the Grant, and Completion of Restricted Grant Agreements and Amendments for the Project with Caltrans by the Public Works Director or Designee (Citywide) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application requesting up to $400,000 from the Caltrans STPG Program through their 2023-2024 Call for Projects to fund the development and adoption of a City of Fresno Mobility Design Guide and authorize the execution of all agreements and amendments for the project by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting authorization to submit a grant application to the Caltrans STPG Program to fund the development and publication of a City of Fresno Mobility Design Guide (MDG). As a planning and policy document, the MDG would be a critical and consolidated resource document centralizing design elements, specifications, and standards for mobility related engineering design, layout, and uses within our City right-of-way, including but not limited to on-street bike facilities and markings, sidewalks, pedestrian scaled lighting, trails, transit stops, and mobility hubs. Authorization is also requested to allow the Public Works Director or designee to execute restricted grant agreements for the project with Caltrans, should funding be awarded.
The STPG Program was created to support the Caltrans Mission: Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment. The purpose of the Sustainable Communities grants is to fund local and regional multimodal transportation and land use planning projects that further the region’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Sustainable Communities Strategies/Alternative Planning Strategies (SCS/APS), contribute to the State’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets, and assist in achieving the Caltrans Mission and Grant Program Objectives.
BACKGROUND
Staff is requesting authorization to submit a grant application to the Caltrans STPG Program to fund the development and publication of a City of Fresno Mobility Design Guide (MDG) under the Sustainable Communities funding category. There is a total of $17 million available statewide for Sustainable Communities planning efforts in the 2024-2025 Call for Projects. Funding for the program comes from the State Highways Account and the California Road Maintenance, Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, commonly referred to as Senate Bill 1 (SB1), a transportation funding bill that provides a reliable fund source to maintain and integrate the State’s multi-modal transportation system. Grant applications are due on January 18, 2024.
The intent of this project is to develop an “all in one, roadmap” reference document for multimodal design standards and specifications a “toolbox” for use to create an enhanced end user experience for all our multimodal users. A lifecycle would need to be determined for the MDG as the document would need to be updated in iteration or as standards and specifications are updated. The purpose of the development and publication of a MDG is to establish a singular location for design elements, specifications, and standards for mobility related design, layout, and uses within our City streets, including but not limited to on-street bike facilities and markings, sidewalks, pedestrian scaled lighting, trails, transit stops, and mobility hubs. The intended user of such publication includes but is not limited to: planners, architects, engineers, educators, developers, and the City’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee.
Early community engagement would be conducted as part of the MDG to include input from potential users of the MDG such as practitioners, cyclists, pedestrians, transit users, etc. which is imperative to the development of a useable and valuable MDG. The scope of work included in the grant application will provide multiple opportunities for participation and public comment. Staff will work closely with Council offices and community partners to maximize outreach efforts and ensure representative and comprehensive engagement. If awarded funding, notice to proceed with the project would be received in November 2024, with planning concluding on or before the program deadline of June 30, 2027.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved this resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This item is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included 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. If the grant is awarded, local match funds will likely be funded through Measure C and Measure P. A minimum of 11.47% in matching funds is required.
Attachment(s):
Resolution