REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
May 12, 2016
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
MANUEL A. MOLLINEDO, Director
Parks, After School Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department
BY: SHELBY MACNAB, MPA, Grants Administrator
Public Works Department
IRMA YEPEZ-PEREZ, Senior Management Analyst
Parks, After School Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the submission of applications for grant funds from the California Department of Transportation 2016 Statewide Active Transportation Program Cycle 3 Call for Projects (Citywide)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of applications for grant funds from the California Department of Transportation Statewide Active Transportation Program (ATP) and authorize the execution of documents by the Public Works Director, PARCS Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The third cycle of the Statewide ATP Call for Projects Application was released on April 15th, 2016. The Call for Projects is competitive, with a minimum requirement of 25% of funds distributed to disadvantaged communities. The ATP encourages the use of active modes of transportation such as biking and walking by funding education and infrastructure projects which support active commuting. Applications for the statewide call are due on June 15, 2016.
BACKGROUND
The ATP created by Senate Bill 99 and Assembly Bill 101 to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. According to the California Transportation Commission, “the ATP consolidates various transportation programs, including the Federal Transportation Alternatives program, state Bicycle Transportation Account and federal and state Safe Routes to School programs into a single program to: increase the proportion of biking and walking trips, increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users, advance the efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, enhance public health, address childhood obesity and ensure disadvantaged communities share in program benefits.”
Projects selected in Cycle 3 are slated for programming in state fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21. Staff anticipates both a statewide Call for Projects and a Regional Call for Projects, the latter to be administered by Fresno Council of Governments. This Staff Report is specific to the statewide call. The Department of Public Works has identified numerous projects citywide including trails, traffic signals, sidewalks and the installation of mobility enhancing Accessible Pedestrian Signals and countdown devices to be placed at key crosswalks. A list of proposed projects is attached to this staff report.
The PARCS department proposes to submit a non-infrastructure project application to conduct pedestrian and bicycle safety education programs at 14 school sites and all neighborhood and community centers throughout the City of Fresno. The PARCS department currently provides after school programming at 29 schools, and was awarded funding to serve 15 sites in ATP Cycle 2. In addition to pedestrian and bicycle safety education, PARCS will provide a Bike Rodeo with various skill tests that will grade areas such as balance, arm signals, obstacle courses, and weaving. PARCS will also conduct a bicycle safety check, reward participants with a pass to the Woodward Park BMX Bike Park, provide free helmets, and raffle bicycles. Additionally, PARCS will partner with the Fire and Police Departments to conduct some of the safety presentations. PARCS will also work in partnership with non-profit organizations such as the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition and Cultiva La Salud to continue to enhance outreach and community involvement.
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 was not considered because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
A minimum local match is not required for statewide infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects in Disadvantaged Communities, though matching commitments may increase the overall competitiveness of the projects submitted. The PARCS non-infrastructure proposal will not require matching funds.
Attachment:
Resolution
List of Public Works Projects
List of PARCS sites