Title
Report regarding resolutions authorizing the City Manager to execute a primary grant agreement with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for future Measures A and W Funding and Supporting the Safe Routes to School 2025 Project and approving project number st2507; accepting $4,897,000 in Grant Funding under the 2024 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Cycle 7; approving Local Match Funds of $500,000; and approving associated Budget Amendment Number 25.032. (Amanda Parker, Management Analyst I/John Wilson, Associate Engineer)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Primary Grant Agreement (PGA) with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) to ensure eligibility for Measure A and Measure W grant funding.
2. Adopt a resolution to support the Safe Routes to School 2025 project by adopting Project Number st2507, accepting $4,897,000 from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, approving local match funds of $500,000, and approving associated Budget Amendment Number 25.032.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Primary Grant Agreement
The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) administers Measure A and Measure W funding to support transportation-related projects throughout San Mateo County. These measures are critical in advancing transportation goals by addressing congestion and improving infrastructure. Measures A and W provide essential resources for local safety improvement, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and congestion relief projects.
In 1988, San Mateo County voters approved Measure A, a 20-year half-cent sales tax to fund and leverage additional resources for transportation projects and programs in the county. This approval also established the TA to manage and administer the sales tax revenues in accordance with the Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP). In 2004, voters reauthorized Measure A and adopted a new TEP, extending the tax for an additional 25 years, from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2033. The new TEP established funding categories for Transit, Highway Improvements, Local Streets/Transportation, Grade Separations, Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements, and Alternative Congestion Relief projects.
In 2018, San Mateo County voters approved Measure W, introducing a 30-year half-cent sales tax, effective from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2048. This measure aims to fund and leverage additional resources for transportation projects consistent with the Measure W Congestion Relief Plan. The San Mateo County Transit District (District) is responsible for levying the tax and administering 50% of the proceeds, which are allocated to the County Public Transportation Systems category. The remaining 50% of Measure W funds are managed by the TA and are designated for Countywide Highway Congestion Improvements; Local Safety, Pothole, and Congestion Relief Improvements, including Grade Separations; Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements; and Regional Transit Connections.
Historically, the TA has executed separate funding agreements and memoranda of understanding, or amendments thereto, for each phase of each project. To streamline the contracting process, the TA has introduced a new Primary Grant Agreement (PGA) covering a 10-year term. Under the PGA, concise individual project supplements will outline the details and requirements for each funded project during the agreement period. This approach is similar to those used by agencies such as Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) with their respective Master Agreements.
To remain eligible for current and future Measure A and Measure W funding, the TA requires the City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing the execution of the PGA by March 1, 2025.
By adopting the resolution, the City of South San Francisco will formalize its eligibility to receive TA funding under Measures A and W over the next 10 years for various projects, including roadway improvements, public transit initiatives, and bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure enhancements. These grants are essential for advancing the City's transportation goals, improving mobility, and supporting sustainable growth.
Staff recommend that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Primary Grant Agreement with the TA to ensure the City's eligibility for current and future Measure A and Measure W funding opportunities.
Safe Routes to School 2025 Project
The Safe Routes to School 2025 Project is an essential initiative to improve safety and mobility for schoolchildren traveling to and from Alta Loma Middle School, Buri Buri Elementary School, Parkway Heights Middle School, and Ponderosa Elementary School. This project aligns with the TA’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Program, which supports projects that enhance biking and walking accessibility and safety throughout the county.
Under the 2024 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Cycle 7, the City has been recommended for three grants totaling $4,897,000 in funding. These grants will provide vital resources for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements around the four schools. The total estimated cost for the Safe Routes to School Project (st2507) is $5,397,000. The City will match these grants with $500,000 in Citywide Transportation Impact Fees.
The three grants awarded to the City are as follows:
1. Parkway Heights Middle School Pedestrian and Bike Improvements
o Grant Amount: $2,000,000
o Match Requirement: 10% ($200,000)
2. Ponderosa Elementary School Pedestrian and Bike Improvements
o Grant Amount: $897,000
o Match Requirement: 11.1% ($100,000)
3. Alta Loma Middle and Buri Buri Elementary Schools Pedestrian and Bike Improvements
o Grant Amount: $2,000,000
o Match Requirement: 10% ($200,000)
These grants will fund crucial infrastructure improvements identified in the 2023 and 2024 school walk audits, which involved collaboration between City and school staff, students, and parents. The audits pinpointed areas where safety and accessibility improvements are needed. The project will manage the implementation of these improvements, which aim to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety near the schools and support the City's broader mobility and safety goals.
The proposed project will include several key safety measures, such as:
• Upgraded and new walkways, including sidewalks, curb extensions, and raised crosswalks.
• Installation of traffic control devices, such as high-visibility crosswalks, school speed zones, and protected bike lanes.
• Install traffic calming measures, such as neighborhood traffic circles, speed tables, and speed bumps, to reduce vehicle speeds along school routes.
These improvements align with the City's General Plan goals, which prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users, promote sustainable modes of transportation, and ensure the safe passage of children to and from school.
By adopting this resolution, the City will secure funding for these critical transportation and infrastructure projects, advancing mobility and safety goals for the community.
FISCAL IMPACT
While there is no immediate fiscal impact associated with executing the Primary Grant Agreement, the Safe Routes to School 2025 project fiscal impact includes $4,897,000 in grant funding under the 2024 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Cycle 7, which requires a local match of $500,000, which will be funded from the Citywide Transportation Impact Fees. Future projects funded under Measure A and Measure W will provide financial resources to supplement the City's transportation programs.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The proposed actions align with the City's Strategic Plan objective of enhancing Quality of Life by upgrading infrastructure that promotes safety, accessibility, and active transportation. The execution of the PGA ensures eligibility for Measure A and Measure W funding, supporting the City's long-term transportation initiatives. Likewise, the Safe Routes to School 2025 project directly addresses the Strategic Plan's goals by enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety, particularly for schoolchildren, and encouraging sustainable modes of transportation.
CONCLUSION
Approval of the resolutions will allow the City to advance key transportation initiatives. By authorizing the City Manager to execute the Primary Grant Agreement with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, the City secures eligibility for Measure A and Measure W funding, for the next decade, ensuring ongoing support for vital transportation projects.
Adopting the resolution for the Safe Routes to School 2025 project, including assigning project number st2507, accepting $4,897,000 in grant funding from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, approving $500,000 in local match funding, and approving Budget Amendment Number 25.032 will facilitate vital infrastructure improvements near four schools. These improvements will enhance safety and accessibility for schoolchildren and contribute to broader community mobility and sustainability goals. City staff recommends approval of these resolutions to support the community's long-term transportation and quality of life objectives.