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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Cycle 2 Transit and Bay Trail Grant Program and similar grant applications requiring no more than $700,000 in local match funds for the Bay Trail - Centennial Way Trail Gap Closure Project. (John Wilson, Senior Civil Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution authorizing the application for Safe Routes to Transit and Bay Trail Program funding or similar grant applications requiring no more than $700,000 in local match funds for the Bay Trail - Centennial Way Trail Gap Closure Project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) has released a call for projects for Cycle 2 of the Regional Measure 3 Safe Routes to Transit and Bay Trail (SR2TBT) Program. The program provides competitive funding for bicycle and pedestrian improvements that improve access to public transit, strengthen the Bay Trail and regional active transportation network, and reduce congestion.
The City previously established Capital Improvement Project tr2407, Bay Trail - Centennial Way Trail Gap Closure, to evaluate the feasibility of creating a Class I trail connecting the Centennial Way Trail and Bay Trail. The feasibility study is nearing completion and has identified a feasible project concept to link the City's two largest multi-use trails, provide a low-stress bicycle and pedestrian connection to the waterfront, and improve first/last-mile connections to regional transit and employment areas.
With the feasibility phase nearing completion, tr2407 was previously recommended for administrative closeout. The project is not currently programmed for additional funding in the City's five-year Capital Improvement Program.
The SR2TBT Cycle 2 funding opportunity provides an opportunity to advance the project beyond feasibility. Rather than seeking funding for construction at this early stage of project development, staff proposes requesting approximately $2,800,000 in SR2TBT funds to advance the project through environmental review and design. Advancing the project through design would further define the project scope, resolve technical and permitting requirements, refine construction costs, and position the project to compete for future construction funding.
Although the SR2TBT Program does not require a local match, projects that leverage other funding sources receive additional consideration during the competitive evaluation process. Staff recommend committing $700,000 in City funds toward the project to strengthen the City's application and reduce the amount of grant funding requested.
Applications are due to MTC on October 5, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost to complete environmental review and design is approximately $3,500,000. Staff propose requesting approximately $2,800,000 in SR2TBT funds and committing up to $700,000 in Citywide and East of 101 Traffic Impact Fee funds as a local match. Staff will return to City Council for any necessary budget appropriation prior to accepting or expending the grant funds.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
This project supports the Infrastructure and the Environment major focus area by advancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and improving connections between the City's active transportation network, regional transit, and the Bay Trail. The project also supports the City's strategy to continue enhancing bicycle infrastructure and building community bicycle culture.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the application for Safe Routes to Transit and Bay Trail Program funding or similar grant applications requiring no more than $700,000 in local match funds for the Bay Trail - Centennial Way Trail Gap Closure Project.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
1. Project Overview Map