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Report regarding resolutions authorizing the submittal of grant applications to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 4 Program funding and authorizing the use of local matching funds. (John Wilson, Senior Civil Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt the following:
1. A Resolution authorizing the submittal of grant applications to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 4 Program funding for the Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvements Project and Orange Avenue Complete Streets Planning and Design Project, and authorizing the use of local matching funds; and
2. A Resolution providing the local support required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for $539,000 for the Orange Avenue Complete Streets Planning and Design Project for the OBAG 4 Call for Projects; and
3. A Resolution providing the local support required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for $3,100,000 for the Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvement Project for the OBAG 4 Call for Projects.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 4 Program is a competitive regional funding program administered through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG). The program provides funding for transportation projects that improve safety, accessibility, equity, and sustainability while supporting implementation of adopted local and regional transportation plans.
In addition to OBAG implementation funding, C/CAG has established the Community Advancement and Regional Engagement Technical Assistance (CARE TA) Program to assist local agencies in advancing transportation projects from planning and conceptual development through preliminary engineering and preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E).
City staff have identified two strong candidates for the current funding cycle: the Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvements Project and the Orange Avenue Complete Streets Planning and Design Project.
The Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvements Project would implement recommendations identified in the City’s Active South City Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, Local Road Safety Plan, and General Plan. Chestnut Avenue serves as an important connection between residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, Downtown South San Francisco, Grand Avenue, and Hillside Boulevard. The corridor is identified as a key bicycle network connection and provides access to several community destinations.
The proposed project would improve safety and accessibility for all roadway users through construction of multimodal improvements that may include protected bicycle facilities, pedestrian crossing enhancements, traffic calming measures, and associated roadway modifications. These improvements would close gaps in the City’s active transportation network, improve access to community destinations, and support safer walking, bicycling, and transit use.
In addition to the Chestnut Avenue project, staff propose submitting an application to advance planning and design of improvements along Orange Avenue between El Camino Real and Grand Avenue. Orange Avenue serves as an important connection linking Downtown South San Francisco with Orange Memorial Park, the Aquatic Center, the Boys and Girls Club, nearby schools, and the Centennial Way Trail.
The City has previously completed corridor-level analysis identifying potential multimodal improvements along Orange Avenue. However, additional work is needed to refine alternatives, complete community engagement, advance engineering, and position the corridor for future implementation funding. The proposed planning and design effort would evaluate existing conditions, engage community stakeholders, develop conceptual alternatives, and prepare preliminary engineering and implementation strategies for future grant opportunities.
Together, these projects represent a coordinated approach to improving transportation infrastructure in South San Francisco by advancing both near-term implementation of multimodal safety improvements and long-term development of future corridor projects.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated construction cost for the Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvements Project is approximately $3,650,000. Staff are requesting authorization to provide up to a 20 percent local match, not to exceed $730,000, using Citywide Traffic Impact Fees or other eligible transportation funding sources.
The estimated cost for the Orange Avenue Complete Streets Planning and Design Project is approximately $600,000. Staff are requesting authorization to provide any required local match, not to exceed $120,000, using Citywide Traffic Impact Fees or other eligible transportation funding sources.
There is no immediate fiscal impact to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget associated with submitting the grant applications. If either application is successful, staff will return to the City Council as necessary for budget appropriation and project implementation actions.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
Approval of this action supports the Infrastructure and the Environment Major Focus Area by advancing projects that improve transportation safety, accessibility, and multimodal connectivity throughout the City. The proposed projects support implementation of adopted transportation plans, enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, improve access to community destinations and transit services, and advance the City’s goals of creating a safe, connected, and sustainable transportation network.
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt resolution No. 1 authorizing the submittal of grant applications to the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) for One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) 4 Program funding for the Chestnut Avenue Multimodal Safety and Access Improvements Project and Orange Avenue Complete Streets Planning and Design Project, and authorizing the use of local matching funds, and adopt Resolution Nos. 2 and 3 providing the Resolution of Local Support required by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
1. Project Identification Map