Title
Report regarding a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the California Transportation Commission for Cycle 8 Active Transportation Program funding and similar grant applications requiring no more than $3,800,000 in local match funds for the South City Active Connections to Jobs and the Bay Project. (John Wilson, Senior Civil Engineer)
label
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
City staff recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application for Cycle 8 Active Transportation Program funding or similar grant applications requiring no more than $3,800,000 in local match funds for the South City Active Connections to Jobs and the Bay Project.
Body
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Active Transportation Program (ATP) is a statewide competitive grant program administered by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to fund projects that improve walking and bicycling safety, mobility, and access. The program is funded through a combination of federal and state sources and prioritizes projects that improve connectivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and benefit disadvantaged communities.
The City of South San Francisco has identified the need to improve multimodal access between residential areas, employment centers, the Caltrain Station Area, and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. These needs have been documented through prior planning efforts, including the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan (Active South City) and the Caltrain East Access Study.
The South City Active Connections to Jobs and the Bay Project proposes implementing a series of multimodal improvements along key corridors, including Poletti Way, the Caltrain Station Area, and East Grand Avenue. These improvements are intended to enhance safety, close gaps in the active transportation network, and improve access to transit and major employment destinations.
City staff have identified two strong candidate projects for ATP Cycle 8 funding that build upon prior planning efforts and respond directly to community-identified needs in the East of U.S. 101 area. City staff are pursuing both applications to increase the likelihood of receiving funding through the ATP program because partial awards are not given. Only one of the applications would receive funding.
Application 1 (Estimated Cost: $35.2 million): The first application includes a comprehensive set of improvements focused on strengthening multimodal access to and around the South San Francisco Caltrain Station and key employment and recreation destinations east of U.S. 101. The project includes:
• Caltrain station area improvements to enhance access, circulation, and safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users
• Construction of protected bikeways and dedicated transit lanes on Poletti Way, providing a critical connection between the Caltrain Station and the San Francisco Bay Trail
• Development of separated bikeways along East Grand Avenue, complemented by pedestrian safety improvements, such as upgraded crossings, enhanced signal phasing, and accessibility upgrades
This project represents a major investment in creating a continuous, low-stress bicycle network and improving transit reliability and accessibility. The improvements are designed to support existing and future travel to/from major employment centers in the East of 101 area while maintaining efficient vehicle operations.
Application 2 (Estimated Cost: $18.7 million): The second application focuses on a subset of the improvements described above, centered on:
• Caltrain station area access and safety improvements
• Multimodal enhancements along Poletti Way, including protected bikeways and improved connections to the Bay Trail
Consistent with the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan, the Project includes a Class IV separated bikeway along Poletti Way and Class I shared-use paths in the Caltrain Station Area and surrounding corridors. Additional improvements may include pedestrian crossings, traffic control devices, traffic calming measures, and other safety enhancements to support active transportation.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff continuously monitor grant funding opportunities to support transportation improvements. There is no immediate fiscal impact associated with submitting the grant application.
The total estimated project cost is $35.2 million. The City intends to request the total amount in ATP funding.
While ATP does not require a local match, the City proposes to contribute up to $3,800,000 in local matching funds to improve competitiveness. These funds would be sourced from East of 101 Traffic Impact Fees.
If awarded, staff will return to the City Council for budget appropriation and project implementation actions as necessary.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES ACTION PLAN
This project supports the Infrastructure and the Environment Major Focus Area by advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. The South City Active Connections to Jobs and the Bay Project aligns with the City’s strategy to enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and promote a multimodal transportation system. The project also supports the Welcoming and Connected Community Major Focus Area by improving safe access to businesses, employment centers, and natural resources and encouraging active transportation.
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application for Cycle 8 Active Transportation Program funding or similar grant applications requiring no more than $3,800,000 in local match funds for the South City Active Connections to Jobs and the Bay Project.
Attachments:
1. Project Identification Map
2. Draft Concept Plans