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Report regarding three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring no more than a total of $500,000 in local match funds. (John Wilson, Associate Civil Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring no more than a total of $500,000 in local match funds.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The San Mateo County Transportation Authority Measure A and W Pedestrian and Bicycle Program (Program) funds projects that improve bicycling and walking accessibility and safety in San Mateo County, helping to encourage more residents to participate in active transportation. The Program is the product of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) Strategic Plan 2020-2024 and funded through a combination of Measures A and W.
The Program is congruent with SMCTA Measure A Goals and SMCTA Measure W Core principles.
Local agencies are eligible to apply for up to three separate grants, and City staff have determined three distinct scopes that provide needed safety improvements for school children adjacent to Alta Loma Middle School, Buri Buri Elementary School, Parkway Heights Middle School, and Ponderosa Elementary School. The three grant applications ready to be submitted by South San Francisco, pending City Council approval, total a potential grant award of $5,000,000:
1. Application one for a large capital project for an amount not exceeding $2,000,000 for pedestrian and bike improvements adjacent to Alta Loma Middle School and Buri Buri Elementary School.
2. Application two for a large capital project for an amount not exceeding $2,000,000 for pedestrian and bike improvements adjacent to Parkway Heights Middle School.
3. Application three for a small capital project for an amount not exceeding $1,000,000 for pedestrian and bike improvements adjacent to Ponderosa Elementary School.
Improvements to be included in the implementation grants will include various safety and mobility countermeasures identified during school walk audits performed in Spring of 2023 and 2024. The walk audit process is a crucial step in identifying challenges related to infrastructure and travel behavior near the school. This process involves participation from City and School staff, as well as students and parents. The proposed projects will provide needed safety improvements for school children adjacent to these schools.
The proposed improvements consist of new and upgraded walkways, including sidewalks, curb extensions, raised crosswalks, and curb ramps. To enhance the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, installation of traffic control devices such as high-visibility crosswalks, school speed zones, and protected bike lanes will be considered. Finally, project scope may include evaluating traffic calming measures intended to reduce vehicle speeds along school routes, such as neighborhood traffic circles, speed tables, speed bumps, and hardened centerlines.
As outlined in the City’s General Plan policy, these proposed Safe Routes to School improvements promote biking and walking to school, prioritize more vulnerable modes of transportation, and address specific safety concerns identified in partnership with the schools.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff continuously scan for various grant funding opportunities. Upon successful award of grant(s), staff will work with the City Council as necessary for budget appropriation to ensure sufficient funds to cover a local match.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Program grant requires a local match of 10% if the grant is awarded. Pending approval of the final grant amount, the City would be responsible for a match up to $500,000 for all three grant submittals.
There is no fiscal impact to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 budget as Citywide Traffic Impact Fees funding is available under related CIP Project tr1602 and other unallocated Citywide Traffic Impact Fees to cover the matching funds.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan outcome of improved Quality of Life by maintaining and improving infrastructure to serve the public.
CONCLUSION
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt three separate resolutions authorizing the submittal of three grant applications to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority for Cycle 7 Pedestrian and Bicycle Program Funding and similar grant applications requiring no more than a total of $500,000 in local match funds.