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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program for the Junipero Serra Boulevard and Westborough Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety Project (st2301). (Lawrence Henriquez, Senior Civil Engineer)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program for the Junipero Serra Boulevard and Westborough Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety Project.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Junipero Serra Boulevard and Westborough Boulevard corridors present challenges for residents who want to use alternative modes of transportation such as walking or biking to reach important destinations like BART, shopping centers, schools, libraries, and recreation facilities. Due to the lack of pedestrian and bicycling facilities in these areas, residents face difficulties. To address this issue, a feasibility study is being conducted to explore improvements in biking and walking accessibility. These improvements may include high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, protected biking lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, enhanced intersection layouts, and leading pedestrian signal light intervals. It is important to note that bicycling and walking serve as affordable transportation options for low-income and disadvantaged residents. By providing access to active transportation, we enhance the freedom and independence of youth, parents, and individuals who are unable or choose not to drive. Encouraging walking and biking not only improves the livability of the community in intangible ways but also contributes to a sense of inclusivity. As a result, the City of South San Francisco has prioritized this project as one of its top eleven in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, known as Active South City. Currently, the existing conditions of the project site do not align with the safety, comfort, and equitable mobility goals set by Active South City for active transportation.
Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years (2022 - 2026). The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and our goal of zero roadway deaths.
The program supports the development of a comprehensive safety action plan (Action Plan) that identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in a community and the implementation of projects and strategies to address roadway safety issues. Action Plans are the foundation of the SS4A grant program. SS4A requires an eligible Action Plan be in place before applying to implement projects and strategies. The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants:
• Planning and Demonstration Grants provide federal funds to develop, complete, or supplement a comprehensive safety action plan. The goal of an Action Plan is to develop a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries in a locality, Tribe, or region. Planning and Demonstration Grants also fund supplemental planning and / or demonstration activities that inform the development of a new or existing Action Plan. The Department encourages including demonstration activities in an application.
• Implementation Grants provide federal funds to implement projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan to address a roadway safety problem. Projects and strategies can be infrastructure, behavioral, and/or operational activities. Implementation Grants may also include demonstration activities, supplemental planning, and project-level planning, design, and development. Applicants must have an eligible Action Plan to apply for Implementation Grants. The Department encourages including demonstration activities in an application.
Since the City of South San Francisco has completed a comprehensive safety action plan through the 2022 Local Road Safety Plan, staff will only be applying for the Implementation Grant. The Implementation Grant will provide funding for the design and construction phase of the project. The SS4A Grant Program is a highly competitive grant that trends towards projects that are in an advanced stage of project development, whereas the Junipero Serra Boulevard and Westborough Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety Project is just beginning the feasibility study. Regardless, if not awarded the grant, the advantage of filing the application for the SS4A grant is that staff learns how to better refine the grant narratives and visual aids to position the City for success in pursuing future funding opportunities at the local, state and federal levels.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will be applying for the maximum allowable amount of $25,000,000. The City will commit to funding 20% of the awarded grant amount. The local match funding will emanate from the Citywide Transportation Impact Fee which in the years ahead will have accumulated sufficient fees to cover the cost. The following table details the anticipated project budget:
|
FUNDING SOURCE |
AMOUNT |
PURPOSE |
|
SS4A |
$25,000,000 |
Design & Construction |
|
Citywide TIF |
$5,000,000 |
20% Local Match |
|
|
Total = $30,000,000 |
|
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan goal of improved Quality of Life through the consideration and implementation of optional safe modes of transportation for bicyclists and pedestrians through the Junipero Serra Drive and Westborough Boulevard corridors.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the filing of a grant application for the Safe Streets and Roads For All (SS4A) Grant Program for the Junipero Serra Boulevard and Westborough Boulevard Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity and Safety Project.