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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT AGREEMENT UNDER THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL GRANT PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution to:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement under the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit future Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program applications and execute all necessary implementation related documents and agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration.
It is also recommended that the City Manager be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary programs. This program appropriates five billion dollars for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds initiatives through grants with the goal of preventing roadway deaths and serious injuries.
The City submitted a grant application to develop a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan under the SS4A - Action Plan grant program in September, 2022. The City was selected as a grant recipient in the amount of $646,000 earlier this year. The grant allows the City to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
The City has received a Grant Agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) detailing the terms of the SS4A grant. The City must execute the agreement before any work on the project can begin. Staff recommends Council authorize the City Manager to submit the grant agreement and future SS4A program applications and related documents for a period of five years.
DISCUSSION
Background
On November 15th, 2021, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which, in part, established the new SS4A discretionary program. The SS4A program helps fund initiatives that help prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Five billion dollars were appropriated in Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-2026.
The City of Stockton, with over 300,000 residents, has a robust transportation network with many roadway safety challenges. Roadway corridors must share the right of way amongst vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Achieving safe accommodations for all users is challenging, especially for non-motor vehicle users. The California Office of Traffic Safety shows Stockton ranked second at the statewide level for total fatal and injury collisions and first for bicyclists injured under the age of 15.
Present Situation
On September 13, 2022, the City submitted a grant application to the SS4A - Action Plan grant program. The City’s application was successful, and on February 7, 2023, Public Works’ application in the amount of $646,000 was approved for funding in FY 2022 of the SS4A Grant Program. The City’s application proposes to develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan aimed at eliminating roadway fatalities and serious injuries.
The scope of work for the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan involves:
1. Identify low-cost, high-impact strategies to improve safety.
2. Perform outreach and community engagement with stakeholders.
3. Adopt innovative technologies or strategies to promote safety and equity.
4. Implement evidence-based projects or strategies.
The City has received an SS4A Grant Agreement from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) detailing the terms and conditions of the funding. The action plan must be completed by October 2024 and funds expended within twenty-four (24) months of the execution of agreement.
The City must execute the SS4A grant agreement with the FHWA before work can begin to develop the SS4A Safety Action Plan. Staff recommends Council authorize the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement for the SS4A grant. Once the SS4A Safety Action Plan is complete, the City will submit application(s) to implement all or portions of the plan and be required to execute grant agreements. Therefore, staff recommends Council authorize the City Manager to submit future applications and execute corresponding grant agreements. The program will also require other grant agreements for future phases of the action plan.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The recommended actions will authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an SS4A grant agreement with the USDOT, make the necessary appropriations, and undertake any other financial actions appropriate to secure and spend the funding. Further, the recommendation is to continue this authority for future SS4A Grant Program submissions for a period of five years from the date Council adopts the resolution.
There is no impact to the City's General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.