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ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE DOWNTOWN EAST-WEST CONNECTION PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize staff to request funding for design from the California Transportation Commission and adopt a resolution to approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199).
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 project will construct bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements on Fremont Street, Oak Street, and Park Street between Pershing Avenue and Wilson Way (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The project will restripe the roadway to add bicycle facilities, upgrade sidewalk corners to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, install speed cushions, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), crosswalks, signal timing improvements, and new signage. The project was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
This project will receive both federal and State Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding. The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance is required and needed before staff can receive the next funding allocation for design from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The project recently completed the environmental evaluation and documentation process and has been determined to be exempt under the CEQA Guidelines. The resolution will approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under CEQA, enabling staff to request Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) funding from the CTC for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199). Caltrans will take the lead in providing NEPA clearance for this project. It is anticipated that the final plans and specifications be completed and advertised for construction in fall of 2024.
Staff recommends that Council authorize staff to request funding for design (PS&E) of the project from the CTC and adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under CEQA for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199).
DISCUSSION
Background
Federal and State ATP funds are available for projects that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation. In 2020, Public Works submitted the Downtown East-West Connection grant application for the ATP Cycle 5 program. The project was awarded $1,799,460 in Regional ATP funds. Measure K funds will be used for the required local match. The project was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year CIP.
The project will construct bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements on Fremont Street, Oak Street, and Park Street between Pershing Avenue and Wilson Way (Attachment A - Vicinity Map). The project will restripe the roadway to add bicycle facilities, upgrade sidewalk corners to ADA standards, install speed cushions, RRFB, crosswalks, signal timing improvements, and new signage.
In March 2022, the CTC approved a funding allocation to the City for the Project Approval and Environmental Documentation phase. The ATP grant program requires the project obtain NEPA and CEQA clearance before the next request for PS&E funding can be submitted to the CTC.
Present Situation
The project recently completed the environmental evaluation and documentation process. The project is in conformance with the City’s General Plan, pursuant to California Government Code, section 65402, and is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA as specified under Section 15301(c) of the CEQA Guidelines. The activities related to this project constitute a discretionary project under the City’s jurisdiction and qualifies as a project that does not have a significant effect on the environment. The resolution will approve the filing of Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under CEQA, enabling staff to request PS&E funding from the CTC for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199). Caltrans will take the lead in providing NEPA clearance for this project. It is anticipated that the final plans and specifications be completed and advertised for construction in fall of 2024.
Staff recommends that Council authorize staff to request funding for design (PS&E) of the project from the CTC and adopt a resolution approving Notice of Exemption No. NOE40-22 under CEQA for the Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199).
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The Downtown East-West Connection, Project No. WT22050/Federal Project No. ATPL-5008(199), Account No. 4510-000-800007-300-000-30-45-000-000, is included in the adopted 2021-26 Five-Year CIP. ATP State funds in the amount $110,000 for Environmental Studies and Permits were allocated for the project in March 2022.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.
Attachment A - Vicinity Map