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APPROVE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SUBMITTAL OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD RAIL AND ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO THE SAN JOAQUIN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS FOR “ONE VOICE” PROJECT PRIORITY FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to:
1. Authorize the submittal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction project to the San Joaquin Council of Governments for proposed federal funding as part of the annual “One Voice” trip to Washington, D.C.
2. Authorize associated agreements and undertake actions to accept and receive the funding in the event that the funding request is successful, including any future amendments.
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 motion.
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Summary
The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) coordinates an annual process known as “One Voice” to develop and present unified regional funding requests and legislative priorities to the federal government. SJCOG has requested member agencies to submit project proposals. Staff has reviewed projects in the Council adopted Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), SJCOG Regional Transportation Plan, and other regionally significant projects. “One Voice” project recommendations typically involve larger-scale transportation projects involving major arterials, portions of freeway systems through Stockton, or a project of significant benefit to the City or citizenry.
Staff has identified the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction project as the 2023 “One Voice” project. This project will reconstruct the existing underpass structure and roadway to current geometric and accessibility standards. The project is being jointly sponsored by the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC) as this project expands and supports SJRRC’s Stockton Diamond Grade Separation project. The “One Voice” submittal is requesting $6,000,000 to complete design and environmental clearance for the project.
Staff recommends Council authorize submittal of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction project in the amount of $6,000,000 as the 2023 “One Voice” project for Stockton.
DISCUSSION
Background
Since 2000, SJCOG has coordinated an annual process known as “One Voice” to develop and present unified regional funding requests and legislative priorities to the federal government. Typically, a delegation of policymakers, government officials, and business leaders from San Joaquin County present a targeted list of regional priorities to Congressional representatives and high-level agency staff in Washington, D.C., demonstrating cooperation among local agencies to secure federal funding. SJCOG has organized and planned a trip to present our region’s priorities for the week of May 6-11, 2023.
“One Voice” project recommendations are typically comprised of larger-scale transportation projects involving major arterials, portions of freeway systems through Stockton, or a project of significant benefit to the City or citizenry. Past City “One Voice” submittals have been: Miracle Mile (Pacific Avenue), Sperry Road Extension, French Camp and I-5 Interchange, Airport Way and Weber Avenue Beautification, Arch Road Widening, and North Stockton I-5 Widening.
SJCOG requires agencies to align their “One Voice” project proposals with one or more of the following thematic concepts:
• Environmental Sustainability - projects whose core features improve air quality, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and are responsive to climate change/resiliency goals.
• Trade Corridors - projects that foster goods movement, commerce, or enhance/eliminate barriers to trade.
• Innovation and Technology - strategies/projects that capture cutting-edge technology investments.
• Growth Management - projects which strengthen connections to housing and have strong, direct connectivity to economic development.
• Social Equity and Mobility - investments that provide options for disadvantaged communities.
In past years, Stockton has put forward up to three projects. However, this year, SJCOG is requesting only one regionally significant project per agency as they want to focus on each agency’s top priority project. Staff has reviewed significant projects in the Council adopted Five-Year CIP, SJCOG Regional Transportation Plan, and other regionally significant projects to determine the City’s priority “One Voice” project. Staff has identified the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction project as a key priority project for the City.
Present Situation
Staff is recommending that the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction project be submitted as the City’s priority “One Voice” project. The project will reconstruct the existing Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard underpass to provide:
• An updated structure to current geometric and accessibility standards
• Better access for pedestrians and bicycles
• Better usability for vehicles and trucks
• Improved lighting and aesthetics of the structure overall
• Upgraded drainage and pumpstation infrastructure
• Better movement of goods and services along the corridor
• Improved greenhouse gas emissions
In addition, the “One Voice” project closely integrates with and expands on improvements that will be completed with SJRRC’s Stockton Diamond Grade Separation project. The proposed project also supports the City’s overall vision outlined in various plans, including the General Plan, Climate Action Plan, Bicycle Master Plan, and Pedestrian Safety Plan.
The City’s 2023 “One Voice” project is being jointly sponsored by the SJRRC as it supports their Stockton Diamond Grade Separation project. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Rail and Roadway Reconstruction, or City 2023 “One Voice” project, request is for $6,000,000 to complete design, environmental, and right-of-way acquisition, including the preparation of environmental documents and right-of-way acquisition.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
No immediate financial impacts are associated with submitting the “One Voice” request. Should any federal funding be granted as a result of the “One Voice” effort, staff will return to Council with further information and recommendations specific to the project. In the long run, the financial impacts will be favorable if the request is successful since the City is already committed to implementing the project.
There is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended action.