title
ADOPT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE GREATER DOWNTOWN BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution to:
1. Authorize staff to request funding for design from the California Transportation Commission;
2. Approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-23 under the California Environmental Quality Act for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200).
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 forming a connective loop along Lincoln, Rose, Aurora, Grant, and Fifth Streets (Attachment A). The project will add Class II and Class III buffered bicycle facilities, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB), reconstruct curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, install/enhance crosswalks, and install new signage. The project is in conformance with the City’s Bicycle Facilities Master Plan and was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
The project will receive State Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding and Measure K Smart Growth Incentives Program funding. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) clearance is required before staff can request a design funding allocation from the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The project has been determined to be exempt under the CEQA Guidelines. The resolution will approve Notice of Exemption No. NOE04-23 under CEQA, enabling staff to request Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) funding from the CTC for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200). It is anticipated that the final plans and specifications be completed, and the project advertised for construction in winter 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. NOE04-23 under CEQA for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200).
DISCUSSION
Background
State ATP funds are available for projects that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation. In 2020, the Public Works Department submitted the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity grant application for the ATP Cycle 5 program. The project was awarded $1,747,540 in State ATP funds. The project was included in the 2021-26 Five-Year CIP.
The project will construct bicycle facilities and pedestrian improvements along the following street segments: Lincoln Street from Harding Way to Turnpike Road; Rose Street from Pershing Avenue to California Street; Aurora Street generally from Park Street to Fifth Street; and Fifth Street from Aurora Street to California Street (Attachment A - Project Area and Spot Improvements Maps). The project will add Class II and Class III buffered bicycle facilities, RRFBs, reconstruct curb ramps to ADA standards, install/enhance crosswalks, and install new signage within the aforementioned project limits.
In July 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 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. NOE04-23 under CEQA, enabling staff to request PS&E funding from the CTC for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200). It is anticipated that the final plans and specifications be completed, and the project advertised for construction in winter 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. NOE04-23 under CEQA for the Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200).
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity, Project No. WT22051/Project No. ATPSB1L-5008(200), 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 of $75,000 for environmental evaluation and documentation process were allocated for the project in July 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 - Project Area and Spot Improvements Maps