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RATIFY SUBMITTAL OF 2024 RAISE GRANT APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR ADVANCING COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY AND EQUITY FOR SOUTH STOCKTON PROJECT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion to ratify submittal of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant application for Advancing Community Connectivity and Equity for South Stockton in the amount of $8,150,000.
It is also recommended that the City Manager, or designee, be authorized to take appropriate and necessary actions to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
In December 2023, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the federally funded RAISE Grant. Funds for the Fiscal Year 2024 RAISE Grant program will be awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects that will improve safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility, and community connectivity.
On February 28, 2024, the Public Works Department, with support from the Economic Development Department and City Manager’s Office, submitted an application in the amount of $8.15 million for the Advancing Community Connectivity and Equity for South Stockton (“ACCESS”) project. The NOFO for the RAISE Grant contained an aggressive application submittal deadline. Staff worked diligently across departments to submit the application and not miss the funding opportunity. Staff recommends a motion be approved to ratify submittal of the RAISE Grant application to the DOT for the ACCESS project.
DISCUSSION
Background
Advancing Community Connectivity and Equity for South Stockton, also known as the ACCESS project, is a comprehensive effort to restore mobility, dignity, and public health by mitigating multiple transportation barriers that divide historically disadvantaged and marginalized communities in the city of Stockton. The Project will deploy a comprehensive community-based planning study to develop and evaluate alternatives to mitigate the significant health and community impacts created by three major transportation facilities: State Route (SR) 4, Interstate (I)-5, and the Union Pacific/BNSF rail yards. With heavy input from residents, the Project will identify alternatives and preferred outcomes for each facility and advance at least one alternative through design and environmental review to create immediate opportunities for implementation and realized benefits to the community.
In September 2023, this project was submitted for consideration under the DOT Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Program.
In December 2023, the DOT published the NOFO for the federally funded RAISE Grant. Funds for the 2024 RAISE Grant program will be awarded on a competitive basis for surface transportation infrastructure projects that address Merit Criteria for improving Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Quality of Life, and Mobility and Community Connectivity. The ACCESS Project is a strong candidate for funding under a RAISE Planning Grant through its responsiveness to additional Merit Criteria such as Economic Competitiveness and Opportunity, State of Good Repair, Partnership and Collaboration, and Innovation. On February 28, 2024, the Public Works Department, with support from the Economic Development Department and City Manager’s Office, submitted an application in the amount of $8.15 million for the ACCESS project.
Present Situation
The NOFO for the RAISE Grant contained an aggressive application submittal deadline. Staff worked diligently across departments to submit the application and not miss the funding opportunity. Staff recommends a motion be approved to ratify submittal of the RAISE Grant to the DOT for the ACCESS project.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The planning area is entirely comprised of disadvantaged and underserved communities, so the City is seeking federal funds to fund 100% of the ACCESS plan development. The City has included a 10% contingency as part of the total project cost. Additionally, City staff have included considerations for inflation and associated potential increase in cost of professional services over the planning and design phases of the project as part of the project cost.
There is no additional impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of taking the recommended actions.
Attachment A - Project Location Map