Report Prepared by: Ken Elwin, PE, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Measure V Regional Project Funding Agreement with the Merced County Association of Governments
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider approving the Measure V Regional Project Funding Agreement template to be executed in the future for projects approved by the Measure V Eastside Regional Projects Committee and Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Governing Board.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Measure V Regional Project Funding Agreement with Merced County Association of Governments; and,
B. Authorizing the increase of revenue and appropriating the same of all future Regional Project funding and authorizing the Finance Officer to make the appropriate budget adjustments; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Assistant City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by Staff; or
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer to Staff for further evaluation.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Addresses Council’s priority of improving local roads, sidewalks, and traffic.
DISCUSSION
On November 8, 2016, the voters of Merced County approved “Measure V”, a one-half cent sales transaction and use tax to supplement transportation roads and alternative transportation project funding. The Measure V transportation sales tax will be in place for 30 years, expiring on March 31, 2047.
Measure V allocates 44% of collected funds to “Regional Projects”. The Regional Projects funds are split into the Eastside Share (27%) and Westside Share (17%). The dividing line is East and West of the San Joaquin River, with the City of Merced lying within the Eastside. The Regional Project funding is separate from the City’s annual Local Projects share.
In order for a project to be eligible for Regional Project funding, projects must be located in or directly benefit more than one jurisdiction. Additionally, the project must be listed in the applicable Regional Transportation Plan, recommended by the appropriate Regional Projects Committee, approved by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) Governing Board, and included in the current Measure V Implementation Plan. Funds can be used for all phases of project development and implementation.
City proposed Regional Projects were submitted to the Eastside Regional Project Committee for approval by the MCAG Governing Board. For funding from Fiscal Years 2017-18 and 2018-19, two City of Merced projects were approved by the Governing Board:
• Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge
This project includes widening the Black Rascal Bridge on Highway 59 to a four-lane structure. Project funding for the project study, environmental, and design phase has been approved at $460,000 in Regional Projects funding. The total estimated project cost is $4,090,000. Staff will seek grant opportunities, in addition to Measure V, for future construction.
• Highway 59 Phase 1 (16th Street to Olive Avenue)
This project includes widening of Highway 59 from 16th Street to Olive Avenue, including the construction of new sidewalks. Project funding for the project study, environmental, design, and right-of-way acquisition phase has been approved at $764,580 in Regional Projects funding. The total estimated project cost is $5,944,300. Staff will seek additional funding for future construction.
The City of Merced must enter into the attached Measure V Regional Project Funding Agreement for each approved project. Once the agreement has been executed, the City has 6 months to execute consultant contracts or initiate work by staff, and must adhere to the approved project schedule.
The City Attorney’s Office has approved as to form the Funding Agreement template and staff recommends Council approval in order to proceed with Regional Projects.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Two separate funds have been established to receive and administer Measure V funding. Funds will be allocated to specific projects in the future as staff proceeds with approved Regional Projects.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Regional Project Funding Agreement Template