Report Prepared by: Laura Ivancich, Management Analyst, Engineering Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Accepting $246,000 in Post-Programming Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Carryover Apportionment Funds for Project No. CP220066 - Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution accepting $246,000 in Post-Programming Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Carryover Apportionment funds to supplement construction funding for the Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization Project along R Street, M Street, G Street, Yosemite Avenue, and Olive Avenue.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-49, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, Accepting Post-Programming CMAQ Carryover Apportionment Funds in the Amount of $246,000 and Authorizing Related Budget Adjustments; and,
B. Approving a budget amendment increasing revenue in Fund 5005-Street and Signal CIP in the amount of $246,000 and appropriating the same to Project No. CP220066 for costs associated with the construction costs of traffic signal synchronization; and,
C. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement is received from the grant; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article II Section 200 - Powers.
Caltrans Procedures for Administering Local Grant Projects in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STP) are used to comply with the changes to the programming and funding statutes brought about by Charter 622 of the Statutes of 1997 (SB 45, KOPP). The procedures have been modified to remain consistent with and complimentary to the various guidelines and policies adopted by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), including the current 2010 STP Guidelines
(adopted on October 14, 2009).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In 2021, the City applied for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funds for a citywide Traffic Signal Synchronization/Timing Project along R Street, M Street, G Street, Yosemite Avenue, and Olive Avenue.
Appropriation was made at the August 5, 2024, Council Meeting to accept CMAQ grant funds in the amount of $993,417, and a local match of $128,708 for Construction costs associated with the traffic synchronization project.
Staff prepared plans and specifications, the project was advertised for bids, and City Council awarded the project to St Francis Electric, Inc., in the amount of $1,386,770.00 on March 16, 2026.
Due to increased costs for labor and materials, the project had a shortfall of $475,092. Staff transferred $475,092 of Measure V funding from CP260002 (Measure V Local Transportation - Projects to be Determined) to supplement the project, while requesting additional funding from Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG).
At the request of the Engineering Department, Merced County Association of Governments approved the usage of the Region’s CMAQ Carryover Apportionment in the amount of $246,000 to supplement the construction phase of the project.
The CMAQ post program funding amount of $246,000 requires a local match of $31,873. After City Council accepts this apportionment, any unused Measure V Funding will be transferred back to CP270002 (Measure V Local Transportation - Projects to be Determined).
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Project CP220066 - Merced Traffic Signal Synchronization was established as a Capital Improvement Project to be funded by Measure V, SB1, and CMAQ funds. There are sufficient funds to complete this project, but with the acceptance of the CMAQ post programming funding, any unused Measure V funding will be transferred back to CP270002-Measure V Local Transportation Projects to be Determined for other Measure V eligible projects.
This agenda item requires 5 affirmative votes.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. E-76 CML-5085(059)
3. MCAG Post-Programming CMAQ Apportionment
4. CMAQ Funds Resolution