Report Prepared by: Richard Maddox, PE, Interim City Engineer, Engineering Department
Title
SUBJECT: Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) Project Selection
REPORT IN BRIEF
Selection of projects to submit applications for Merced Association of Governments (MCAG) Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) Call for Projects.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Selecting two (2) project locations to submit for the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) Program; and,
B. Authorizing staff to submit the CMAQ Applications to MCAG no later than the October 11, 2024, deadline.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications by City Council; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Council Goals and Priorities: Community Investment.
DISCUSSION
In August 2024, Merced Association of Governments (MCAG), released their next call for projects for the Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) and Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) programs. There is approximately $8.5 million available for the entire county for this call for projects.
On September 10, 2024, the Engineering Department held a Community Input meeting to gather public input and suggestions on priorities throughout the City to create qualifying projects. Staff presented potential areas for new sidewalk installation throughout Merced.
Feedback from the citizens consisted of sidewalks along G Street, north of Yosemite Avenue, sidewalks on West Avenue, sidewalks on Fig Avenue and Home Avenue, sidewalks near Merced College, and sidewalks near Canal Avenue and Childs Avenue, which currently is an existing project in design.
Staff has reviewed the citizen feedback and eligibility requirements for the CMAQ applications and have the following projects for consideration:
1. Sidewalks near Merced College: Installation of sidewalks on Community College North Drive between M Street and G Street.
2. Installation of sidewalks on the east side of West Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street, and between Childs Avenue to Riggs Avenue; Fig Avenue between South T Street and South S Street, and Home Avenue between South T Street and South S Street.
3. Purchase of 2 new electric street sweepers for the Public Works Department. Approximate cost is $734,000 per sweeper.
Staff is requesting Council to select two (2) projects to move forward with applications for CMAQ funding. The application deadline is 5pm on Friday, October 11, 2024.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on City resources at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation