Report Prepared by: Laura Ivancich, Management Analyst, Engineering Department
Title
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Engineering Department to Apply for the California Transportation Commission (CTC) 2027 Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 8 Grant
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers adopting a resolution authorizing the Engineering Department to apply for grant funding from the California Transportation Commission (CTC) 2027 Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 8 Grant and commit to leveraging ten percent (10%) of local funding if awarded.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
Adopting Resolution 2026-30, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California to apply for grant funding for the California Transportation Commission 2027 Active Transportation Program.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by Council; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items as requested by Council; or,
5. Continue item to a Council future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
City Council Priority for Pedestrian Safety.
DISCUSSION
On March 24, 2026, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) released the call for projects for the Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 8 grant with an application deadline of June 22, 2026.
The goals of the ATP include, but are not limited to, increasing the proportion of trips accomplished by walking and biking, increasing the safety and mobility of non-motorized users, advancing efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, enhancing public health, and providing a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of users including disadvantaged communities.
Outreach is a key component to the application, so city staff started the outreach efforts immediately due to the short timeframe to gather feedback and data to create a competitive application. Engineering staff conducted outreach meetings on April 14 at Tenaya Middle School, April 15 at City Hall, and April 29 at Farmdale Elementary School. Staff also presented to the City of Merced Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee on April 28, participated in Family Outreach Night at Rivera Middle School on May 6, and spoke at the Merced City School District Board Meeting on May 12. Staff also received 32 signatures on a petition to support the application, and 9 responses on the Engage Merced website from citizens providing support and input.
Engineering staff met with Merced City School District and Weaver School District to create a citywide Safe Routes to School project. Safety and connectivity citywide were consistently discussed at the outreach events and have continued to be a priority for residents and Council. Staff created a proposed project list that consists of 11 sites that will benefit approximately 15 schools across the City.
The proposed projects (Attachment 2) include installation of new ADA ramps, flashing beacons, crosswalks, bicycle lanes, street lighting, a pedestrian bridge over Bear Creek, rehabilitation and installation of sidewalks, and 6 locations to have HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) systems installed. These improvements are aimed at benefiting students and residents walking, biking, and rolling to school.
As part of the ATP application and scoring rubric, the governing body has to provide a signed letter of commitment indicating the amounts and funding sources of the leveraged funds. The engineer’s estimate for the entire scope is $8,853,350.00. Staff is requesting Council to adopt the resolution authorizing the application and committing 10% of the engineer’s estimate as leveraged funds in the amount of $885,335 in Measure V funding if the grant is awarded.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact on funds currently. If awarded, staff will return with agreement to appropriate grant funding and Measure V match funding.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution 2026-30
2. Proposed Project List
3. Project Maps
4. Presentation