Report Prepared by: Joe Cardoso, P.L.S., City Surveyor, Engineering Department
Title
SUBJECT: Administering Agency State Program Supplement No. 012-N1 and Agreement Summary (E-76) for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Grant CML-5085(029) - Project 111066 Westerly Bike Path Connection
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider a resolution approving a California Department of Transportation Program Supplement for the use of $996,000 in CMAQ Grant funding for construction engineering and project construction of the Westerly Bike Path Connection.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2018-55, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving Federal-Aid Projects Program Supplement Agreement No. 012-N1; and,
B. Accepting CMAQ grant funds and increasing revenue in account 450-1104-321.32-00 by $996,000 and appropriating the same to account 450-1104-637.65-00-111066 for construction engineering and project construction of the Westerly Bike Path Connection; and,
C. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement is received from the grant; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager or Assistant 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; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
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 Statues 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 2018 STP Guidelines
(adopted on August 16, 2017).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2018-19 Adopted Budget
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced has entered into a master agreement with Caltrans covering Federal-aid projects in order to utilize certain Federal funds made available through legislation enacted by the Congress of the United States for use on local transportation facilities. The agreement covers projects that use Federal funds, which include, but are not limited to, the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP), the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ), the Transportation Enhancement Activities Program (TEA), the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program (HBRR), and the AB1475 Safe Routes to School Program.
In addition to the master agreement, we must execute a specific supplemental agreement for each individual project. Caltrans has sent us Program Supplement No. 012-N1 covering use of $996,000 in Federal funds for the construction costs associated with the Westerly Bike Path Connection. The local match of $129,000 will come from Measure V - Alternative Modes and no General Funds will be used.
Reimbursements can be claimed through the Caltrans accounting office only after execution of the Supplemental Agreement. We, therefore, request Council approval of the Program Supplement, accepting the Federal funding for CML-5085(029). The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and has prepared a resolution for adoption.
History and Past Actions
On July 18, 2011, the City of Merced accepted funds for the Bear Creek Bike Path from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) to design a Class 1 bike path from Buena Vista Drive to 16th Street, along State Route 59 and the Bear Creek Corridor.
In April 2016, the City of Merced reduced the project scope due to environmental issues along Bear Creek and the need to underground a Merced Irrigation canal located north of Bear Creek Drive. The project was renamed the Westerly Bike Path Connection and the categorical exemption was approved by Caltrans in April 2017.
The current project scope is to construct a Class 1 Bike Path south of Buena Vista Drive at Black Rascal Creek, thence along the south side of Black Rascal Creek, west to State Route 59 to the BNSF railroad tracks, thence easterly, north of the BNSF railroad tracks, approximately 1,300 feet to the existing bike path. A pedestrian/bike bridge will be installed over Black Rascal Creek.
In April 2018, Caltrans approved the Right-of-Way Certification, which allowed the City to apply for construction funds.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff recommends accepting grant funds from the State of California adopted CMAQ Program, increasing revenue account 450-1104-321.32-00 in the amount of $996,000 and appropriating the same to account 450-1104-637.65-00-111066 for Construction Engineering and Project Construction costs. Additionally, $129,000 matching funds is available in Fund 075-Measure V Alternative Modes under project 119008-Projects To Be Determined.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Resolution - Program Supplement
3. Program Supplement
4. Finance Letter
5. CML-5085(029) E-76 CON