Report Prepared by: Michael R. Beltran II, PE, City Engineer
Title
SUBJECT: Approving the Cooperative Agreement with State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing a cooperative agreement with Caltrans to receive support and oversight for the project approval and environmental documents for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the cooperative agreement for the Highway 59 Widening Phase 1 and Highway 59 Black Rascal Bridge Project; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager or the 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 widening Highway 59 from 16th Street through the Bridges at Black Rascal Creek.
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. The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) will administer the apportionment of sales tax funds to the County, six Cities and the agreed upon regional areas within Merced County. In order to allow the City of Merced to receive support and oversight from Caltrans, the City Council must adopt the attached Cooperative Agreement.
History and Past Actions
On April 16, 2018, City Council approved the prioritization of Highway 59 from 16th Street to Yosemite Avenue. Specifically, prioritized in the following order:
1. Widening of Bridges over Black Rascal Creek;
2. Widening of Roadway ...
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