SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Pedestrian and Traffic Signal Improvements, Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Required Agreements for Pedestrian and Traffic Signal Improvement Projects and Budget Modification No. 23

In 1992 the City Council authorized submittal of a grant application for a pedestrian improvement project in the Moffett Industrial Park/North Sunnyvale area for federal ISTEA funding. After applying for many cycles of federal funding, recently the Valley Transportation Authority recommended approval of a federal grant to fund this project.

Staff also recently submitted a grant application to upgrade traffic signal control equipment and interconnect traffic signals on Wolfe Road. This project is also recommended for federal grant funding.

At this time the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the programming authority for federal ISTEA funds in the Bay Area, requires a Council resolution at this time committing City matching funds to these projects. Staff also recommends a budget modification to add these projects to the Resource Allocation Plan.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.5.4, Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

Land Use and Transportation Element C3.3, Optimize city traffic signal system performance.

Fiscal Sub-Element 7.1B.4d, Pursue and use intergovernmental assistance for projects in the Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan.

Sunnyvale has been recommended for a $ 500,000 federal grant for pedestrian improvements near the West Tasman LRT corridor. Candidate streets for pedestrian improvements include Tasman Drive, Borregas Avenue, Crossman Avenue, Geneva Avenue, Bordeaux Drive, Innsbruck Avenue, Gibraltar Avenue, and Caspian Drive. The City is also recommended for a $ 150,450 grant for a Wolfe Road traffic signal interconnect project to upgrade five traffic signals between Reed Avenue and Homestead Road. Funding is through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21^st Century (TEA-21).

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s "25%" TEA-21 Transportation Systems Operations (TSO) funding program is bi-annual funding program that provides federal funding for eligible projects. TEA-21 provides flexible transportation funding for a broad range of transportation projects including roadway, transit, bike and pedestrian projects.

Projects to be included in the TSO Program are prioritized by the Santa Clara County congestion management agency and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission through a competitive process. Sunnyvale’s project was one of a small number of projects selected in the county to be included in the second round of TEA-21 funding for the region. The project now moves forward to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for programming in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program. Before a project can be programmed, MTC requires that local agencies certify the availability of matching funds and recognize the maximum funding level. An 11.5% local match is required. Staff recommends approval of the attached resolution certifying the availability of matching funds.

Caltrans will require a project funding agreement, environmental clearance, and other certifications as project designs and awards move forward. At this time, staff is recommending that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute agreements required by the funding source.

Approval of these grants represents a positive impact of $ 650,450 in outside revenue for pedestrian improvement construction and a traffic signal interconnect installation. A $ 84,050 local match is required in order to receive funding.

Posting of the Council Agenda. Reports to Council are also available at the City Library and the City’s Web Site.

1. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute required agreements for a TEA-21 Transportation Systems Operations grant for pedestrian Improvements near the Tasman West light rail transit corridor and a Wolfe Road traffic signal interconnect project.
2. Review and approve the attached resolution certifying the availability of matching funds for pedestrian improvements near the Tasman West light rail transit corridor and a Wolfe Road traffic signal interconnect project.
3. Approve Budget Modification No. 23 in the amount of $650,450.
4. Elect not to authorize the City Manager to execute grant funding requirements and forego Federal funding.
5. Elect not to approve the attached resolution certifying the availability of matching funds for pedestrian improvements and traffic signal upgrades and forego Federal funding.
6. Do not approve Budget Modification No. 23 and forego Federal funding.

Staff recommends Alternatives #1, 2 and 3.

Prepared by:

Jack Witthaus
Transportation Planner

Reviewed by:

Raymond C. Williamson
City Traffic Engineer

Marvin A. Rose
Director of Public Works

Mary Bradley
Director of Finance

Approved by:

Robert S. LaSala
City Manager

Attachment: Resolution Certifying Matching Fund Availability