SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Borregas Avenue Bridges Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project, Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Required Agreements for Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvement Project and Budget Modification No. 27

In September, 1998 the City completed a feasibility study of the construction of two new bicycle/pedestrian bridges over Routes 101 and 237 in a Borregas Avenue alignment. These bridges would create a new alternative transportation corridor between central Sunnyvale and the Moffett Industrial Park. In accepting the study, the City Council directed staff to continue planning for these bridges. Staff has submitted several grant applications for preliminary engineering, environmental reporting, and construction of these bridges. Recently, the project was granted $ 132,000 in federal funding for preliminary engineering and environmental reporting.

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

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

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 $ 132,000 federal grant for preliminary engineering and environmental reporting for construction of two bicycle/pedestrian bridges over Routes 101 and 237 at Borregas Avenue. 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 $ 132,000 in outside revenue for preliminary engineering and environmental reporting for two bicycle/pedestrian bridges over Routes 101 and 237. A $ 17,152 local match is required in order to receive funding. City capital project 819870 currently has $ 10,050 budgeted for this project. Staff recommends that these funds remain in the budget to cover staff time expenses not otherwise eligible for grant reimbursement.

The City’s Projects Review Committee has reviewed this project and recommends 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 bicycle and pedestrian bridges over Routes 101 and 237 at Borregas Avenue.
2. Review and approve the attached resolution certifying the availability of matching funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements at Borregas Avenue.
3. Approve Budget Modification No. 27 in the amount of $ 149,152.
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 bicycle and pedestrian improvements and forego Federal funding.
6. Do not approve Budget Modification No. 27 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