November 11, 2003

SUBJECT: FY 2003/2004 – Transportation Development Act Article 3 Funding Allocations for Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects and Budget Modification No. 14

REPORT IN BRIEF

This report recommends Council adopt Budget Modification No. 14 to accept the Transportation Development Act (TDA) allocation revenues and increase the appropriation for the Calabazas Creek Trail project by $50,152.  This will increase the FY 2003/2004 budget for the Calabazas Creek Trail project to  $635,864.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has approved the Sunnyvale allocation request and has submitted it to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). The final TDA Article 3 allocation will be administered from the MTC. This budget modification establishes the appropriation to allow for expenditure and reimbursement of funds. The 2003/04 allocation is consistent with the City's previously established priorities for TDA funding. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee took action regarding these priorities on March 13, 2002.  

BACKGROUND

The TDA is a source of funds created by State legislation which annually returns to each region in the State 1/4 of 1% of sales tax revenues which are to be used for transportation projects. TDA Article 3 funds are earmarked for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

The TDA Article 3 application process involves submittal of the application to the VTA towards the beginning of each year. This year the call for projects for the 2003/2004 cycle was submitted in March. VTA prioritizes the submitted projects and then submits their list of recommended projects to the MTC for approval. Traditionally, MTC approves the projects with instruction to implement the projects within three years of the funding year. The City implements the approved projects and then submits paperwork to MTC to be refunded for the money expended.

Projects which have been funded from prior years include purchase and installation of bike racks and lockers, marking of bike symbols on loop detectors, upgrading of loop detectors, purchase of bike rodeo equipment, sidewalk installations around the City, handicap ramp construction, the installation of audible pedestrian signals, bike lane construction, and a comprehensive bike facilities study.

The VTA apportionment formula gives 70% of the funds to cities and the County according to population.  The remaining 30% will be available for bicycle projects listed on the Valley Transportation Plan 2020 Tier 1 Bicycle Expenditure Program project list. 

EXISTING POLICY

The following documents contain policy direction on this issue:

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

Bicycle Plan BP.B3; The City of Sunnyvale shall pursue all available funding options for bicycle facility construction and improvements.

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

DISCUSSION

The Calabazas Creek Trail project seeks to upgrade an existing maintenance road along Calabazas Creek between Old Mountain View Alviso Road and Mission College Boulevard to a paved pedestrian and bicycle trail. In addition, the project will provide a bridge structure that links trail users from the west side, to the creek trail on the east side. The project intent is to provide gates, signs, and fencing along the maintenance road and a bridge structure that crosses Calabazas Creek. This would allow public access and create a recreational trail parallel to a 9000 foot segment of Calabazas Creek.  The design and engineering for the Calabazas Creek Trail is 95% completed. All environmental clearance is completed and most agreements and permits have been completed. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring of 2004. Staff anticipates an increase in expenditures for the Calabazas Creek Trail Project due to scope changes associated with a grant received from the Santa Clara Valley Water District.