November 18, 2003
SUBJECT: Bicycle Transportation Account - Funding Extension Authorization
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City is participating in the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account grant program to fund bicycle improvements on Wolfe Road (between Maria Lane and Old San Francisco Road) and Mathilda Avenue (between Moffett Park Drive and Caribbean Drive).
Staff would like to request a funding extension in order to assure that the construction will be completed before the funding deadline. At this time, staff anticipates meeting the original grant deadline; however staff believes it is prudent to ask for an extension, due to the unpredictability of winter weather and the potential for weather to impact the construction schedule. City Council concurrence with the extension request is required by the State before an extension can be processed.
Staff asks that Council authorize the submittal of the Bicycle Transportation Account funding extension request.
BACKGROUND
The Bicycle Transportation Account is a source of State funds created for the purpose of improving safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. Competitive grants are distributed to local agencies by the California Department of Transportation on an annual basis. Projects cannot exceed $ 1.8 million in total cost, and a 10% local match is required.
City Council authorized submittal of a grant application and certified the availability of local matching funds for bicycle improvements along Wolfe Road and Mathilda Avenue (Connecting North and South Sunnyvale for Bicyclists Project) on July 5, 2001. Grant funding of $113,580 was awarded in June of 2002.
EXISTING POLICY
Land Use and Transportation Element C.3.5, 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.
DISCUSSION
The City is participating in the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account grant program to fund bicycle improvements on Wolfe Road (between Maria Lane and Old San Francisco Road) and Mathilda Avenue (between Moffett Park Drive and Caribbean Drive).
Staff would like to request a funding extension in order to assure that the construction will be completed before the funding deadline. At this time, staff anticipates meeting the original grant deadline; however staff believes it is prudent to ask for an extension, due to the unpredictability of winter weather and the potential for weather to impact the construction schedule. City Council concurrence with the extension request is required by the State before an extension can be processed.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the submission of the grant extension request. Staff anticipates meeting the original grant deadline. However, due to the unpredictability of winter weather and the potential for weather to impact the construction schedule staff believes it is prudent to ask for an extension.
If the grant extension request is not submitted the City could lose approximately $113,580 in Bicycle Transportation Account funding. The funding deadline is June 30, 2004.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Publication and posting of the Council Agenda. Reports to Council are also available in the Sunnyvale Library and on the City’s Internet home page.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Authorize the submittal of the Bicycle Transportation Account funding extension request for the Connecting North and South Sunnyvale for Bicyclists project.
2. Do not authorize the submittal of the Bicycle Transportation Account funding extension request for the Connecting North and South Sunnyvale for Bicyclists project.