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Recommendation to adopt resolution committing to provide the local match for a Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) Grant to complete gaps in the Long Beach bicycle network if the City's application is selected for funding; and
Authorize City Manager to administer and execute all necessary contracts and documents to accept and expend all BTA grant funds in connection therewith, and to take all other actions necessary to implement the use of such funds. (Districts 3,4,8)
DISCUSSION
Caltrans issued a call for applications to provide funding for bicycle projects that are included within cities' adopted Bicycle Master Plans. Long Beach has a Bicycle Master Plan that was adopted on July 11, 2001. Cities were encouraged to submit applications that: 1) focus primarily on bicycle commuters; 2) have the potential to increase bicycle commuting; and 3) provide or improve bikeway connectivity to activity centers. The following project was developed to complement both existing bike routes and bike routes that are funded and planned for implementation in the coming year. An application has been submitted to eliminate gaps in the bicycle routes at four locations as detailed in the Bicycle Master Plan (see attached map):
1. Clark Avenue from Willow Street to Anaheim Street. This Class II bike lane will connect to the existing Class III bike lane on Clark Avenue north of Willow Street and will provide a key connection between the new Class " bike lanes on Atherton Street to Anaheim Street to provide a better connection to CSULB, Veterans Hospital and Wilson High School.
2. Bellflower Boulevard from Atherton Street to 6th Street. This Class II bike lane will connect to the existing Class II bike lanes on Bellflower Boulevard north of Atherton Street, and will provide a key connection to the new Class II bike lane on Atherton Street and the recently funded bicycle boulevard planned for 6th Street from Bellflower Boulevard to Junipero Avenue.
3. Del Amo Boulevard from Long Beach Boulevard to the LA River Bike Path. This Class II bike lane will connect to the existing Class III bike lane on Del Amo Boulevard east of Long Beach Boulevard, and will provide a key on-street connection to the LA River Bike Path.
4. Broadway from Lama Avenue to Nieto Avenue. This Class II bike lane will connect the existing Class III bike lane on Loma Avenue and Nieto Avenue, including a small median island in the area between Park Avenue and Nieto Avenue. This will also serve the commercial corridor on Broadway.
Project costs are estimated at $510,000. A 15 percent match requirement would equate to $76,500, resulting in a grant request of $433,500. If this grant application is funded, the local match will be provided from the City's Capital Projects Fund utilizing Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds. TDA funds are limited to the construction or enhancement of pedestrian and bike facilities.
This matter was reviewed by Principal Deputy City Attorney Charles Parkin on December 18, 2009 and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on December 17, 2009.
SUSTAINABILITY
This project will improve the cycling environment in Long Beach and encourage the use of bicycles, which will emit no greenhouse gas emissions, and may reduce overall vehicle trips, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cycling also provides positive collateral effects of improving the health and fitness of society.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The funding agency requires that the City Council adopt a resolution of commitment that it will fulfill the application's matching requirements prior to awarding the funds. This resolution must be received by Caltrans by January 9, 2010, so approval at the January 5, 2010 Council meeting is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
If this grant application is successfully funded, the City will be required to commit $76,500 in TDA funds to the project. The City annually receives approximately $300,000 in TDA funds. If this grant is approved, future TDA funds will be encumbered for this project. An appropriation increase will be requested if the grant is approved by Caltrans. There is no impact to the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION ACCOUNT GRANT PROGRAM
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |