TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group (Capital Projects Grant Fund) in the Public Works Department by $1,900,000 for the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project, offset by Measure R funds from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MR306.60); and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $1,900,000 for the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project, offset by transfer of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Measure R funds from the Capital Project Grant Fund. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to appropriate grant funding received from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project (Project).
The Project is the first phase of the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project, which will realign Shoreline Drive to create new functional park space and improve local street connections in the area. The Project is an early action project (EAP) of the I-710 Corridor Project and is compatible with the planned freeway improvements. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, reconstructing southbound Shoreline Drive to accommodate two-way traffic, removing northbound Shoreline Drive that currently divides Chavez and Golden parks, reestablishing continuous park space, converting 7th Street from one-way to two-way traffic, reconfigure on-ramps and off-ramps to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, eliminating the grade separation at Shoreline Drive and Golden Shore, new traffic signals, striping, signage, and enhanced pedestrian and bicycle circulation.
On October 11, 2016, the City Council adopted a Resolution (No. RES-16-009) authorizing the City of Long Beach (City) to enter into all agreements required by the MTA for County funds that flow to cities to support transportation projects. On March 20, 2019, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) recommended approval of $2,800,000 in Measure R “Early Action” funds for design work for the Project. On June 27, 2019, the Los Angeles County MTA Board of Directors approved and programmed Measure R funds for reimbursement of the Project design, subject to the terms of the Funding Agreement. On February 26, 2020, the City Manager executed a Funding Agreement with the MTA under the authority of Resolution No. RES-16-009, formalizing the terms and conditions of use for the Project funded by Measure R funds.
On July 22, 2021, the Los Angeles County MTA Board of Directors approved and programmed an additional $1,900,000 of Measure R funds for the reimbursement of the Project design, for a total amount of $4,700,000. On November 16, 2021, the City Manager executed an amendment with MTA under the authority of Resolution No. RES-16-009, formalizing the terms and conditions of use for the Project funded by Measure R funds.
Allocation of construction funds will occur later in the design phase after construction costs estimates are developed and funding has been secured.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on January 11, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on January 21, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project includes detention basins and bioswales to collect stormwater and remove pollutants before it enters the drainage systems and the LA River. This system will tie into the future Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (LB-MUST) Facility for stormwater treatment with reuse for park irrigation and wetland habitat. The Project also includes four miles of new bicycle lanes and two miles of new pedestrian/bicycle paths that connect to the LA River Trail.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 8, 2022 in accordance with Measure R expenditure timelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
The preliminary estimated cost of the Project is $50,000,000, which includes design, construction, construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project oversight. Current identified funding sources are $4,700,000 in Measure R Early Action funds from the
I-710 Non-freeway Program, of which $2,800,000 is currently budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department and $1,900,000 appropriation is being requested within this recommendation. It is anticipated that funding for the later phases of the project will also be covered through MTA. Staff will request construction funds from the MTA following completion of detailed construction cost estimation. An appropriation increase in the amount of $3,800,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount $1,900,000 will be offset with Measure R reimbursement revenues received from MTA. The remaining $1,900,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Measure R funds from the Capital Projects Grant Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER