TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW) by $300,000 for the design of the Atlantic Avenue and Willow Street Intersection Improvements. (District 6)
DISCUSSION
The Atlantic Avenue and Willow Street Intersection Project (Project) was developed to address existing traffic congestion and impacts of the I-710 Corridor Project by adding left and right turn lanes to the northbound and southbound approaches of the intersection. The project will eliminate an existing traffic deficiency and improve service levels for projected traffic volume growth. Design phase services include pre-design, design and right-of-way engineering.
The Atlantic Avenue and Willow Street intersection was identified in the EIR as an impacted intersection in the I-710 Early Action Report. On June 19, 2013, the I-710 Project Committee recommended $300,000 in Measure R "Early Action" funds for the design of the Project. At its meeting on June 27, 2013, the Metro Board of Directors (Metro) programmed $300,000 in Measure R funds to the City of Long Beach (City) for the design of this project, subject to the terms of a Funding Agreement. In order to proceed with the release of these funds from Metro, on March 4, 2014, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into Funding Agreement MOU.MR.306.22 as Agreement No. 33426 (Agreement). The Agreement has been fully executed by the City and Metro. The Agreement specifies each agency's roles for use of Metro's Measure R funds, which includes designing, reviewing, approving, and invoicing for the project. The Agreement calls for the City to be responsible for the preparation of the plans, specifications, and estimates of the project to widen the intersection and improve traffic congestion to meet current and projected traffic volume. A consultant for design services has been selected, pursuant to the City's administrative procedures. It is envisioned that the design will begin in FY15, and construction will proceed in FY16 after funding has been secured.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on August 26, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on September 4, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on September 23, 2014, to allow the City to proceed with the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City shall be reimbursed up to $300,000 by Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) for completion of the design for the Project. Matching funds are not required. However, the Funding Agreement includes a LACMTA requirement to withhold 5 percent of each reimbursement payment, pending an audit of expenditures and completion of the agreed scope of work. Since the grant funds are not currently appropriated, an appropriation increase of $300,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW).
Construction costs are currently unknown. Staff will pursue additional funding for construction upon completion of the design phase, and will return to the City Council to request appropriations for construction costs when funding is secured.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ARA MALOYAN, PE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER