TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $90,000, offset by grant funds from the California Department of Transportation Cycle 5 Active Transportation Program; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $90,000, offset by transfer of grant funds from the California Department of Transportation Cycle 5 Active Transportation Program from the Capital Grant Fund. (Districts 1,6)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department for the environmental phase of the Pine Avenue Bicycle Boulevard Project (Project).
On June 23, 2021, the California Transportation Commission awarded the City of Long Beach (City) grant funding for the Project, which will include bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Pine Avenue to improve safety and traffic calming. Under Resolution RES 07-0097, approved by City Council on July 10, 2007, the City Manager is authorized to execute all documents associated with Caltrans funding agreements and amendments.
The Project limits are on Pine Avenue from 8th Street to 25th Street; 25th Street from Pine Avenue to Earl Avenue; and Earl Avenue from 25th Street to Willow Street. The Project will connect downtown to the Willow Street A Line Metro Station. It will include the construction of three roundabouts, five traffic circles, one vehicle diverter, 1.6 miles of Class III sharrows, 0.3 miles of Class II bike lanes, signage, wayfinding, and a non-infrastructure education program.
The grant from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Cycle 5 Active Transportation Program will fund 90 percent of the total cost of the Pine Avenue Bicycle Boulevard project with the remaining 10 percent matched by the City. The grant includes funding in phases for the environmental review, design, construction, and non-infrastructure phases of the project. This recommendation is for the first phase of the project, the environmental review phase, which will be led by the Public Works Department. The non-infrastructure phase of the project will be led by the Health and Human Services Department and will include pedestrian safety education, targeted messaging, and interactive activities that model desired safety behaviors. Subsequent City Council action will be required for the remaining phases of the project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on June 28, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on June 29, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
This project proposes to improve the bikability and walkability of Pine Avenue from 8th Street to Willow Street through a series of traffic calming features including vehicle diverters, traffic circles, and roundabouts. This project fills a gap identified in the Bicycle Master Plan and creates a bikeway that is safe and comfortable for all people. This project will connect downtown with the Metro A Line Willow Street Station and creates connections with recreational, employment, and retail opportunities. Bicycle boulevards use sharrows and traffic calming elements to create a comfortable place for bicyclists to share the road with local vehicle traffic and reduce dependence on motor vehicles for local trips.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 19, 2022, to ensure timely completion of the Project in accordance with the Project schedule and the Active Transportation Program expenditure timelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Project is currently estimated at $4,087,000, which includes environmental review, a non-infrastructure phase, design, construction, construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project oversight. The City will be receiving $3,678,000 of grant funds from the Caltrans Active Transportation program in multiple phases. The grant from the Caltrans Active Transportation Program has a 10 percent match of the total cost of the Pine Avenue Bicycle Boulevard. The cost for the first phase is $100,000, which includes the environmental review phase of the project and is supported by $90,000 from the Caltrans Active Transportation grant program, currently requesting an appropriation for the Project within this recommendation, and the match will be supported by $10,000 of Measure R funds of which is appropriated in Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Public Works will return to the City Council for approval of additional grant funding appropriation for the next phases, and when match funds have been identified.
An appropriation increase in the amount of $180,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount $90,000 will be offset with Cycle 5 Active Transportation Program reimbursement grant revenue received from Caltrans. The remaining $90,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of the grant funds from the Capital 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.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER