TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary documents or subsequent amendments, including amendments to the award amount, with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $150,000 to partially offset costs incurred for the South Street Quick Build Improvement Project, with a term ending February 20, 2023;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $150,000, offset by SCAG grant funds; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $150,000, offset by transfer of SCAG grant funds from the Capital Grant Fund. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to execute an agreement with Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) for the receipt of grant funding, to partially offset costs incurred for the South Street Quick Build Improvement project (Project).
The Project will convert 0.4 miles of South Street from Dairy Avenue to Atlantic Avenue from four vehicle lanes to three with parking-protected bike lanes and upgraded high-visibility crosswalks through the process of re-stripping. The Project will calm traffic and provide connectivity from North Long Beach to the larger gateway cities region by linking Long Beach's Daisy-Myrtle Bike Boulevard project to the Los Angeles River path.
SCAG awarded the City of Long Beach (City) with Caltrans Active Transportation Program grant funds as part of its Sustainable Communities Program which aims, amongst other goals, to:
• Promote, address and ensure health and equity in regional land use and transportation planning
• Encourage regional planning strategies to reduce motorized Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Support a resilient region that looks to climate adaptation and public health preparedness as key strategies to address community prosperity, transportation safety, economic recovery, and sustainability
• Increase the region’s competitiveness for federal and state funds.
The Project meets all of these goals, as well as goals outlined in the City’s Bicycle Master Plan, Safe Streets Long Beach plan, and Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. Overall, these funds will help create a safe bicycling route, improve traffic safety, and provide a sustainable transportation alternative in North Long Beach.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on March 28, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on March 21, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Sustainable Communities Program focus on sustainability, efficiency and alternative transportation modalities, which are intended to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions while also prioritizing and promoting active transportation options, in accordance with SCAG’s mobility goals for the region. This project will connect to existing active transportation infrastructure and aims to increase the number of short local trips complete by walking, scootering, or biking.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 19, 2022, to execute and appropriate an agreement with SCAG to allow the planning of the Project to occur later in the year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Project is estimated at $151,500, which is supported by a $150,000 reimbursement Sustainable Communities Program grant from SCAG and $1,500 by AB 2766. An appropriation increase in the amount of $300,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount $150,000 will be offset with SCAG grant funds. The remaining $150,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of SCAG grant funds from the Capital Projects Fund Group. A one percent match of $1,500 is required. The cost match will be funded by AB 2766, which is currently appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund in the Public Works Department. This request is anticipated to have a minimal 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