Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for and Accept, if Awarded, Grant Funding Through the Texas Department of Transportation 2019 Transportation Alternatives/ Safe Routes to Schools Program
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Operational Excellence
(2E. Continuously Provide a High Level of Customer Service to our Citizens)
MEETING DATE: March 19, 2019
DEPARTMENT: Development Services /Engineering
CONTACT: Robyn Root, P.E., P.T.O.E., Traffic Engineer
Matt Tilke, P.E., Transportation Engineering Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of this Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This Resolution will authorize submittals and execution of all necessary agreements required for application to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the 2019 Transportation Alternatives (TA) / Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Programs.
• This Resolution will also authorize the acceptance of any funds, if awarded, from Texas Department of Transportation and/or the North Central Texas Council of Governments for these Programs.
• The funds from these programs will be used for construction of infrastructure projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and students.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In 2008, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation, Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) established the Safe Route to School (SRTS) Program to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety on school routes as school age students walk and bicycle to school.
• TxDOT has approximately $8.7 Million of unused funds remaining following completion of construction from prior years SRTS programs.
• TxDOT is making these unused funds available to agencies throughout the State through the 2019 SRTS Program. Projects eligible for funding must be located within 2 miles from a K-8 school.
• The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act established the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program as part of the Surface Transportation Block Grant. The TA program provides funding to construct alternative transportation projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Although there is no current funding available in the TA program, TxDOT is using the 2019 Transportation Alternatives (TA)/ Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Call for Projects to assist TXDOT in prioritizing projects in small urbanized or rural areas for anticipated future federal TA appropriations.
• The deadline to submit a preliminary application for consideration for the TxDOT 2019 TA / SRTS Call for Projects is April 12, 2019 by 5:00pm.
• If a project submittal is selected through the preliminary application process, TXDOT will request the project sponsor to submit a more detailed application for consideration before a decision is made for funding. TxDOT intends to inform project sponsors by June 18, 2019 with the submittal deadline for the more detailed application due August 15, 2019 by 5:00pm.
• TxDOT selection and Texas Transportation Commission award of all projects is anticipated to occur is December 2019 with lettings anticipated in FY21 - 23.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• Safe Route to School projects are eligible for both design and construction funding using 100% federal funds. No local match is required.
• Transportation Alternatives projects are eligible for construction funding only. These projects will be funded with 80% federal funds, and a local match will be required for the remainder 20% of the total cost.
• The City of McKinney will be responsible for any cost overruns, and all funding awarded by TxDOT is provided on a reimbursement basis.
• Funding for reimbursements will be included in the appropriate year’s City grants budget.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
• N/A