CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting: May 21, 2024
Subject
Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/2025 projects proposed to receive funding from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) created by Senate Bill (SB) 1.
Recommended Action
Adopt Resolution No. 2024-XXX (Attachment A) establishing a list of projects proposed to be funded by $1,549,796 of SB 1 revenues, estimated to be received in FY 2024/2025.
Reasons for Recommendation
The Road Repair and Accountability Act, better known as SB 1, requires cities and counties to adopt a resolution establishing a list of projects that will receive RMRA revenue each fiscal year. A copy of the certified resolution must be submitted to the State of California (State) by June 30, 2024. To satisfy the requirement, the project list must include a description and general location of each proposed project, the proposed schedule for the project’s completion, and the estimated life of proposed improvements.
Though the primary purpose of the Road Repair and Accountability Act is to address deferred maintenance on local streets and roads, projects that address road safety are also eligible to receive funds. Section 2030 of the California Streets and Highway code says RMRA funds can be used for:
Road maintenance and rehabilitation.
Safety projects.
Railroad grade separations.
Complete street components, including active transportation purposes, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, transit facilities, and drainage and stormwater capture projects in conjunction with any other allowable project.
Traffic control devices.
“A city or county may spend its apportionment of funds under the program on transportation priorities other than those allowable pursuant to this chapter if the city’s or county’s average Pavement Condition Index meets or exceeds 80.” (Section 2037 of the California Streets and Highway code.) The State distributes RMRA revenues to cities and counties monthly. To continue to receive these funds, each city and county must submit an FY 2024/2025 project list before the end of FY 2024. The City of Cupertino will receive an estimated amount of $1,549,796 of RMRA revenues in FY 2024/2025. The recommended list of projects for FY 2024/2025 is as follows:
2024 Pavement Maintenance Phase 1 Project
The 2024 Pavement Maintenance Phase 1 Project consists of asphalt overlay, digout repairs, and park pathway improvements on various streets throughout the City Grenola Drive, Flora Vista Avenue, Garden Gate Drive, Rae Lane, Larry Way, Randy Lane, Bette Avenue, and portions of Bandley Drive, Rodrigues Avenue, Farallone Drive, and Tilson Avenue. Construction costs are estimated at $3,200,000. Construction is tentatively scheduled to occur in Fall 2024.
Stevens Creek Boulevard Class IV Bikeways
Staff recommends including the Stevens Creek Bikeways Project on the FY 2024/2025 project list. The project improves bicycle and pedestrian safety on Stevens Creek Boulevard by installing a physical barrier between bicyclists and motorists. The City has received alternative grant funding that will cover a portion of projected costs. Construction costs for Phases 2A and 2B combined are estimated at $3,500,000. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring 2025. Depending on additional external funding and the phasing of the scope of work, the construction may continue to the end of 2026.
Including this project on the SB 1 project list emphasizes the project’s priority, creates a potential revenue source to fund the project in full, and ensures the grant monies can be fully utilized. Additionally, these funds would offset potential expenditures from the Capital Reserve fund.
This project list does not limit the City’s flexibility to fund projects based on local priorities, provided that funds are only expended on projects that are consistent with SB 1 eligibility requirements. Staff will document any variation between proposed projects and completed projects through the annual reporting processes established under SB 1.
Sustainability Impact
Maintaining and preserving the local streets and road system in good condition will reduce drive time and traffic congestion, improve bicycle safety, and make the pedestrian experience safer and more appealing. This leads to reduced vehicle emissions, helping the City achieve air quality and greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Providing a physical barrier between motorists and bicyclists on Stevens Creek Boulevard will improve safety, encourage the use of bicycles in the area, and potentially reduce vehicular traffic, further reducing vehicle emissions.
Fiscal Impact
By adopting this Resolution, the City will be eligible to receive an estimated $1,549,796 from SB 1 in FY 2024/2025 to help fund the FY 2024/2025 Pavement Management Program and eligible Capital Improvement Projects. Revenues will be deposited into account 270-85-821 440-437 (Intergovernmental SB1 Road Maintenance/Rehabilitation).
California Environmental Quality Act
The proposed Pavement Maintenance Projects are exempt from CEQA under California Code Regulations Section 15301(c) (maintenance of existing streets). _____________________________________
Prepared by: Jo Anne Johnson, Project Manager
Reviewed by: Chad Mosley, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Matt Morley, Assistant City Manager
Approved for Submission by: Pamela Wu, City Manager
Attachments:
A – Draft Resolution