FAIRFAX TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM #2
MEETING DATE: August 7, 2024
PREPARED FOR: Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY: Loren Umbertis, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Receive and File update on Storm Water projects and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council receive and file this update on storm water projects and ARPA funding.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Fairfax has been awarded approximately $1.8 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) since 2022. These funds are intended to help communities address the impacts of COVID-19 and specific types of projects1. The Town has chosen to allocate these funds towards improving storm water infrastructure. According to ARPA requirements, the funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and fully spent by December 31, 2026.
DISCUSSION
Fairfax's storm water infrastructure, like that of many other communities in Marin County, is outdated.
This has led to flooding in certain areas during heavy rain. Additionally, heavy runoff from hills and sloped streets contributes to sediment in creeks and streams, negatively affecting aquatic life. The Town is also required under its storm water permits to reduce pollution through trash capture.
The Department of Public Works is currently undertaking several projects to improve the storm water system using ARPA funds:
1. Identification of Storm Water Infrastructure:
• Phase 1: Completed identification of 341 assets (manholes or drainage inlets), with 109 new assets added to the GIS database.
• Phase 2: Pending work involving field technicians assessing the depths and types of pipes, estimated to cost $74,000. This phase is expected to be completed before the December 2024 deadline.
2. Sir Francis Drake and Kent Avenue Flooding Issues:
• The current lack of storm water drainage inlets near this intersection leads to localized flooding during heavy rain.
1 https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/state-and-localfiscal-recovery-funds/eligible-uses 2 • Planned improvements include adding inlets and resizing pipes to prevent constriction and improve flow.
• The project is estimated to cost $150,000 to $200,000 and will be ready for bidding in 4-6 weeks.
3. Park Road Storm Water Management:
• Plans include adding underground storm water piping, and repaving the entire length of Park Road following the disruption required for the piping project. • This will address localized flooding, reduce mud and silt accumulation, and decrease asphalt degradation caused by water flowing over the surface. • The project design, which is 95% complete, will incorporate water treatment features such as bioretention or trash capture devices to improve water quality before it reaches Fairfax Creek.
• The estimated cost is $1.6 million, with construction scheduled after the rainy season.
Additional smaller projects may be initiated. Staff has requested that the current designers consider other projects that can be fast-tracked in case there are any remaining ARPA funds. These smaller projects may include additional trash capture devices in Fairfax commercial districts, as those locations are the highest source of trash that can reach our creeks and streams and the Town is required by our storm water permit to continually improve our capture of trash for any materials larger than 5 millimeters.
These identified projects aim to improve the quality of life for Fairfax residents by reducing flooding and enhancing water quality in our creeks.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Town received approximately $1.8 million dollars from the ARPA program. Approximately $208,000 has already been allocated to other projects leaving a current balance of $1,591,000. The estimated cost for the three main projects is approximately $1.8 million.