CITY OF HERCULES
Dante Hall, City Manager
October 09, 2024
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
Attention: SR2TBT Evaluation Committee
375 Beale Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Subject: Support for Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s Multi-Jurisdiction West & Central Contra Costa County All Ages & Abilities Trails-to-Transit and Bay Trail Gap Closure Grant Application Dear SR2TBT Evaluation Committee and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC):
The City of Hercules is pleased to submit this letter as a commitment to the implementation of the Sycamore Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian East-West City Connector project as part of Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s (CCTA) Multi-Jurisdiction West & Central Contra Costa County All Ages & Abilities Trails-to-Transit and Bay Trail Gap Closure initiative. The City of Hercules’ portion of the project focuses on closing a gap in a SF Bay Trail Connector Route on Sycamore Avenue that connects San Pablo Avenue to west of Refugio Valley Road to connect to recent improvements on Sycamore Avenue, Willow Avenue, and the trail network along Refugio Valley Road. The connection will close a gap in the active transportation network to allow residents, workers, and visitors to Hercules to walk, bike, and roll from east to west Hercules which is currently prevented by the high-stress Sycamore Avenue connection as the only route under Interstate 80 to connect the two sides of the City. This project would connect to the newly installed shared use path from San Pablo Avenue to John Muir Parkway, with a future phase connecting along John Muir Parkway to complete the gap and connect to Bayfront and the Bay Trail closing the high priority connection gap per the MTC SF Bay Trail Implementation Plan. Until that final connection is completed, this connection would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to access the SF Bay Trail access points near Railroad Park via the existing shared use path network paralleling Sycamore Avenue and using low-stress neighborhood streets. An award for this project would allow this transformative project to move forward for the City of Hercules, providing a facility appropriate for a high volume of all ages & abilities pedestrians and bicyclists that wish to access essential destinations, schools, parks, and other recreational opportunities across the City of Hercules and regionally.
The City of Hercules has committed to contributing and leveraging $185,000 in City funds in addition to $135,000 in TDA Article 3 grant funding for a total commitment of $320,000, pending City Council approval. The timing for the funding coincides with that of the SR2TBT to fund the Sycamore Avenue Bicycle and Pedestrian East-West City Connector project. Without an SR2TBT grant, the transformative projects would remain beyond the City’s reach for years to come.
The City is committed to being responsible and accountable for any future amount above the proposed project cost should the estimate not be sufficient. Furthermore, the City will assume responsibility for the ongoing maintenance and operations of the constructed facilities to ensure their long-term success and sustainability.
We are dedicated to continuing our engagement with the public throughout the project design and implementation phases, ensuring that the final project is informed by the community's needs and feedback.
Thank you for considering this multi-jurisdiction application. The City of Hercules looks forward to the opportunity to partner with CCTA and MTC to deliver this vital project, ensuring the quality of life that residents deserve and contributing to a more accessible and connected community and region.
Sincerely,
Dante Hall
City Manager
City of Hercules
City of Hercules
111 Civic Drive, Hercules, California 94547
(510) 799-8200 I www.HerculesCA.gov