August 8, 2023
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $538,961, offset by Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 revenue; and,
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $538,961, offset by transfer of TDA Article 3 revenue, for a total of $1,077,922. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approva l is requ ested to appropriate TDA f unds from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M etro) for eligible capital projects related to pedestrian and bicycle facilities . The Mi lls-Alquist-Deddeh Act (S enate Bill 325) was enacted by the California Legislature to improve existi ng public transportation services and encourage regional transportation coordination. Known as the Transportation Development Act (TDA) of 1971, this law provides fu nding to be allocated to transit and non-transit related projectsthat comply with regional transportation plans.
By Ordinance, Metro is responsible for administering the TDA program and establishing its policies. TDA revenues are derived from one-quarter percent of the 7.25 percent retail sales tax collected statewide and returned to each county according to the amount of tax collected in that county. The funds are disbursed on July 1, in accordance with the approval of the State’s Budget. TDA Article 3 funds are used by cities within Los Angeles County for the planning and construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and amenities, including wheelchair ramps, as well as:
• Engineering expenses leading to construction;
• Right-of-way acquisition;
• Construction and reconstruction;
• Retrofitting existing bi cycle and pedestrian facilities, inc luding install ation of signage, to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); Department of Public Works
411 West Ocean Boulevard, 5th Floor Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 570-6383
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HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
August 8, 2023
• Route improvements such as signal controls for cyclists, bicycle loop detectors, rubberized rail crossings and bicycle-friendly drainage grates; and, • Purchase and i nstallation of bicycle facilities such as : secure bicycle parking, benches, drinking fountains, changing rooms, restrooms and showers, which are adjacent to bicycle trail s, employment centers, park -and-ride lots, and/or transit terminals, and are accessible to the general public.
In the past, the TDA funds were appropriated as part of the City of Long Beach’s (City) annual budget process in October. However, because th e TDA funds are from the State, the subsequent October appropriation shortened the dra wdown period of the State’s fiscal year-end in June, which resulted in the need to spend the TDA funds more quickly to satisfy the TDA funding agreement. The requested City Council action will allow the City 12 full months to drawdown the TDA funds before the State’s deadline.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Vanessa S. Ibarra on July 13, 2023 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on July 21, 2023.
SUTAINABILITY
Overall, improvements result ing from TDA funds reduce vehicle miles traveled and the associated carbon emissions by encouraging non -motorized forms of transportation such as walking and cycling. Any landscaping included in projects will help reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff and make use of drough t t olerant plants to minimize water use. Any dem olition of concrete or other materials used will be recycled and diverted from landfills.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to incre ase appropriations is requested on August 8 , 2023 , to ensure the funds are spent before the State fiscal year-end deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase in the amount of $ 1,077,922 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount $ 538,961 will be offset by State TDA funds to be drawn down on July 1, 202 3, and to be spent by June 30, 2024. The remaining $ 538,961 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of State TDA Funds from the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the n ormal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. Approval of this recommendation will provide continued support to the local economy.
HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
August 8, 2023
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS