October 23, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Finance Committee
FROM: Department of Transportation
SUBJECT: ACCEPTANCE OF "SAFE STREETS AND ROADS FOR ALL ACTION PLAN" GRANT FUNDS AND AMEND THE CITY'S BUDGET
TO RECEIVE AND EXPEND FUNDS
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061 (b) (3), the Common Sense Exemption that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment;
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to receive grant funding for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan Grant in the amount of $200,000 and execute any subsequent agreements regarding this grant award; and
3. Amend the City's operating budget to receive and appropriate $200,000 as detailed in the fiscal impact section.
BACKGROUND:
In September 2022, the US Department of Transportation issued a notice of funding opportunity for the SS4A grant program with up to $1 billion available in fiscal year 2022 for local, regional, and tribal agencies to enhance roadway safety. The SS4A grant program is divided into two distinct grant opportunities, Action Plan grants and Implementation grants. Action Plan grants are intended for agencies to develop a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries, while Implementation grants are intended to fund projects and strategies identified in an Action Plan.
MEETJNG OF 10/23/2023 AGENDA ITEM NO. _1_1 __ _
Grant Acceptance - Safe Streets for All
October 23, 2023
The Department of Transportation applied for and was awarded funds to develop an action plan. The award was for $200,000 with a $50,000 local match, with funds to be expended in the next three years. The grant will be used to enhance the City's Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) by gaining input from stakeholders and residents that will inform additional safety projects. A key focus will be ensuring that equity is at the forefront of projects and strategies aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries related to traffic collisions. The LRSP is a data-centric approach to reducing serious crashes through implementation of proven nationally recognized countermeasures.
DOT has implemented a Safe System Approach to traffic safety, based on national guidance from the FHW A. The grant will develop projects and strategies with input from stakeholders that will promote safety to reduce fatal and serious injuries. The projects and strategies will incorporate key Safe System principles; fatalities and serious injuries are unacceptable; humans are vulnerable; responsibility is shared; and safety is proactive. The grant will support further development of the City's Local Roadway Safety Plan.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The Action Plan Grant supports the General Plan guiding principle that Pasadena will be a city where people can circulate without cars. This proposed action is consistent with General Plan Mobility Element policies to enhance livability, and encourage walking, biking, transit, and other alternatives to motor vehicles. This program is also consistent with the City's goals to improve, maintain, and enhance public facilities and infrastructure and to improve mobility and accessibility in the City.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
The proposed action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b) (3), Common Sense Exemption, that CEQA only applies to projects that may have an effect on the environment.
Grant Acceptance - Safe Streets for All
October 23, 2023
FISCAL IMPACT:
The one-time acceptance of grant funds will be addressed by:
• Increasing revenue by $200,000 in account 10124003-632600 • Appropriating $200,000 to account 10124003-811400
Approval of the Funding Agreement will enable the City to obtain $200,000 in grant funding made available by the FHWA. The grant funding requires 20% local match of $50,000. The $50,000 will use existing budget appropriations in the Department of Transportation general fund consultant services account (10124003-811400).
Pre~by:
Hy{a ,·
Associate Engineer
Approved by:
A-J~
MIGUEL MiwauEZ
City Manager
Respectfully submitted,
J~Q~ES->
Acting Director
Department of Transportation