September 12, 2023
Public Works
DATE: September 12, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Daniel Chavarria, PE, Director of Public Works
Robert Armijo, PE, Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Subject:
Agreement Execution Authority for Certain Agreements
with the California Department of Transportation
(CalTrans)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: These Agreements are a part of the implementation of projects that have been approved by City Council. The
financial impacts are unique to the projects that the
Agreements cover.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
n/a
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The City of Richmond is eligible to receive federal and/or state funding for certain transportation projects through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
However, to claim such funds, the City must first execute several types of agreements with Caltrans, including
Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements,
Fund Exchange Agreements, and Fund Transfer
Agreements.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution that grants the authority to the
Director of Public Works and the City Engineer to
execute Master Agreements, Program Supplemental
Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer
Agreements, and any amendments thereto with the
California Department of Transportation for transportation projects funded by Federal and/or State sources – Public Works Department (Daniel Chavarria 510-620-5478/
Robert Armijo 510-620-5477).
AGENDA
REPORT
September 12, 2023
ISCUSSION:
In an effort to streamline the process of claiming federal and state funds and executing necessary agreements, it is proposed that the authority to sign Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements, and any amendments thereto be delegated to the Director of Public Works and the City Engineer. By authorizing these key personnel to execute these agreements, the City can expedite claiming funds for important transportation projects.
This delegation of authority will not only speed up the process but will also ensure a more efficient and effective use of resources.
Local governments often rely on various funds through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for transportation projects. These funds can originate from federal, state, and sometimes local sources. The following are some types of funding that local governments may access through Caltrans:
1. Federal Funds: Caltrans administers a variety of federal funding programs.
These funds are typically generated from federal gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and allocated for transportation projects by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Examples of such programs include:
The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), which funds a broad range of surface transportation capital needs, including roads, transit, seaports, and more.
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), aimed at achieving a significant reduction in traffic fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads.
2. State Funds: These funds come from state sources, such as state fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, and bonds. State programs include:
The State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), the state's "fix-it-first" program that funds the repair and preservation of the State Highway System, improvements necessary to enhance safety, and updates to meet statewide and national standards.
The Active Transportation Program (ATP), which funds projects to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.
These are just a few examples among many other specialized funding programs available for specific types of projects or areas. The California Department of Transportation provides guidance and support for local agencies to navigate the various programs and funding opportunities.
This action will not have an immediate financial impact on the City. However, it is expected to expedite the process of receiving funding for transportation projects, thus positively affecting future budget allocations and operations.
September 12, 2023
Given the potential benefits of improved efficiency and effectiveness in securing funding for transportation projects, Public Works staff recommends that City Council approve the proposed resolution authorizing the Director of Public Works and the City Engineer to execute all Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements, and any amendments thereto with Caltrans.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution