Mobility & Infrastructure Committee Memorandum
TO: MOBILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE DATE: FEBRUARY 10, 2022 FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE A REPORT REGARDING ONGOING EFFORTS FOR THE CITY TO RESPOND TO FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES UNDER THE FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT ISSUE:
That the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee receive and file a report regarding ongoing efforts by the City to plan and respond to funding opportunities under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee:
Receive and file a report regarding the City’s ongoing efforts to plan and respond to potential funding opportunities under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684)(IIJA) into law. IIJA is a bipartisan legislation to invest in the nation's infrastructure, including funding for roads and bridges, rail, transit, ports, airports, electric grid, water systems, broadband, among other priorities. The legislation provides $1.2 trillion in total spending over five years, including $550 billion in new spending. California is slated to receive approximately $45.5 billion in assistance. IIJA represents a significant infusion of federal funding for U.S. public works across various industries. The legislation includes several authorizing bills, including the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021, Surface Transportation Investment Act, Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act, and the Energy Infrastructure Act, among others. In addition, the bill provides supplemental appropriations for many of these authorized programs, both existing and new. The IIJA represents a once in a generation investment in public infrastructure with the capacity, on average, to create approximately two million jobs annually.
BACKGROUND:
In December, the City Manager’s Office began discussions with the City Legislative Affairs consultants and departmental management regarding how to position the City in a way that would potentially maximize funding participation in the IIJA resources. This pre-planning is important so that the City can be ready when IIJA resources become available in the coming years. Discussions regarding City infrastructure needs also can inform planning for funding under future state programs as federal funds may pass-through state agencies.
DISCUSSION:
The Office of the City Manager has been in discussions with staff from the Public Works, General Services, Parks and Recreation, Information Technology, and Public Utility regarding potential project ideas. This discussion has yielded an evolving list of projects that is presented as Exhibit “A”. This list will undoubtedly grow and change over time as the various infrastructure needs of the City are not static. However, it is the intent of this discussion to be able to articulate viable projects and their readiness status for potential funding notices when funds become available. The list is also intended to get various departments into pre-planning to have eligible projects ready when IIJA funding is made available either directly, or through the State or other intermediary. Staff will return to the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee over time with periodic updates on the IIJA, and applicable state infrastructure funding, as opportunities become available.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item contributes to Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing Government, specifically Goal 5.4 by addressing gaps between revenues and expenditures and aligning resources with strategic priorities. This item also aligns with Strategic Priority 6 - Infrastructure, Mobility and Connectivity and Goal No. 6.2 – Maintain, protect, and improve assets and infrastructure within the City’s built environment to ensure and enhance reliability, resiliency, sustainability, and facilitate connectivity.
This item aligns with the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The proposed improvements are part of a more significant endeavor to improve the City’s infrastructure network and quality of life for residents and visitors. Projects typically go through multiple meetings to discuss the needs, project challenges, and community benefits with such projects. The City will pursue infrastructure projects across the City to potentially impact all neighborhoods.
Equity – The City constantly strives to improve its infrastructure provide safe and reliable service to all areas of the City. Staff’s goal is to implement infrastructure projects under the IIJA that touch all areas of the City and provide service improvements to all neighborhoods.
Fiscal Responsibility – The City seeks to utilize a variety of funding sources to complete projects included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Through public comment, bidding, and prudent oversight, is a steward of public funds and construction projects are always awarded to the lowest responsive bidders.
Innovation – Proposed projects will utilize the most up to date construction materials, and construction methods to streamline construction and ensure amenities best serve the community.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The design guidelines and construction materials specified for proposed infrastructure projects are considered best practices in their respective industries.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this update.
Prepared by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Approved by: Al Zelinka, City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Exhibit: A – List of Potential Projects
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Update ● Page 3