Agenda

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TRANSPORTATION, WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

Meeting Date:	10/11/2021
Subject: CONSIDER proposed Caltrans Sustainable Communities Planning Grant applications (various)
Submitted For:	TRANSPORTATION, WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Department:	Conservation & Development
Referral No.:	2
Referral Name:	Review applications for transportation, water and infrastructure grants to be prepared by the Public Works and Conservation and Development Departments.
Presenter:	Jamar Stamps, AICP, Principal Planner	Contact:	Jamar Stamps, (925) 655-2917

Information

Referral History:

TWIC authorized submittal of applications to the State Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) for the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program in previous cycles. In 2018, staff received authorization to apply for the Marsh Creek Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study but unfortunately did not receive an award, and more recently an application for the Contra Costa County Short-term Active Transportation Infrastructure Plan, which was awarded funding.

Referral Update:

On September 2021, Caltrans released final grant guidelines and a call for projects for the Caltrans Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program. These planning grants will provide funding to encourage local and regional planning activities that furthers state goals, including, but not limited to, the goals and best practices cited in the Regional Transportation Plan Guidelines adopted by the California Transportation Commission. This cycle is expected to include approximately $34 million in Senate Bill (“SB”) 1 statewide competitive funding. The maximum grant award is $700,000 and an 11.47% match is required (cash or in-kind contribution). Applications are due October 27, 2021, 5:00 p.m.

Department of Conservation and Development and Public Works Department staff developed an initial list of candidate projects that was narrowed down to three based on their perceived success relative to the grant program objectives and previously awarded projects. Staff also considered the complexity of these applications and relatively short turnaround time (applications due by October 27) and determined it is best to focus on preparing at maximum only the three candidate projects. Summaries of the three candidate projects are provided below.

1. Parr Boulevard Complete Street Project – Richmond Parkway to Union Pacific Railroad (North Richmond)

This project proposes to widen Parr Boulevard from Richmond Parkway to the Union Pacific Railroad crossing (approximately 0.96-mile study segment) and provide complete street improvements. This project could also potentially tie into a Complete Streets effort currently underway on Giant Road in the City of San Pablo.

2. Tara Hills Drive Complete Streets Project (Tara Hills)

This project proposes to install bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Tara Hills Drive from San Pablo Avenue to the end of Tara Hills Drive and Cornelius Drive (approximately 0.67-mile study segment) to the City of Pinole.

3. Willow Pass Road Complete Streets Project (Bay Point)

This project will provide recommendations and concepts that fulfill the community's desire for a safe and visually attractive Willow Pass Road that accommodates bicycle, pedestrian, and transit users along Willow Pass Road from Port Chicago Highway to Crivello Road/City of Pittsburg city limits (approximately 1.5-mile study segment).

Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):

CONSIDER the proposed Caltrans Sustainable Communities Planning Grant candidate projects, REVISE as appropriate, FORWARD to the full Board of Supervisors for approval, and/or DIRECT staff as appropriate.

Fiscal Impact (if any):

None to the General Fund. Staff time for recommended activities are covered under existing budgets (50% Road Fund and 50% Measure J Fund).

Attachments
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