Title
Approve 2015-2017 Transportation Projects in Alameda's Proposed Capital Improvement Program and Provide Input on 2017-2025 Transportation Projects
Outcome: Commission to provide recommendations to City Council for approval.
Body
Transportation Commission
March 25, 2015
Item 5B
Action
Approve 2015-2017 Transportation Projects in
Alameda's Proposed Capital Improvement Program and
Provide Input on 2017-2025 Transportation Projects
BACKGROUND
On June 2, 2015, staff will request the City Council approve the budget for a 2015-2017 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City Manager's Office will finalize the CIP and operating budget in early May after soliciting input from the Planning Board, Transportation Commission, Recreation and Park Commission, and the City's Executive Management Team.
Staff requests the Transportation Commission's approval on the transportation projects in the proposed 2015-2017 CIP budget.
Staff requests further input on the projects planned for 2017-2025. Staff will incorporate this input and return to the Commission annually to seek approval on the revised prioritized transportation project list. This revised list will be the starting point for the transportation projects in the 2017-2019 CIP budget.
DISCUSSION
A draft of the 2015-2017 CIP budget is attached as Exhibit 1.
Action requested. Staff requests the Transportation Commission approve the 2015-2017 transportation projects. A summary of the $19.1 million in transportation projects is found at pages 16-18. Each proposed project has a detailed, one-page description beginning at page 36.
In summary, these transportation projects will resurface nine miles of street, improve five intersections, finish two complete street concept proposals, update Alameda's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, improve five miles of bikeways and paths, ensure the Estuary Crossing Shuttle continues, grow the Paratransit program, and construct 1.5 miles of the Cross Alameda Trail.
In addition, two rehabilitation projects will significantly benefit Alameda's transportation system. As shown on pages 11 and 27, the sidewalk project will make 1,600 sidewalk repairs, helping Alameda become an even more walkable community. As shown on pages 12 and 28, the Urban Forest Management project will plant 200 and prune 6,840 street trees, helping beautify Alameda's streets and sequester harmful carbon gas.
Input sought. Staff seeks further input on projects planned for 2017-2025. Only a small number of these planned projects will be funded, as the 2017-2020 projects total more than $30 million and staff's rough projection for available funding is $7 million. Staff will return annually to seek approval for an updated prioritized transportation list. This list will ensure further public transparency, and will help staff plan ahead and maximize the opportunities to secure funding for these multi-year projects. The list also will be the basis for transportation projects in the 2017-2019 capital budget.
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS/FISCAL IMPACT
Transportation CIPs are typically funded from one or more of the following sources:
· Measure B/BB, which is the countywide one-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation, including local streets and roads, bicycle and pedestrian, transit and paratransit;
· Gas Tax, which is collected at the pump and can only be spent on transportation projects;
· Development impact fees, through which developers contribute to the transportation and other facility costs attributable to new development; and
· Federal, state, regional and county grants.
For this reason, there will be no impact to the General Fund as each of the transportation projects proposed for FY 2015-2017 is funded by a combination of Measure B/BB, Gas Tax, development impact fees or grants. Given approval of the 2015-2017 CIP is only advisory, no funding allocations are made as a result of its approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Individual projects identified within the CIP budget and approved by City Council will be reviewed in accordance with CEQA requirements prior to their implementation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Transportation Commission approve the transportation projects in Alameda's 2015-2017 capital improvement program.
Respectfully submitted,
Liam Garland, Deputy Public Works Director
Gail Payne, Transportation Coordinator
Exhibits:
1. 2015-2017 Capital Budget
2. Prioritized Transportation Project Lists: Ten-Year List Comparison
3. Transportation Element of the General Plan