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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/17/1993, 4 - COUNCIL SUPPORT OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS FOR PURPOSES OF APPLYING FOR FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION (STP) FUNDING I����II�IIIII�IIIIIIIII II ME G TE: city o1 san tul s OBISPO p� - 3 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: 1-4 FROM: Michael McCluskey, Public Works Director Vpvk PREPARED BY: Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner Harry Watson, Transit Manager SUBJECT: Council Support of Transportation Projects for Purposes of Applying for Federal Surface Transportation (STP) Funding CAO RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a resolution authorizing the application for Federal STP funding to support the following transportation projects: (1) Downtown Multi-Modal Transfer Center (2) Route 1 -- Foothill Boulevard Intersection Improvements (3) Freeway Interchange Planning Study BACKGROUND The Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) will provide funding for a wide variety of _ transportation projects. Part of the STP program funding is earmarked for regional transportation projects. The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments manages the distribution of regional STP funds. Approximately $3.3 million dollars is available to appropriate over the next four fiscal years (including FY 1993/94). The Public Works Staff submitted four applications to SLOCOG for regional STP funding (attached). On August 4, 1993, SLOCOG reviewed these applications along with 10 other applications from cities, SLORTA and the County. Three of the City's four applications were approved for partial STP funding. The fourth -- the Garden Street Circulation Improvements - - was not approved because it was not considered a "regionally significant" project. (Note. staff will be applying for other federal funding to support the Garden Street project.) FISCAL IMPACTS SLOCOG's action on the City's grant applications provided between 50% and 63% of the funding requested by City staff. Therefore, supplementary funding will be necessary to utilize STP funds earmarked by SLOCOG. The following table presents the shortfalls: �' I ►�H�ibN►�ulillll�lp��uil�N�II city of san Luis owpo a COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Project Requested Amount COG Approved Shortfall Supplementary Sources Multi-Modal Center $797,000 $500,000 $297,000 Unallocated STP Funding Rt 1- Foothill $400,000 $200,000 $200,000 State Minor A Grant Interchange Program Interchange $150,000 $75,000 $75,000 Developer Study Contributions In sum, the City will need to secure supplementary funding to ensure that these projects can be implemented. With regards to the Multi-Modal Transfer Center, SLOCOG staff did not support full funding of the project because the cost of the project is not known since the City has not selected a project site or evaluated preliminary designs for the Center. Once the City has selected a site (targeted for November, 1993) and completed preliminary design work, more complete cost information can be developed. At that point the City may request additional STP funding for the Multi-Modal Center. There is approximately $900,000 in unallocated regional STP funds. SLOCOG has indicated that it will give high priority to the following two projects when allocating the remaining funds: 1. San Luis Obispo's Multi-Modal Transfer Center 2. Arroyo Grande Route 227 Bypass Project Although the Multi-Modal Center has a "high priority" status, SLOCOG has stated that this is not a guarantee that the project will receive funding. Funding decisions will be based on the project's cost and on the evaluation of other project submittals. The Foothill Boulevard intersection improvements are eligible for State grant funding since Santa Rosa Street is a State Highway. Planning of interchange modifications (both physical and fiscal planning) at Prado, Los Osos Valley and Madonna Roads is needed to accommodate anticipated development in this quadrant of the City and improve regional connections. SLOCOG felt that while Route 101 interchange improvements will benefit "regional" travel, 50% of the project's benefits would be for "local" travel associated with area development. Therefore, developer contributions and not City funds, are anticipated to cover at least half of the total study cost. ATTACHMENTS Resolution authorizing the application for Federal STP funding. STP Grant Applications RESOLUTION NO. (1993 Series) A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LIIIS OBISPO AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF APPLICATION WITH THE SAN LIIIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, FOR A GRANT UNDER THE "REGIONAL" SURFACE TRANSPORTATION` PROGRAM, AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, OR HIS DESIGNEE (PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR) , TO EXECUTE AND FILE APPLICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY WHEREAS, the Secretary of Transportation is authorized to make grants for transportation programs of projects and budget; WHEREAS, the applicant must certify that the requested funds will be expended within 24 months of the project's scheduled start date; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo: SECTION 1. That the City Administrative Officer, or his designee (Public Works Director) , is authorized to execute and file applications on behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments to aid in the financing of the planning and capital for the Multi Modal Transit Transfer Center. SECTION 2. That the City Administrative Officer, or his designee (Public Works Director) , is authorized to furnish such additional information as the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments may require in connection with the application for the program of projects and budget. SECTION 3. That the City Administrative Officer, or his designee (Public Works Director) , is authorized to execute grant agreements on behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo with the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments for aid in the financing of the planning and capital of the Multi Modal Transit Transfer Center. Upon motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 1993. Mayor Peg Pinard 14-3 Resolution No. (1993 Series) ATTEST: Diane Gladwell, City Clerk O 'b t tt ney ftar scag.hwl 14—ff SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDING APPLICATION A. JURISDICTION City of San Luis Obispo B. CONTACT PERSON Harry Watson, Transit Manager (781-7121) C. PROJECT NAME Downtown Multi-Modal Transfer Center D. TYPE FUNDING REQUESTED Regional STP Funding E. PRIORITY N/A F. AMOUNT REQUESTED $797,000 G. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Use STP funds ($797,000) and local match ($103,000) in combination with local Proposition 116 funds ($1,000,000+), Section 9 funding (5250,000) and SLORTA Section 18 funds ($250,000) to purchase property, design and construct a transit center in downtown San Luis Obispo. The terminal would service both City and Regional transit systems for the next 30 years. H. DESCRIBE HOW THE PROJECT MEETS THE THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS: 1. FOR STP FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH SECTION 133 OF ISTEA: Capital facilities serving transit is consistent with Section 133 of ISTEA. 2. FOR SHA FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH ARTICLE XIX OF STATE CONSTITUTION: N/A 3. IS THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH THE 1990 OR DRAFT 1993 RTP The 1990 RTP does not include this project. SLOCOG included the multi- modal center in its projected 1993 RTP. 4. IS LOCAL GOVERNING BOARD APPROVAL EXPECTED BY AUGUST 4, 1993 �_Jr This project has been included in the City's FY 1993-1994 budget which was approved by Council resolution on June 15, 1993. 5. WILL THE FUNDS BE EXPENDED WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF SLOCOG ACTION This project will require use of STP funding which involves a complex federal process. To our knowledge, this project is not eligible for SHA exchange funding. Therefore, a realistic estimate of project completion is three to four years from SLOCOG's action. I. FOR REGIONAL PROJECTS, ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY CRITERIA: 1. How Does this project address a safety problem. The current transfer center located on Osos Street requires transit patrons to cross a street also used by through vehicle traffic. There are frequent incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians on Osos Street between Mill and Palm Streets. The existing transfer point often requires buses to block the stop sign at Palm Street, back up in the pubic street area, and park adjacent to high-volume driveways and an alley. Relocating the transfer center to an off-street location should enable improvements to patron access, safety and convenience and to vehicle circulation. 2. The Need for the Project Clearly Demonstrated To expand the City's transit system (consistent with San Luis Obispo's Short-Range Transit Plan) and provide more room for the San Luis Obispo Regional Transit System will require the development of a transfer center. This includes as a minimum, space for six City buses, 6 regional buses, the downtown trolley, three paratransit vehicles, and 20 bicycle parking spaces. The City of San Luis Obispo is currently considering the annexation of the "Airport Area." Providing transit service to this area will require expanded service which can impact both City and Regional system. A centralized downtown facility is needed- to provide for both short- and long-term region-wide transit system expansions. 3. How does the project address a multimodal need. The transit center would provide for convenient connections between Regional and City transit systems. The ADA mandated run-about and TMA-driven "Ride On" operators will be accommodated within the facility. Bicycle parking can be provided that enables in-town bicycle trips. Finally, by locating the transit terminal in the downtown, it will be close to ��to concentrations of employment that will enable pedestrian connections to job sites. 4. How Does the Project Mitigate a Congestion/Air Quality Problem. Increased transit convenience and expanded service can reduce the number of people driving single-occupant vehicles, reduce traffic congestion (which is and will be a concern in Downtown San Luis Obispo) and have positive air quality results. 5. Describe the Cost Effectiveness of the Project. During the first year of the facility's operation, approximately 532,200 patrons would use the facility. Consistent with City long-range transit goals, at the end of 30 years, patron use should increase to 1,064,400 per year. Over a 30 year time frame, usage would be approximately 23,949,300. Given an initial STP investment of $900,000, the dollar per patron spend equals $0.0375 or about 4 cents per facility patron. Total public investment in the facility ($2.4 million total cost) would be 10 cents per patron. 6. How Will The Project Provide an Equitable Distribution of Funding The transit transfer center is a regional facility, which enables connections between the SLORTA system and the City System, dial-a-ride system, taxi, and downtown trolley. Since about 50% of the facility's capacity would be reserved for regional buses, 50% of the project cost could be attributed to the regional system. The total project cost is estimated to be $2.4 million. 50% of that is $1,200,000. This request is for $900,000. 7. What Local Funding Contribution is Being Provided. The funding for this project would be as follows: City Proposition 116 Allocation: $1,000,000 STP Allocation:-- - - - $ 796,770- CITY/SLORTA Local STP Match: $ 103,300 (1) City Section 9 Funding: $ 250,000 SLORTA Section 18 Funding: $ 250,000 TOTAI Project Cost: $2,400,000 (1) Local Match split between City and SLORTA from TDA funds reserved over a three year period. Letter of support from San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Agency (SLORTA) to follow. m § v �K 0 � ot - - E ■ w cc ° = k / B IL2 § § 9L ] e I- � � ■ h h w ® • an_«_ zk § ca ; es o z z « § § W o aald_ k IL � 0 - sower, t ■ ■ e - § aN3adv, S --T- z is__ . � ¢ LS»OdIN 2 ID tq � 44 3�e § 2 a� I- . � fj CM . . .. . _ . �. . .. . . . . . . | � � ■ « 9 % ■ \ j § m §� \ � m § § 2 § § 2 * § ■ a ) k § C2 2 �\ 0 2 W b ■ Ca § e § � § . � § § § § ® .a C4 eq 4 Ln c / � ' SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDING APPLICATION A. JURISDICTION City of San Luis Obispo B. CONTACT PERSON Terry Sanville, Principal Transportation Planner (781- 7178) C. PROJECT NAME State Route 1 - Foothill Boulevard Intersection Improvements D. TYPE FUNDING REQUESTED SHA Exchange Funds (for Regional STP Funding) E. PRIORITY N/A F. AMOUNT REQUESTED $400,000 G. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Purchase additional right-of-way, relocate utilities, modify and relocate traffic signal systems, remove part of the existing Texaco service station (service bays parallel to Foothill Boulevard), and install right r hand turn pocket, pedestrian island, and bicycle slot on Foothill Boulevard at State Route 1 . (See attached project location map.) H. DESCRIBE HOW THE PROJECT MEETS THE THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS: 1. FOR STP FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH SECTION 133 OF ISTEA: N/A 2. FOR SHA FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH ARTICLE XIX OF STATE CONSTITUTION: This project involves the "planning, construction, .... and operation" of a public street and State highway, including its "... related public facilities for nonmotorized traffic." 3. IS THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH THE 1990 OR DRAFT 1993 RTP The 1990 RTP includes specific policies (page C-3, policy 1b., le., and 1g.) that support this project. �� 1 4. IS LOCAL GOVERNING BOARD APPROVAL EXPECTED BY AUGUST 4, 1993 With a positive response from SLOCOG, a City Council resolution can be secured prior to August 4. The project is recommended by the draft Bicycle Transportation Plan that will be considered by the City Council in August, 1993 and by the draft Circulation Element that will be considered in September, 1993. 5. WILL THE FUNDS BE EXPENDED WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF SLOCOG ACTION Given the required involvement of Caltrans,the City can be under contract for the design and construction of improvements within 24 months of SLOCOG action. I. FOR REGIONAL PROJECTS, ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY CRITERIA: 1. How Does this project address a safety problem. The Foothill-Route 1 intersection is the second busiest intersection in San Luis Obispo. It is heavily used by all modes of transportation. Bicyclists and pedestrians cross Route 1 to access Cal Poly University to the east. Between 1984 and 1991, the intersection had the highest incidence of bicycle accidents in San Luis Obispo (Source: Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, SWITRS). About half of the accidents at this intersection occurred when vehicles are turning right onto State Route 1 and bicycles were preceding eastward toward Cal Poly University. Accident records for 1991 also show that the Foothill-Route 1 intersection had the most vehicle accidents of any intersection in the City. Ten accidents were reported involving two or more vehicles --- 100% more than second ranked location. Constructing a turn lane, pedestrian islands and bicycle slots can better organize traffic flow through the intersection and improve safety. 2. The Need for the Project Clearly Demonstrated In addition to the need to mitigate safety concerns, there is a need to improve traffic flow at this intersection and along Route 1 between Foothill Boulevard and Route 101 . In 1992, the City hired DKS Associates to identify operational changes to Route 1 and cross streets that could maintain and improve traffic flow. The Consultant's report (February 8, 19 93) indicates that the Foothill-Route 1 intersection will operate at LOS F under General Plan "build out" conditions. With the installation of the proposed right-hand-turn lane on Foothill Boulevard and a second (already programmed) southbound left turn lane on Route 1, LOS can be improved to LOS "E" which would meet proposed CMP standards for State Routes and Principal Arterials in San Luis Obispo County. While future congestion would still be significant, the benefits of the proposed intersection improvements on Route 1 operations are significant and attainable. 3. How does the project address a multimodal need. Foothill Boulevard and Route 1 are used by City and Regional transit services. Improving traffic flow through the intersection should help maintain headways and schedules. High levels of bicycle and pedestrian traffic use the intersection to gain access to Cal Poly University. The proposed improvements should better organize traffic and improve safety. The project will include pedestrian signal islands and Class II pavement markings to direct bicyclists through the intersection consistent with Figure 1003.2C in Chapter 1000 of the Highway Design Manual (Fourth edition, July 1990). 4. How Does the Project Mitigate a Congestion/Air Quality Problem. The proposed improvements will reduce delays at intersections and maintain levels of service (LOS) that comply with proposed CMP standards. 5. Describe the Cost Effectiveness.of the Project. By constructing this project and other intersection improvements at Olive Street and Walnut Street, traffic flow along this segment of Route 1 can be maintained at levels which do not exceed recommended CMP standards (reference, DKS Associates Report, February, 1993). Constructing all of these operational improvements (estimated cost of $1.2 .million) can delay or avoid the need to widen Route 1 to provide for additional traffic capacity to serve future growth. Widening Route 1 is estimated to cost $8'to $12 million while the cost of an alternative route (the Highway 1 bypass option) would cost about $40 to $50 million depending on the alignment. 6. How Will The Project Provide an Equitable Distribution of Funding Route 1 serves the entire north coastal area and provides inter-state connections with Route 101 . Improvements to the Foothill Boulevard intersection will benefits County residents, inter-state travelers, and City residents. .J_ Cal Poly University oo. c J i c f u f 06VD,� t MORA O,IN[ M1 �E we O {T. (� c ROUTE 1 -- FOOTHILL BLVD. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS STATE ROUTE 1 Ped. . Crossin Ides ` . . E- LANE �: - - - =------= _-_ BIKE ---- .. - • m O LANE CONCEPT DESIGN: FOOTHILL-ROUTE 1 INTERSECTION x- 13 SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDING APPLICATION A. JURISDICTION City of San Luis Obispo B. CONTACT PERSON Wayne Peterson, City Engineer (781-7200) C. PROJECT NAME Freeway Interchange Planning Study D. TYPE FUNDING REQUESTED SHA Exchange Funds (for Regional STP Funding) E. PRIORITY N/A F. AMOUNT REQUESTED $150,000 G. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Hire a transportation consultant to prepare a Project Study Report (PSR) that evaluates options and traffic impacts of constructing a new interchange at Route 101 and Prado Road, and modifying existing interchanges at Madonna Road and Los Osos Valley Road. The PSR would be prepared in compliance — with Caltrans and FHA standards. (See attached map for scope of study.) H. DESCRIBE HOW THE PROJECT MEETS THE THRESHOLD REQUIREMENTS: 1. FOR STP FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH SECTION 133 OF ISTEA: N/A 2. FOR SHA FUNDS, DESCRIBE CONSISTENCY WITH ARTICLE XIX OF STATE CONSTITUTION: This project involves the "planning" of a public street and State highway, including its "... related public facilities for nonmotorized traffic." 3. IS THE PROJECT CONSISTENT WITH THE 1990 OR DRAFT 1993 RTP The 1990 RTP does not include the Prado Road interchange project. The City staff has recommended that the 1993 update of the RTP include the construction of the Prado Road interchange and modifications to the Los Valley Road interchange ramp systems. 1 4- 14 4. IS LOCAL GOVERNING BOARD APPROVAL EXPECTED BY AUGUST 4, 1993 With a positive response from SLOCOG, a City Council resolution can be secured prior to August 4. The project is also included in the draft San Luis Obispo Circulation Element that will be considered by the City Council in September, 1993. 5. WILL THE FUNDS BE EXPENDED WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF SLOCOG ACTION Yes. I. FOR REGIONAL PROJECTS, ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING PRIORITY CRITERIA: 1. How Does this project address a safety problem. Regional retail commercial development is planned southeast of Madonna Road adjoining Route 101. An additional access point to Route 101 is needed to provide regional access the new development and to provide local access from City growth areas to the east. Without the proposed Prado Road interchange, safe travel on alternative streets and use of existing interchanges would be compromised. Completing a comprehensive Project Study Report (PSR) will be ` the first step in developing improvements to Route 101. 2. The Need for the Project Clearly Demonstrated The proposed Project Study Report would evaluate designs for a new interchange at Prado Road, the need for auxiliary facilities to handle local traffic, and the need for modifications to other interchange systems to better serve this growing quadrant of.the City. By completing the planning studies at this time, the City and State can appropriately respond with improvement requirements as development occurs. Without the preparation of a PSR, Caltrans and the Federal. Highway Administration will not approve the construction of a Prado Road interchange. Because the location of the interchange does-not meet federal standards for interchange spacing, the scope of the PSR needs to evaluate impacted existing interchange systems and local roads to determine the resultant traffic environment that would be created by new improvements. New development that is planned west of Los Osos Valley Road will also create the need to redesign and partially reconstruct the ramp system on the west side of Route 101 at Los Osos Valley Road (Reference DKS Associates, Phase II Report, 1990). �- 15 The need for preparing the PSR is identified in the City's 1993 update of its Circulation Element. 3. How does the project address a multimodal need. The PSR will also evaluate the use of planned facilities for public transit, bicycle traffic, and pedestrians. The City's draft Bicycle Transportation Plan (May, 1993) identifies Prado Road, Los Valley Road and Madonna Road as Class II bike routes. Madonna Road, South Higuera Street, and Los Osos Valley Road are currently designated transit routes. Prado Road will be a principal transit route serving the entire southern quadrant of the City -- eg. the Airport Area. The City is pursuing the annexation of the Airport Area and the provision of City services. It is anticipated that retail development on Madonna Road will be an important transit destination while transit service to the Airport Area will an important component to APCD's Commute Alternatives Program (Rule 901). City and possibly even Regional transit service will use the proposed Prado Road interchange. 4. How Does the Project Mitigate a Congestion/Air Quality Problem. The PSR will evaluate changes to the road system designed to safely accommodate projected traffic levels while minimizing congestion and adverse impacts to the level of service on State Route 101 . The new interchange will incrementally reduce trip lengths to planned growth areas east and west of Route 101 which should have a positive air quality impact. At the same time, the City and the Air Pollution Control District will be requiring new area development to accommodate access by alternate modes of transportation such as transit, car pooling, bicycle lanes and pedestrian facilities and participate in trip reduction activities. 5. Describe the Cost Effectiveness of the Project. The project is needed to accommodate planned retail commercial growth. With area development, the proposed connection of Prado Road between Madonna and Route 101 would accommodate more than 20,000 ADT which can not be safely accommodated by the existing Madonna Road interchange (reference SLO Traffic Model MINUTP). With development of the Airport Area east of Route 101, Prado Road between the Highway and Higuera Street would accommodate about 33,000 ADT. A full interchange at Prado is needed to provide access to Route 101 . Without it, the level of service on parallel local streets would not meet CMP standards. Given the combined projected traffic increases on Prado, Los Osos Valley Road and Madonna Road, the cost of the PSR equals about $2 per new vehicle trip and about $1 .30 per total trip. The cost of preparing the PSR could be as low as 0.1 % of the cost of constructing potential improvements. 6. How Will The Project Provide an Equitable Distribution of Funding Development on Madonna Road is proposed to be a regional retail center serving all of San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara county. The cost of the PSR equals about 6% of the total regional STP allocation. 7. What Local Funding Contribution is Being Provided. None. We anticipate that SHA funds would cover the full cost of preparing the Project Study Report. Developer contributions and/or area assessments will be used to construct improvements and support non-capital transportation programs. 4, /7 CITY LIMIT{ S ® _ CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO "Ami. 1.l._w. UriI'��(T!—�I'-1r1G'\�\C^Y!/ I `I P�7(�It FREEWAY INTERCHANGE PROJECT STUDY REPORT �- ��i �o0 �O0�C. I ���DG � iP ieee {oae r �OOOOD� �OOO \ 4 ED Ue }c. ew u,.u.r, ie r •� to - --- .. l: � 9 General Stud Y Area °fyf�•�� is � ^ „•j��6b z,: x--18'