Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Director of Transportation to accept and execute Grant Agreement PS21036 in the amount of $100,000 with the State of California - Office of Traffic Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program, to develop an educational/community outreach program focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety; and
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Transportation to execute any contract amendments or extensions that do not increase net county cost, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: California Office of Traffic Safety Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program Grant.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (Transportation) has been selected to receive a grant from the State of California’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education Program. Grant funds, if accepted, will be used to develop an educational/community outreach program focused on pedestrian and bicycle safety with a specific emphasis for non-motorized users under the age of 18. The intent of the program is to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in incidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists for the period of October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.
Transportation recognizes the potential of a pedestrian and bicycle safety education program to encourage safe cycling and walking behaviors for users of the County's growing active transportation network. Additionally, education programs, as components of larger transportation infrastructure projects, often contribute to more favorable scoring when applying for competitive state and federal grant funding.
Efforts of the County’s program will be focused on target audiences in areas of the County where data shows a disproportionately high risk of pedestrian and bicycle crashes and injuries, especially for school-age children. Grant funds would be used on virtual public involvement and development of messaging strategies as an alternative to traditional in-person instruction. The grant also includes funds allocated to providing safety and personal protective equipment, and a requirement for the County to participate in National Walk to School Day, National Bicycle Safety Month, and California's Pedestrian Safety Month.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to enter into the Grant Agreement, and the County would be ineligible to participate in the program.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed this Grant Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no match requirement for this grant. Staff time to administer the grant is estimated 120 hours, to be billed to the grant. If approved, DOT will return to the Board with a budget amendment to add this funding to the FY 2020-21 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety, Healthy Community
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation