Title Department of Transportation recommending the Board:
1) Accept a Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets and Roads for All program grant for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, with a not to exceed amount of $160,000 and a County Match of up to $40,000, for a term commencing upon acceptance of funds through July 31, 2028 to implement comprehensive safety action planning aimed at preventing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries; and
2) Delegate authority to the Director of Transportation to sign all reports and associated documents necessary to secure and expend the grant funds for the purposes of implementing the program.
(All Districts)
FUNDING: Federal Highway Administration (80%) and Road Fund (20%).
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Section 24112 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58), the Safe Streets and Roads for All program administered by the Federal Highway Administration, distributes funding to provide opportunities for local governments to implement comprehensive safety action planning aimed at preventing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries.
In response to federally mandated Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSP), state funds from programs such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) began requiring Local Road Safety Plans (LRSP) before applications for additional HSIP funds could be executed. The County developed and adopted the LRSP between 2022 and 2024. Since then, further requirements for plans meeting specific thresholds for engagement, planning, and consideration have become prerequisites for agencies applying for federal funding through programs such as Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A).
To meet these new requirements, the County is updating the LRSP into a Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP). The plan update will continue the data-driven approach and coordinate with community stakeholders and members of the public, with the goal of reducing traffic collision injuries and fatalities to zero while addressing the County’s unique demographic, geographic, and technological challenges. Additionally, by updating the data used in the LRSP, the plan ensures up-to-date safety and planning data is incorporated. By creating a VZAP, the County will meet state and federal requirements for future funding opportunities.
On June 19, 2025, Department of Transportation (DOT) staff applied to United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for planning funds after being informed that the LRSP would not meet federal program requirements. On December 23, 2025, notification was received from USDOT of the intent to award the SS4A planning grant to the County of El Dorado. The Board’s acceptance of these funds will ensure DOT can implement an updated VZAP and continue to apply for state and federal funding with all the required planning documentation.
In accordance with Board of Supervisors Policy A-6, the Board is the sole authority for accepting grant awards and approving grant agreements. After acceptance of a grant award and approval of the grant agreement, the Board may delegate authority to execute all documents, including, but not limited to, the grant funding agreement, amendments, request for payment, reports, and all other associated documents necessary to secure and implement the approved grant payment program.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to accept the grant program funds. This could prevent future applications and award of federal grant funding due to the lack of required grant documents.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost. Funding will be included in the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Adopted Budget process with a not-to-exceed amount of $160,000 from Federal Highway Administration and a twenty percent (20%) match of $40,000 from Road Fund.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation