Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 028-2022 034-2022 authorizing the submittal of an application to the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program Grant for the El Dorado Trail Extension - Halcon to Pondorado Road project, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 97017/36109007.
FUNDING: Recreational Trails Program grant funds and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) for initial construction expenditures and General Fund for ongoing maintenance and repair/replacement expenditures.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services (OGALS) administers a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant program. The RTP is a state-administered local assistance program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The intent of the RTP is to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. Grant funding in the amount of $4.68 million is available annually and is open now for applications.
The OGALS grant application procedures require an applicant’s governing body to declare by resolution that the applicant is authorized to apply for grant funds and authorizes the Director of Transportation to execute all grant documents including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, amendments, and requests for payment, necessary to secure grant funds and implement the approved grant project(s). The Department of Transportation (Transportation) will obtain Board approval for the acceptance of all grant programs pursuant to Board Policy A-6. Should the grant applications be successful and the projects are constructed, Transportation will work with the Chief Administrative Office’s Facilities Division regarding the extended operation and maintenance of this project.
ALTERNATIVES
Should the Board not approve this item, Transportation will not be able to apply for this grant funding to create new recreational opportunities within the County.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Chief Administrative Office, Parks and Facilities Division, and County Counsel.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no direct financial impact associated with this agenda item. Matching contributions in the amount of 12% are required for the RTP grant funds. The initial costs for the El Dorado Trail Extension - Halcon to Pondorado Road Project (Project) are currently funded with Congested Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ). CMAQ funds will serve as the match contribution and are captured in the current CIP.
• Estimated Total Costs: $1.61M
• Grant Requested Funds: $1.284M
• CMAQ Matching Funds: $326,000
• Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs: $4,000
The County will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the Project and a 20-year commitment is required. Transportation and the Facilities Division estimate the annual maintenance costs at approximately $4,000. If major repairs/maintenance are required, such as asphalt replacement, etc., this amount could increase significantly. It is anticipated these additional maintenance costs would be added into the Facilities budget, funded by the General Fund. If the grant is awarded, staff will return to the Board for approval and with estimates on operating impacts, including a staffing analysis.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on the original Resolution.
2) Clerk of the Board will forward a copy of the Resolution to the Department of Transportation, Fairlane Engineering, attention Matt Smeltzer.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation