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Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Public Health Officer to sign a letter in support of the City of Placerville grant application for funding to improve Broadway between Schnell Road and Point View Drive by constructing sidewalks concurrently with the project for constructing bicycle lanes.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
The Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) Public Health Division is recommending the Board authorize the Public Health Officer to sign a letter of support for the City of Placerville to apply for grant funding for the construction of sidewalks in the area of Broadway between Schnell Road and Point View Drive. City of Placerville has previously applied for and received funding to install bicycle lanes in this area. At this time City of Placerville is seeking support for their grant application which includes sidewalks along with the previously mentioned bicycle lane project.
Task 4.1 identified in the County Strategic Plan Goal of “Healthy Communities” is to recommend a Board policy that will integrate public health practice more effectively into the land use planning process, by promoting community practices for a safe environment that support positive physical and behavioral health and wellness among residents and visitors. This letter of support for the City of Placerville to apply for grant funding to construct sidewalks on Broadway is consistent with the Healthy Communities Goal of incorporating safe environment practices in the land use planning process.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
According to the National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO), “over 55 percent of all pedestrian deaths occur in neighborhoods, which are often designed with a bias toward cars with no sidewalks, or otherwise inadequate pedestrian accommodations.” The United States Department of Transportation estimates that 4,500 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes with motor vehicles in the United States annually. Pedestrians killed while “walking along the roadway” account for almost 8% of these deaths, many of which are preventable. Providing walkways separated from the travel lanes could help to prevent up to 88% of these “walking along the roadway crashes.”
In addition to safety, research indicates that people will walk for recreational purposes if a facility is provided. Recreational walking is one of the easiest ways for people to get the recommended allotment of physical exercise each day. Moderate exercise such as walking contributes to both physical and mental well-being. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion stated in their “Healthy People 2010” report, “In its broadest sense, environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, disease, and injury that are determined or influenced by factors in the environment. This includes not only the study of the direct pathological effects of various chemical, physical, and biological agents, but also the effects on health of the broad physical and social environment, which includes housing, urban development, land use and transportation, industry, and agriculture.” The provision of adequate, safe facilities for walking reduces barriers to a healthy lifestyle.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could decline to approve this letter of support for City of Placerville to apply for funding to construct sidewalks along Broadway between Schnell Schools Road and Point View Drive.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with this Board item as this is simply a recommendation to authorize the County Public Health Officer to sign a letter of support for improvements in the form of sidewalks along Broadway.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide one (1) Minute Order to HHSA Contracts Unit at 3057 Briw Road authorizing the Public Health Officer to sign the letter of support.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
County Strategic Plan Goal Health Communities.
CONTACT
Patricia Charles-Heathers, Assistant Director of Health Services