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Community Development Services, Department of Transportation, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Agreement 2914 with the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District, in the amount of $215,960 with a term ending March 1, 2020, to provide funding for the construction phase of the El Dorado Trail - Missouri Flat Road to El Dorado Project, CIP 97014.
FUNDING: California Department of Motor Vehicles Assembly Bill 2766 Subvention Funds as issued by the Air Quality Management District Grant Program.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Community Development Services, Department of Transportation (Transportation), recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Funding Agreement 2914 (Agreement) with the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (AQMD), in the amount of $215,960 with a term ending March 1, 2020, to provide funding for the construction phase of the El Dorado Trail - Missouri Flat Road to El Dorado Project (Project), Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 97014.
In 2017, the Project successfully obtained an Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant for the construction phase. With construction costs increasing annually, Project estimates have gone up, requiring additional monies to fill the funding gap. The requested funds from AQMD will play a critical role in ensuring the Project is delivered within the required time frame under the ATP grant.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2017, AQMD released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects to be implemented during 2018 and 2019 for the Motor Vehicle Emission Reduction Program. In 1990, Assembly Bill 2766 (AB 2766) was adopted into the California Health and Safety Code. AB 2766 authorized the Department of Motor Vehicles to collect a motor vehicle registration clean air surcharge of $4.00 per vehicle. Revenues generated from the surcharge are utilized by AQMD for grant programs that reduce air pollution from motor vehicles in order to implement the California Clean Air Act. Grant programs include alternative fueled vehicles, electric vehicle infrastructure, shuttles, park and ride facilities, bike trails, dirt road paving and others.
In January 2018, Transportation submitted a proposal to AQMD for the Project. This Project will extend the existing Class 1 multi-use El Dorado Trail from Missouri Flat Road to the Town of El Dorado approximately 2.2 miles along the Sacramento to Placerville Transportation Railroad Corridor.
The primary objectives of this Class 1 bicycle and pedestrian transportation facility are to:
1) Provide a non-motorized alternative transportation option for residents in El Dorado, Diamond Springs and Placerville to use to commute to work/school, connect to transit and access services, medical facilities, commercial centers and recreational opportunities.
2) To improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians by providing a separating bicycle and pedestrian facility.
3) To reduce auto trips replaced by bicycle and walking trips resulting in reduced emissions/improved air quality.
This Project is included as one of the highest priority Tier I bikeway projects in the El Dorado County Bicycle Transportation Plan (BTP) adopted 2010. The BTP was a collaborative planning effort with the El Dorado County Transportation Commission, the El Dorado County Bicycle Advisory Committee, the El Dorado Hills Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Advisory Committee, and the El Dorado Hills Community Services District, along with public participation and support. This Project is also included in Transportation’s 2017 CIP. AB 2766 funding of the construction phase of this Project will enable it to be completed within the required time frame under the ATP grant.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the Agreement and direct Transportation to obtain a different funding source for the construction phase. This could jeopardize the ATP funding already obtained.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved the Agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
It is recommended that the Board approve this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to net County cost resulting from approval of the proposed Agreement. Funding for the Project is provided by Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program, Accumulative Capital Outlay, and Active Transportation Program funds and is included in Transportation’s 2017 CIP, which was approved by the Board on June 27, 2017 (Item 25). If the Agreement is approved, the budgeted increased amount will be amended into the 2018 CIP that is scheduled to go to the Board for adoption in June 2018.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on two (2) originals of the Agreement.
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) original Agreement to AQMD, for further processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Community Development Services, Department of Transportation