Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board authorize the use of the El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (Index 8803311), in the amount of $30,000 to provide matching funds for two (2) Federal Highway Bridge Program grants for the Rubicon Trail at Ellis Creek - Bridge Replacement Project (CIP No. 77117) and Wentworth Springs Road at Gerle Creek - Bridge Replacement Project (CIP No. 77118).
FUNDING: El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (Index 8803311).
Body
BUDGET SUMMARY: |
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|
Total Estimated Cost |
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$30,000 |
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|
|
Funding |
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Budgeted |
$30,000 |
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New Funding |
$ |
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Savings |
$ |
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Other |
$ |
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Total Funding Available |
$30,000 |
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Change To Net County Cost |
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$0 |
Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
The matching funds for the Rubicon Trail at Ellis Creek - Bridge Replacement Project (CIP No. 77117) and Wentworth Springs Road at Gerle Creek - Bridge Replacement Project (CIP No. 77118) (Projects) Highway Bridge Program (HBP) grants have been provided by Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) grant funds. The current OHV grants are set to expire on January 28, 2011. The Department of Transportation (Department) anticipates that the OHV grants will be completely expended by the expiration date. The Department recommends that the Board authorize the use of $30,000 from the El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (Index 8803311) (SMUD Fund), split between the Projects, to match the HBP grants and complete the engineering and advertisement for construction bids. The $30,000 is the anticipated unexpended balance for Rubicon Trail storm water issues and other trail projects from a prior Board authorization. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agenda item.
Background:
On October 18, 2005, the County entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (El Dorado-SMUD Cooperation Agreement) (Agreement), which provided funding for various County activities with respect to the Ice House Road area. The Rubicon Trail is part of the Ice House Road area. Pursuant to Section 4.4 within this Agreement, the County can use the funds for "capital improvements to Ice House Road and other miscellaneous capital projects related to the UARP and its impacts on facilities owned or services provided by, or any resource or other interest within the jurisdiction of, the County."
On May 19, 2010, District III Supervisor Jack Sweeney sent a letter to the Board of Supervisors reiterating the intention of the Agreement and the intended use of the SMUD Funds to facilitate projects that mitigate sedimentation flowing into streams and creeks that feed SMUD's Loon Lake facility.
On June 29, 2010, the Board authorized the use of SMUD Funds as a match for grant money designated for the improvements to the watershed. The initial budget authorization covered nongrant costs and grant match for Rubicon Trail storm water issues and other trail projects. These projects are nearing completion and it is anticipated that there will be $30,000 of this authorized budget that will not be expended.
Reason for Recommendation:
The OHV grants that have been used as matching funds for the HBP grants for the Projects will expire and are expected to be completely expended prior to completing engineering and advertisement for construction bids due to site restrictions and delays in acquiring roadway easements and special use permits from the El Dorado National Forest. Therefore, the Department is recommending the Board authorize the use of the SMUD Funds, in the amount of $30,000, to provide the 11.47% local match for the allocated HBP grant funds to cover the period from January 28, 2011, when the OHV funds expire, until early 2012 when the Department anticipates awarding the construction contracts for the Projects.
The terms of the Agreement allow the use of the SMUD Funds to match grants for mitigating the sedimentation and sanitation problems along the trail. The completion of the Projects will decrease the amount of sedimentation in the watershed by allowing vehicles to use the bridges instead of driving through the creeks.
Action to be taken by the Department following Board approval:
The Department will request reimbursement for work associated with engineering and advertisement for construction bids for the Projects from the SMUD Fund.
Contact:
Robert S. Slater, P.E.
Assistant Director of Transportation