HomeMy WebLinkAbout- CC-6 - Safe Transit Stops Program Applications - 7/15/2014CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: JULY 15, 2014
SUBJECT: SAFE TRANSIT STOPS PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
DATE: JULY 3, 2014
ITEM NUMBER:
FROM: PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT - TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION
PRESENTATION BY: ERNESTO MUNOZ, PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: RAJA SETHURAMAN, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
MANAGER, 714-754-5032
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the attached Resolution approving the submittal of a grant funding application for three
(3) bus stop improvement projects under the Orange County Transportation Authority's
(OCTA) Measure M2 Project W - Safe Transit Stops Program (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND:
In November 2006, the Orange County voters passed the Renewed Measure "M" Program,
extending the half -cent sales tax for the next 30 years, beginning in the year 2011. Funds
from this sales tax are proposed to fund a wide range of improvements to Orange County
freeways, arterials, and transit systems.
Measure M2 includes Project W - Safe Transit Stops which provides funding for passenger
amenities at the 100 busiest bus stops in Orange County, as determined by average daily
weekday passenger boardings. The plan approved by OCTA's Board of Directors on
September 10, 2012 identified $5.5 million for Project W.
In order to provide Project W funds for the regional and local transit amenities, OCTA's
proposed framework splits the program into two (2) categories, City -initiated bus stop
improvements and OCTA -initiated improvements. From the total amount identified for
Project W, 80 percent (up to $950,000) will be allocated to the City -initiated improvements
while 20 percent (up to $240,000) will be allocated to OCTA -initiated improvements for the
2014-15 Fiscal Year.
ANALYSIS:
OCTA will be shortlisting bus stops based on the ridership demand, improvements needed,
and current age/conditions of the bus stops and amenities. The above criteria will be used
to screen the applications for individual bus stop improvements and to develop a list of
prioritized projects which will receive funding. With this current "Call for Projects," cities can
compete and receive up to $30,000 for the eligible transit amenities at each selected bus
stop.
The complete and final submittal of applications in response to this "2014 Call for Projects"
will need to meet certain minimum requirements to be eligible for Measure "M" grant funding
under the Project W program. While the City has already met all these eligibility
requirements, OCTA requires approval of the attached resolution prior to any consideration
of the City's application. The proposed projects for which preliminary applications were
submitted are listed in the attached resolution (Attachment 1) and are briefly described in
Attachment 2.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
One alternative considered is to not adopt the Resolution. This alternative would result in the
City's project applications being declined and render the City ineligible to compete for
available grant funding.
FISCAL REVIEW:
If staff is successful in capturing funding for this project, design and implementation will be
completed and fully funded with the Measure M grant within one year.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
CONCLUSION:
The current County -wide "2014 Call for Projects" is the first opportunity for the City to compete
for grant funding for implementation of certain improvements to transit amenities under the
Project W Program which is part of the Measure "M2" Program. Staff recommends that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution for OCTA's consideration of project applications
under the Project W - Safe Transit Stops Program.
RAJA SETHURAMAN ERNESTO MUNOZ
Transportation Services Manager Public Services Director
ATTACHMENTS: 1 - Resolution
2 - Proposed Protects for Prosect W
DISTRIBUTION: Chief Executive Officer
Assistant CEO
Development Services Director
City Clerk Division
Staff
File
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