TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Steve Powers, City Manager
FROM: Peter Fernandez, PE, Public Works Director
SUBJECT:
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Request from Salem-Keizer Transit District to be a co-applicant for Transportation and Growth Management Program funds to identify sidewalk network gaps that inhibit access to fixed-route bus service
Ward(s): All Wards
Councilor(s): All Councilors
Neighborhood(s): All Neighborhoods
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ISSUE:
Shall Council authorize the City Manager to sign as a co-applicant with the Salem-Keizer Transit District for Transportation and Growth Management Program funds to identify sidewalk network gaps that inhibit access to fixed-route bus service; and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter supporting this grant application?
RECOMMENDATION:
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Authorize the City Manager to sign as a co-applicant for Transportation and Growth Management Program funds to identify sidewalk network gaps that inhibit access to fixed-route bus service; and authorize the Mayor to sign a letter supporting this grant application.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) are accepting applications for the 2016 Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) Program. The deadline for submitting an application is June 10, 2016.
The Salem-Keizer Transit District submitted a pre-application to study sidewalk network gaps inhibiting walk access to fixed-route buses and increasing CherryLift and RED Line Ridership (Attachment 1). ODOT indicated that the jurisdiction(s) who manage the sidewalk network would need to be a co-applicant for this funding request. For this reason, the Salem-Keizer Transit District is requesting that the City sign on as a co-applicant for this grant. If successful, the Salem-Keizer Transit District will provide all of the required matching funds. City involvement will be limited to staff time to coordinate City interests associated with the sidewalk network. Final recommendations will likely include proposed amendments to the Salem Transportation System Plan relating to the Transit and Pedestrian System Elements.
The TGM Program
The TGM Program provides funds to help local communities prepare transportation and land use plans to respond to transportation, land use, and growth management issues. The City has been the recipient of a number of TGM grants over the more than 20-year history of the program. The TGM Program requires a local match of at least 12 percent of total project costs, which can be in the form of staff time, cash, monetized volunteer time, and direct project expenses. As a condition of award, grantees are asked to provide written commitment to meet all grant obligations in a timely manner. Grant projects generally have a two-year period to be completed.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
ODOT and DLCD are inviting applications for the 2016 TGM Program. Applications are due June 10, 2016.
The Salem-Keizer Transit District submitted a pre-application to study sidewalk network gaps inhibiting walk access to fixed-route buses and increasing CherryLift and RED Line Ridership. ODOT indicated that the jurisdiction(s) who manage the sidewalk network would need to be co-applicants for this funding request. A letter or resolution of support from the governing body of the applying jurisdiction(s) must be submitted with the grant application (Attachment 2).
The Salem Transportation System Plan includes policies and proposed projects associated with the pedestrian and transit networks within Salem’s portion of the Urban Growth Boundary. Partnering with the Salem-Keizer Transit District on this study will help to inform priorities to enhance the pedestrian and transit networks in Salem.
The estimated budget for this project is $72,300. If successful, the Salem-Keizer Transit District will provide all required matching funds. City staff will support the project by sharing existing data on the sidewalk network and land uses, and by participating in technical review of consultant deliverables. Final recommendations will be presented to the Council, including proposed amendments to the Salem Transportation System Plan.
Robert D. Chandler, PhD, PE
Assistant Public Works Director
Attachments:
1. Salem-Keizer Transit District TGM Pre-Application
2. Draft letter of support for TGM application
05/06/2016