City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: ADRIANA CASTANEDA, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution for an Application to the Virginia Department of Transportation for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Should the City submit an application for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) FY 2025 to FY 2026 Program?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Approve a Resolution (Attachment 1) supporting the submission of two grant applications by October 2 for the TA Program for up to $4,000,000 total to:
a. Implement safety improvements at intersections near four schools;
b. Provide new sidewalk and intersection safety improvements on Slaters Lane between Route 1 and Powhatan Street; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to apply for the TA Program grants and enter into any agreements with VDOT to accept and implement the grants.
BACKGROUND: The TA Program is a state-administered, federally-funded grant program for infrastructure projects that support non-motorized travel (walking and biking). TA grants are awarded every two years. The maximum federal request is $2.5 million per project for a project total, including local match of $3.125 million. TA funding can reimburse up to a maximum 80% of eligible project costs and a local match contribution of 20% or more is required. Applications submitted this year will be considered for funding in FY 2025 to FY 2026.
DISCUSSION: For the FY 2025 to FY 2026 application cycle, staff recommends applying to fund two projects.
Safe Routes to School - Crossing Improvements Near Schools ($2.5 million requested)
This project would design and construct curb extensions, pedestrian refuge areas, and crosswalk improvements at up to seven intersections near as many as four elementary and K-8 schools throughout Alexandria. These infrastructure improvements, recommended in the 2017 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Walk Audit reports, would create safer crossing opportunities for school children and families and encourage more students to walk to school. The schools in this application include Mount Vernon Community School, Patrick Henry K-8 School, Samuel Tucker Elementary School and Jefferson-Houston K-8 School. These locations were selected based on a variety of factors, including crash history, crossing distance, existing traffic control, presence of other safety treatments, equity, and roadway classification.
Slaters Lane Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements ($1.5 million requested)
This project would design and install improvements at the intersection of Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Slaters Lane to discourage illegal turns, slow vehicle turns, shorten pedestrian crossing distance, and add a missing link of sidewalk on the north side of Slaters Lane.
The Transportation Commission reviewed and endorsed both grant proposals at their meeting on September 20, 2023 (Attachment 2).
FISCAL IMPACT: The City is required to provide a 20% local match, which would be a maximum of $800,000 over two years for both projects. The SRTS project would have a maximum match of $500,000. This project is scalable, and should the City be awarded less than the full $2.5 million requested, the locations would be prioritized based on available funding and safety impact. The match for the SRTS Crossing Improvements Near Schools application would be funded via existing SRTS funds in the FY 2024 Approved Budget.
For the Slaters Lane Sidewalk and Intersection Improvements project, staff is requesting for authority to apply for up to $1.5 million for this project. However, staff is working with VDOT and believes the actual project cost could be less. Should the full amount be required, the 20% local match of $300,00 over two years would be funded by NVTA 30% revenue or other local revenue, such as GoAlex funds and will be determined through the FY 2025 budget process.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Transportation Commission Letter of Endorsement
3. Presentation
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, Transportation, T&ES
Christopher Ziemann, Division Chief of Transportation Planning, T&ES
Alexandria Carroll, Urban Planner, Transportation Planning, T&ES