City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ADRIANA CASTAÑEDA, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Support a Funding Request for FY 2031 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Funds. [ROLL-CALL VOTE].
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Resolution to submit an application from the City of Alexandria for the FY 2031 CMAQ/RSTP Program.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Approve a Resolution (Attachment 1) supporting the submission of the FY 2031 CMAQ/RSTP funding request; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to apply for these funds and to and enter into any necessary agreements to accept this grant.
BACKGROUND: Since 1993, the Commonwealth of Virginia has allocated CMAQ and RSTP funding to the Northern Virginia region. CMAQ funded projects must meet three eligibility requirements: 1) have a transportation focus, 2) reduce air emissions, and 3) be located in or benefit a nonattainment or maintenance area.
RSTP funds are flexible funds that may be used for a variety of regional transportation activities, including but not limited to pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, transit capital projects, and transportation or transit studies.
The City of Alexandria must submit the FY 2031 CMAQ/RSTP funding request to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) by January 2024.
DISCUSSION: Staff propose to submit the two projects listed below for FY 2031 funding. These projects, as well as the prior year CMAQ/RSTP funding awards are shown in Attachment 2.
The City’s funding request for FY 2031 is up to $5.5M and includes the following projects:
FY 2031 CMAQ/RSTP Proposed Program
|
Project Name |
FY 2031 |
|
Safe Routes to School |
$2,000,000 |
|
Citywide Bus Bulbs |
$3,500,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$5,500,000 |
Safe Routes to School
The Safe Routes to School Walk Audits identified several recommendations that are capital intensive, such as curb extensions or median improvements. This funding complements FY 2030 funding and will support the implementation of the safety recommendations, which will be prioritized closer to the time the funding is available. Currently, more than half of the Safe Routes to School recommendations have been implemented, but many of the remaining items are larger, more capital-intensive infrastructure upgrades that require more substantial funding.
Proposed Funding: Up to $2,000,000
Citywide Bus Bulbs
Bus bulbs are a proven way to speed buses and to improve the rider’s experience by providing more space for amenities such as benches and shelters. This funding would support priorities in the Alexandria Mobility Plan and the Alexandria Transit Vision Plan and would allow for planning, design and construction of bus bulbs throughout the City. There have been a few projects across the City to install bus bulbs on key transit corridors, such as Mount Vernon Avenue, but the City is currently utilizing temporary configurations for locations where funding is not available to fully construct this infrastructure. While the specific locations will be determined closer to the time funding is available, upgrading temporary bus bulbs would be prioritized.
Proposed Funding: Up to $3,500,000
The Transportation Commission will review these recommendations at its meeting on November 20, 2024, meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Commonwealth of Virginia provides the match for both RSTP and CMAQ funds, there will be no fiscal impact to the City from accepting these funds. While the City is requesting authority to submit applications for up to $5,500,000, the final awarded amount could be less based on available funding from the state. Should this be the case, staff will work with the state to reduce the funding requests to meet the allotted amount the City would be awarded.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: FY 2025 - FY 2030 CMAQ/RSTP Approved and FY 2031 Proposed Funding
Attachment 3: Presentation
STAFF:
Emily Baker, P.E., Deputy City Manager
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, T&ES, Transportation Planning & Mobility
Alicia Wright, Acting Assistant Director, Administrative Services, T&ES
Christopher Ziemann, Division Chief, Transportation Planning, T&ES