City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 16, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: TARRENCE MOORER, INTERIM DIRECTOR, T&ES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution for Submission to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for Regional Transportation Funding in FY 2028 to FY 2029.[ROLL-CALLVOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: What should the City propose to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) for 70% regional funding in FY 2028 to FY 2029?
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Adopt the resolution (Attachment 1) to approve an application to the NVTA for 70% regional transportation funding for up to $28 million; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to submit the proposal to the NVTA and enter into any necessary agreements with NVTA to accept the funds.
BACKGROUND: In April 2013, House Bill 2313 was signed into law, levying additional taxes and a fee in Planning Districts that meet population, motor vehicle registration, and transit ridership criteria. The revenues generated in Northern Virginia through these taxes and fees are deposited into a fund managed by the NVTA. Thirty percent (30%) of the funds are distributed directly to member localities to use on transportation projects. The remaining seventy percent (70%) of the funds are distributed by NVTA for regional transportation projects. Since FY 2014, the City has been awarded approximately $189 million in NVTA 70% regional funds, the bulk of which went to the Potomac Yard Metro Station ($69.5 million) and the Duke Street Transitway ($87 million). The City uses NVTA 30% funds largely for transit capital and operating costs, subject to annual budget consideration by City Council. For a summary of projects and funding, see Attachment 2.
DISCUSSION: This Spring, NVTA formally requested applications seeking 70% regional transportation funding for FY 2028 and FY 2029 as part of the FY 2024 to FY 2029 Six-Year Program update. In this funding round, the City can only submit projects that are currently included in the NVTA’s approved regional plan, TransAction 2030. Staff proposes the City submit applications for four projects totaling up to $28 million.
Project 1: Metroway Extension - Route 1 to Arlington - Up to $10M. This project will include right-of-way and construction for an extension of Metroway north of Glebe Road to Evans Lane to provide access to the new Potomac Yard Metrorail Station and the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. The transit corridor will connect into Arlington from Potomac Avenue. The project will include signalization upgrades, stormwater management, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support electric buses. The project was identified in the Potomac Yard North Small Area Plan and the Alexandria Mobility Plan as essential to the buildout of the Route 1 Transit Corridor.
Project 2: Smart Mobility Connected Vehicles - Up to $5M. This project will upgrade traffic controllers citywide and provide connected vehicle infrastructure. This project supports Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) efforts to better manage traffic, improve resiliency of our transportation system and connect vehicles to our infrastructure. This project is recommended in the Smart Mobility Framework plan and aligns with the goals of the Alexandria Mobility Plan.
Project 3: High Crash Intersection Safety Improvements - Up to $3M. This project will develop full design of concepts developed for seven high crash intersections in the West End. In FY 2024 and 2025, intersection safety audits, community engagement and conceptual designs will be completed at these locations as part of the federally funded Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. The City intends to construct improvements though future grant opportunity, and the design from NVTA funds could potentially fulfill a local match requirement. The locations on King Street, Seminary Road and South Van Dorn Street were identified through the Vision Zero Action Plan.
Project 4: Van Dorn Bridge Multimodal Enhancements - Up to $10M. This project will fund the construction of enhancements to the Van Dorn bridge over the rail tracks that will provide wider and safer paths along the bridge for people walking and biking. Design of this project was funded through an FY 2026 NVTA 70% grant. A feasilblity study was completed in FY 2023 to understand the feasibility of widening the bridge additional pedestrian space. These improvements are recommended as part of the West End Transitway and Eisenhower West Small Area Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City as NVTA 70% funds do not have a local match requirement.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: NVTA Funding Summary
Attachment 3: Presentation
STAFF:
Emily A. Baker, Deputy City Manager
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, T&ES
Christopher Ziemann, Division Chief, Transportation Planning
Ryan Knight, Division Chief, Transportation Engineering
Josh Schadt, Smart Mobility Program Manager
Bob Garbacz, Division Chief, Traffic Operations
Christina Alexander, Capital Projects Program Manager, T&ES
Jennifer Monaco, Transit Program Manager, Transportation Planning