COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

 

DATE:

December 20, 2002

   

BOARD MEETING DATE:

January 7, 2003

 

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Neil R. Cullen, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Approval of Applications for Transportation Development Act Article 3 Funds for Pedestrian Improvement Projects

 

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of applications to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) for the Allocation of Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 3 Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Funding for fiscal year 2003-04.

 

Key Facts

MTC requires a resolution by the governing board of a local agency authorizing the submittal of applications for TDA Article 3 funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects.

 

Discussion

The following projects are being recommended for TDA funding as they can improve overall pedestrian access or access to local elementary schools:

 

a)

Construction of sidewalks on "A" Street to provide a continuous sidewalk from Reiner Street to Hillside Boulevard near Colma. This will also provide access to the elementary school on Reiner Street.

 

b)

Construction of sidewalks adjacent the Highlands Elementary School off of Bunker Hill Drive in the San Mateo Highlands.

 

c)

Construction of a sidewalk on Santa Cruz Avenue from Sharon Avenue to the area adjacent to Oakdell Drive in the West Menlo Park Area.

 

These projects were identified either by school officials, parents of children who attend the schools or by residents who have requested the installation of sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety.

 

Grant Application Requirements Still to be Met

We are required to have the environmental clearances for each project prior to applying for the grant, and MTC also recommends that the local bicycle committees review and comment on the proposed projects.

 

We believe the projects are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as the projects essentially replace dirt or asphalt areas used for walking, with standard concrete sidewalks, and we have submitted the necessary environmental clearance forms to the Planning Division of the Environment Services Agency. We will report to your Board if any of the projects have to be eliminated if we cannot meet the environmental clearance requirement by the time your Board considers our recommendation.

 

We have also submitted the projects for review by the bikeway committees in the adjacent jurisdictions. We have, at the writing of this report, not heard from the bikeway committees or the bikeway committee has declined to comment on projects outside of their jurisdiction (City of San Mateo for the Highlands School sidewalk project). We will also report on any comments that we may receive prior to your Board considering our recommendation.

 

Vision Alignment

We believe our recommendation is consistent with the Shared Commitment to "redesign our urban environment to increase vitality, expand variety and reduce congestion" and Goal Number 10 to provide "public transportation choices that are convenient, affordable, accessible and safe," as the projects will provide or improve pedestrian routes which link local streets to nearby public facilities.

 

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact in applying for TDA grants.

 

There is a "local share" for each project which cumulatively totals $24,000. This cost can be financed with Road Funds of 1/2 Cent Transportation Funds. A recommendation will be made as to the specific funding source if any of the projects receive TDA grant funding. There is no impact to the General Fund.

 

A resolution in a form as prescribed by MTC has been approved by County Counsel.