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sr-032712-3jCity Council Meeting: March 27, 2012 Agenda Item: 3 °J To: Mayor and City Council From: David Martin, Director of Planning and Community Development Subject: Application for Caltrans Transportation Planning Grant for Lincoln Boulevard Recommended Action Staff recommends that the City Council: 1. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign and submit an application to Caltrans under the Fiscal Year 2012 -13 Transportation Planning Grant Program, Community -Based Transportation Planning for no more than $300,000 to fund public outreach and streetscape design for Lincoln Boulevard; 2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement for such funding and any amendments thereto or submit any other necessary documents in the case that the grant is awarded. Executive Summary This report recommends submitting an application for funding under the Caltrans Fiscal Year 2012 -13 Transportation Planning Grant Program, Community -Based Transportation Planning, for an amount up to $300,000 to conduct public outreach and conceptual streetscape design for Lincoln Boulevard from Wilshire Boulevard to the south City limit. This is consistent with the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) priorities for improving mobility and access, active transportation, livability and economic utility through strategic streetscape enhancements. Lincoln Boulevard enhancements are envisioned and deemed a high priority in the LUCE. If awarded, the City would be required to contribute in -kind services of 2.5% and matching funds of 7.5% of the total grant amount (up to $22,500). Background Each year, Caltrans issues an invitation for grant applications for transportation planning_ projects. The grant program promotes a balanced, comprehensive, multi -modal transportation system. The planning grants should ultimately lead to the adoption, initiation, and programming of transportation improvements. Staff proposes to apply for the Community -Based Transportation Planning grant type, which is offered to "fund coordinated transportation and land use planning that promotes public engagement, livable communities, and a sustainable transportation system, which includes mobility, access, and safety" (Transportation Planning Grant Guide, p. 3). Projects must be consistent with State Transportation Goals, including: 1. Improve mobility and accessibility 2. Preserve the transportation system 3. Support the economy 4. Enhance public safety and security 5. Reflect community values 6. Enhance the environment Grant applications are capped at $300,000, and require a 10 percent local match, of which a maximum of 2.5 percent may be in -kind services. Applications must include a resolution of support from the governing body. Applications to Caltrans for Fiscal Year 2012 -13 funding are due on April 2, 2012. Funds awarded must be encumbered within the first fiscal year and spent by the end of Fiscal Year 2014 -15. Approximately $6 million in grant funds are available in this year's funding cycle. Discussion Staff is preparing an application that would request up to $300,000 in grant funds to conduct public outreach and streetscape design of Lincoln Boulevard. Lincoln Boulevard spans approximately two miles and connects northern neighborhoods to the southern City limits. The existing public realm of this major thoroughfare is visually cluttered, unattractive, devoid of coordinated streetscape or landscaping and does not exemplify the investment or level of design reflected in other commercial boulevards in Santa Monica. The LUCE envisions Lincoln Boulevard as a street that transitions over. time from a vehicle - priority boulevard that acts as a barrier into a vibrant boulevard that connects neighborhoods to the east and west. The proposed grant would generate a community -based concept for enhanced pedestrian- orientation, activity centers that showcase quality design standards and a public realm improved with increased 2 landscaping, trees, and street furniture, while still maintaining its role as a functional regional roadway. The LUCE expanded the limits of the Downtown to include Lincoln Boulevard as the eastern boundary. Currently underway is a Downtown Specific Plan update, which will propose preliminary ideas for Lincoln Boulevard north of 1 -10 and adjacent private property standards that address ways of improving streetscape and urban design for this edge of the District. This grant would enable staff to advance this work and conduct outreach and conceptual design of a revitalized Lincoln Boulevard all the way to the south City limits. The grant would be used to fund public outreach, such as community meetings, surveys and field audits, and to bring in a team of landscape, urban design and transportation consultants to assist staff in design of the Lincoln Boulevard streetscape. Financial Impacts & Budget Actions The total amount of grant funds to be requested from Caltrans for this project will not exceed $300,000. If awarded, the requested grant requires a 10% local match, which can be met through 2.5% in -kind services and 7.5% match funds. If the City is successful in receiving the full amount of the requested grant, an amount not to exceed $22,500 would be included in the Fiscal Year 2012 -13 budget. It is anticipated that matching funds may be allocated from Proposition A or C funding. Upon grant award, staff will return to Council to seek approval to accept the grant award, appropriate funds and make necessary budget changes to reflect receipt of the grant. It is anticipated that Caltrans will notify applicants of their determination by September 2012. Prepared by: Jason Kligier, Transportation Planning Associate Approved: Forwarded to Council: c David Martin, Director Rod Gould Planning and Community Development City Manager 3 Reference Resolution No. 10665 (CCS).