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SR-04-24-2012-3MCity Council Meeting: April 24, 2012 Agenda Item: 3- To: Mayor and City Council From: David Martin, Director of Planning and Community Development Subject: Application for Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account 2012 -13 Call for Projects funds Recommended Action Staff recommends that the City Council: Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the application for grant funds in an amount not to exceed $1.2 million from the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account 2012 -13 Call for Projects to plan, design and construct a first phase of the 17th Street Station Bike Parking, Services and Bike Share Facility. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to apply for and, if awarded, prepare to accept the grant. Executive Summary This report recommends submitting an application for funding under the Caltrans Bicycle Transportation Account 2012 -13 Call for Projects to design and construct the first phase of facilities that would support bicycle access to the Expo Light Rail Memorial Park /17th Street station. When built out, the facility would incorporate elements such as secure bike parking, lockers, showers and supporting services for commuters, bikesharing, and information and services for visitors. The facility would be located close to the station and at the end of the planned Expo Regional Bikeway, and support access for the surges of Santa Monica College students anticipated to use this station. The project is envisioned by the Bike Action Plan and Metro's Bicycle Strategic Plan. This project advances Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) priorities for improving mobility and access, active transportation, livability and economic utility. The project is also supported by Santa Monica College. Timing of this project is critical; it should be built in advance of the opening of Expo Light Rail and implementation of citywide bikeshare, both expected by 2015. If awarded, the City would be required to contribute a 10 percent match of the total project cost in the amount of up to $120,000. Funds are available in the City's Bicycle Grant Match /Project Readiness account. It is anticipated that Caltrans will notify applicants of their determination by September 2012. Background Each year, Caltrans issues a call for projects to submit applications for funding to the Bicycle Transportation Account. The grant program provides funds for projects that improve safety and convenience for bicycle commuters. Only cities and counties with approved Bicycle Transportation Plans are eligible to apply. The adoption of the City's Bicycle Action Plan in November 2011 makes the City of Santa Monica eligible for this funding, and necessary confirmation of status has been obtained from Metro. Grant applications require a 10 percent local match. Applications must include a resolution of support from the governing body Discussion Staff is preparing an application requesting $1.08 million to plan, design and construct a first phase of a Memorial Park /17th Street Station Bike Parking, Services and Bike Share Facility. The Expo Light Rail tracks transition from the right -of -way to street - running at this juncture, creating a sizeable area on the east side of 17th Street that could be a facility to promote and support bicycle commuting, first- and last -mile connections to the station, and support future citywide bike share operations. This location is also the terminus of the regional Expo Bike Path which will run alongside the Expo Line from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica. The regional bike path will transition to the City's on- street bike network at the site of the proposed 17th Street Station Bike Parking, Services and Bike Share Facility. This station is anticipated to experience very high bicycle activity, as the convergence of the end of the regional bike path that connects to the City of Santa Monica grid, and as the station serving surges of students to and from Santa Monica College. The grant- funded planning effort would define the programming of the bike facility, identify phasing options, and design and construct an initial phase. The exact location would be identified in concert with the Expo Authority and Metro, and could potentially include both sides of 17th Street. The planning and cost estimating would inform the ultimate programming and phasing. The space would be designed to accommodate a F: large bike sharing component and is envisioned as a full - service mobility facility, similar to the Bike Center that recently opened in the public parking structure at 2 "d Street and Colorado Avenue. The facility could offer secure bicycle parking, showers and lockers for commuters, incidental retail, and if space permits, bicycle repair to handle the maintenance needs of future bike share bicycles, office space for the facility operator and bike share program staff, and space for bike repair classes /community room. Space permitting, a cafe also could be included in the design. The facility would be easily accessed by the Expo bike and pedestrian path, light rail riders, employees of nearby residents and businesses including the hospitals, and surges of Santa Monica College students anticipated at this station. Financial Impacts & Budget Actions The total request for Caltrans grant funds for this project is $1.08 million. If awarded, the requested grant requires a 10% local match in the amount of $120,000. The matching funds are included in the FY 2011 -12 budget at account 0014073.590000, approved by City Council when the Bike Action Plan was adopted on November 22, 2011. Staff will return to Council for authority to accept any awarded grant funds. Prepared by: Jason Kligier, Transportation Planning Associate Approved: David Martin, Director Planning and Community Development Attachment: A. Resolution Forwarded to Council: 3 Rod Gould City Manager Reference Resolution No. 10670 (CCS) and Contract No. 9577 (CCS).