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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Authorization to Support a Multi-Jurisdictional Application to the Active Transportation Grant Program for the Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project with a Proportional 20% Local Match Commitment in the Amount of $240,000; and (2) Approval of a Letter in Support of the Application for the Active Transportation Grant to be Signed by the Mayor.
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Meeting Date: May 28, 2024
Contact Person: Christopher Evans/Public Works
Phone: (310) 253-5621
Fiscal Impact: Yes [x] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [X] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: E-Mail (05/22/2024): Meetings and Agendas - City Council
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director/City Engineer (05/15/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council (1) authorize support for a multi-jurisdictional application to the Active Transportation Grant Program (ATP) for the Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project with a proportional 20% local match commitment in the amount of $240,000; and (2) approve a letter in support of the application for the Active Transportation Grant to be signed by the Mayor.
BACKGROUND
Created in the 1970s, the La Ballona Creek Bike Path currently runs from the ocean to Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City. Originally, planners intended the Bike Path to go all the way from the ocean to where the creek ends at Cochran Ave and Venice Blvd in the City of Los Angeles.
In 2023, the organization “Streets For All” coordinated a project to perform a feasibility study to complete the original plan and extend the La Ballona Creek Bike Path (Project). Approximately 0.8 miles of the 2.3-mile extension would run through the City of Culver City, across public land and property owned by Red Car Properties and impact the public right-of-way in multiple locations (See Attachment 1).
The “Streets For All” initiative has been supported by a variety of organizations and community groups. Project stakeholders would include the City of Culver City, the City of Los Angeles (District 10), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) (District 7), the County of Los Angeles (District 2), Redcar Properties (in Culver City), and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
On February 27, 2023, the City Council approved a $100,000 funding contribution to the organization “Streets For All” towards the total cost of the feasibility study (Study) to be completed by SWA Los Angeles for the Project.
SWA Los Angeles has completed the Study, which examined design challenges, right-of-way jurisdiction, utility conflicts, permitting requirements, environmental constraints, as well as alignment and cost.
A copy of the completed feasibility study to extend the La Ballona Creek Bike Path can be found on the “Streets For All” website at <https://www.streetsforall.org/initiatives/ballona-creek-path-extension>.
DISCUSSION
The City of Los Angeles (Los Angeles) is proposing to use the completed feasibility study findings as the basis to apply for an ATP grant to complete the original plan and extend the Ballona Creek Bike Path. (The Project is now titled: Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project.) Los Angeles will take the lead in the grant application and Project development and implementation and is asking for support from Culver City as a Project co-sponsor/supporter and financial contributor.
Los Angeles estimates the total time to complete the Project if the grant is awarded is approximately 6.5 years, from July 2025 to December 2031.
For Culver City to show its support for the Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project grant application, City Council would need to approve committing $240,000 as a total local grant match and approve a letter of support for the Project to be included in the ATP grant application for the Project, that indicates its support for the scope of work, and intent to support the Project during the design and construction phases of the work, and enter into a Memorandum of Understanding at a later time, regarding the Project.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Los Angeles Engineer estimates the total cost to complete the Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project is approximately $8,000,000, which includes design, permitting, construction, and staff costs. Of the total Project cost, 20% or $1,600,000 would be provided by Los Angeles and Culver City as an ATP grant required local match. The ATP grant, if awarded, would provide for $6,400,000 of total Project costs. Because 15% of the Project footprint is located in Culver City (85% in the City of Los Angeles), Culver City’s proportional share of the local match would be $240,000 (15% of $1,600,000).
If the City Council approves support for the ATP grant application, $240,000 for the Project local match would be appropriated from General Fund Unassigned Balance in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 or a future fiscal year as needed by the design and construction schedule.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2024-05-28-ATT-CC-Ballona Creek Extension Project Map.pdf
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Authorize support for a multi-jurisdictional application to the Active Transportation Grant Program for the Ballona Creek Multi-Use Path Extension and Connections Project with a proportional 20% local match commitment in the amount of $240,000; and
2. Approve a letter in support of the application for the Active Transportation Grant Program Funds, to be signed by the Mayor; and
3. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare any necessary documents; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.