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CC - Ratification of the Submission of an Application for the FY 2020-2021 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Sustainable Communities Grant for the Ballona Creek Path Extension Project, including Approval of Future Allocation of Approximately $25,000 in Staff Time and $100,000 of Funding for the Required Grant Match if the Application is Successful.
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Meeting Date: October 14, 2019
Contact Person/Dept: Helen Chin/Public Works Administration
Phone Number: (310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/09/19)
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Public Works Director/City Engineer (10/04/2019)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council ratify submission of an application to the FY2020-2021 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Sustainable Communities Grant for the Ballona Creek Path Extension Project, including approval of future allocation of approximately $25,000 in staff time and $100,000 of funding for the required grant match if the application is successful.
BACKGROUND
On September 17, 2019, Mayor Sahli-Wells, Council Member Small, and City staff met with staff from the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) to explore possible funding opportunities for the Ballona Creek Path Extension Project. Metro staff identified and encouraged the City to apply for the FY 2020-2021 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Sustainable Communities Grant (Grant).
The Grant Program is funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and traditional State and federal grants to help support and implement Southern California Association of Government’s (SCAG) 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) and achieve the State’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. Funds from SB 1 are earmarked for planning projects that have a multi-modal transportation nexus while also providing community benefits, addressing the areas of environmental justice, social equity, public health, and environmental conservation. An estimated $17 million has been set aside for the Grant in the FY 2020-2021 cycle. Successful applications will support Caltrans’ mission of creating safe and efficient mobility while addressing environmental sustainability, GHG emissions reductions, co-creating transportation opportunities with communities burdened by air pollution and other environmental hazards, and supporting economic vitality of the project areas.
DISCUSSION
The City has applied for the Grant for the Ballona Creek Path Extension Project which is an eastward extension of the existing multiuse path that travels along the north side of the creek. The extension is a key part of the Ballona Creek Revitalization Project which aims to enhance connectivity and mobility options within Culver City and to other parts of Los Angeles. The extension would start at Syd Kronenthal Park, the eastern terminus of the path, and extend two miles east to Venice Boulevard and Cochran Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. About 0.5 miles of this extension would be in Culver City and the rest in Los Angeles. Additionally, the project would include the study of a possible pedestrian or a combined vehicle, bike, and pedestrian bridge which would connect two Los Angeles mixed-use developments to the existing transportation networks in Culver City.
Project enhancements would provide opportunities for open space, beautification, and accessibility through safety improvements, local art, water quality enhancements, and green infrastructure. The 1.5-mile extension would also serve Los Angeles Council District 10, in an area of the District defined as a disadvantaged community by the California Environmental Protection Agency. A key goal of the Grant Program is to engage with disadvantaged communities to inform the projects seeking funding.
The Extension Project meets the Caltrans’ goals to provide efficient mobility options by providing a safe alternative to driving, provides neighboring vulnerable communities with connections and access to Culver CityBus and the Metro Expo Line, addresses GHG emissions reductions through building sustainable and green infrastructure, and supports SCAG’s RTP/SCS. In addition, the project provides enhanced recreational opportunities for underserved areas by providing connections to the Ballona Creek Path and access to the Baldwin Hills scenic overlook State Park and Park to Playa trial system.
Staff anticipates extensive and thorough collaboration with the City of Los Angeles to ensure that communities from both cities are actively engaged throughout this process. The project would welcome and expect partnerships with the Baldwin Hills Conservancy and possibly Metro. These partnerships would include shared design, outreach, implementation, and funding.
The deadline for the grant application was October 11, 2019; therefore, staff submitted the application prior to obtaining City Council approval in order to meet this deadline. Staff recommends the City Council ratify submission of the application at this time.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Culver City is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000 with a required local match of 11.47%. The local match can be direct and third-party cash, staff time, or in-kind contributions. The application requested the maximum award of $1,000,000 and proposed matching with a combination of approximately $25,000 in staff time and $100,000 as a cash match. The source of the $100,000 cash match can be determined at a later date if the application is successful.
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTION
That the City Council:
Ratify submission of an application to the FY2020-2021 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Sustainable Communities Grant for the Ballona Creek Path Extension Project, approving future allocation of approximately $25,000 in staff time and $100,000 in funding for the required grant match if the application is successful.