Meeting_Body
PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
Subject
SUBJECT: PROGRAM FUNDS FOR ARROYO VERDUGO OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Action
ACTION: APPROVE RECOMMENDATION
Heading
RECOMMENDATION
Title
CONSIDER:
A. APPROVING $5,000,000 in additional programming for two City of Glendale projects within the Arroyo Verdugo subregion as shown in Attachment A; and
B. AUTHORIZING the CEO or their designee to negotiate and execute all necessary agreements for the Board-approved projects.
Issue
ISSUE
At the July 2024 meeting, the Metro Board approved the updated project list and proposed changes related to schedules, scope, and funding allocations for existing projects as part of the bi-annual Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program.
The purpose of this Board report is to identify the projects that will be added to the updated list and to program additional funds. Board approval of the projects is needed as the updated project list serves as the basis for Metro to enter into the necessary agreements with the City.
Background
BACKGROUND
Per the Measure R Expenditure Plan, the Arroyo Verdugo Subregion (Line 31) allocated funds for multimodal highway operational improvement subfund programs. In coordination with local jurisdictions, Metro staff lead the implementation and development of muti-jurisdictional and regionally significant highway and arterial projects.
Local jurisdictions prioritize and develop projects that are within the eligibility for both Measure R and Measure M program criteria. Metro staff worked with the City of Glendale to review projects for eligibility and compliance with the Board-adopted policies outlined in Metro’s Complete Streets Policy, Active Transportation Strategic Plan, and First/Last Mile Strategic Plan. Projects are also further evaluated to ensure that projects aim to reduce congestion, resolve operational deficiencies, improve safety, and incorporate multimodal investments.
Discussion
DISCUSSION
Additional programming in the amount of $5,000,000 is being requested for two projects in the Arroyo Verdugo subregion as described below and shown in Attachment A.
Arroyo Verdugo Operational Improvements
To date, a total of $134,181,200 has been programmed for projects in the subregion. This update includes funding adjustments for two existing projects.
Glendale
Program an additional $3,000,000 for MR310.54 - Traffic Signal Modifications on La Crescenta Avenue and San Fernando Road in FY24-25 for a revised budget of $4,650,000. The Project is in the PS&E phase and the additional funding will go towards the construction phase, as the City will readvertise their construction solicitation since they received bids costlier than their current available funding. The Project includes fiber installation, signal upgrades, vehicle and bike video detection installation, and upgrades to wheelchair ramps, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and street pavement.
Program an additional $2,000,000 for MR310.62 - Downtown Glendale Signal Mobility Improvements Project in FY24-25 for a revised budget of $8,626,736. The Project is in the PS&E phase and funds are being programmed to fund the construction phase, as the City anticipates increased costs for the construction phase. The Project includes software and hardware modifications to coordinate traffic flow via signal synchronization, benefiting all modes of transportation regarding safety.
Determination_Of_Safety_Impact
DETERMINATION OF SAFETY IMPACT
The multimodal subregional programs support the development of a safer transportation system that will provide high-quality multimodal mobility options to enable people to spend less time traveling.
Financial_Impact
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The highway projects are funded from the Measure R 20% Highway Capital subfund earmarked for the subregions. FY25 funds are allocated for Arroyo Verdugo Project No.460310 (Subsidies to Others).
Since the Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Programs are multiyear programs that contain various projects, Countywide Planning and Development will be responsible for budgeting the costs in current and future years.
Impact to Budget
This action will not impact the approved FY25 budget. Staff will rebalance the approved FY25 budget as necessary to fund the identified priorities and revisit the budgetary needs using the quarterly and mid-year adjustment processes subject to the availability of funds.
The source of funds for these projects is Measure R 20% Highway Funds. This fund source is not eligible for transit capital or operations expenses.
Equity_Platform
EQUITY PLATFORM
This bi-annual update funds subsequent phases of Board-approved Highway Subsidy grants aligned with the Measure R Board-approved guidelines and the Metro Objectives for Multimodal Highway Investments <https://boardagendas.metro.net/board-report/2022-0302/>. The Highway Subsidy Grants do not have a direct equity impact; rather they offer equity opportunities via the development of transportation project improvements through city contracts that can reduce transportation disparities. Furthermore, Metro staff will work with the various subregions to provide equity guidance in the selection of individual projects to address disparities and create more equitable access to opportunity.
As with all subregions, the City of Glendale independently and in coordination with its subregion, undertakes its jurisdictionally determined community engagement process specific to the type of transportation improvement it seeks to develop. These locally determined and prioritized projects represent the needs of cities.
Implementation_of_Strategic_Plan_Goals
IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The recommendation supports the strategic plan goal:
“Goal 1: Provide high-quality mobility options that enable people to spend less time traveling.”
Goal 1.1. Approval of the multimodal highway subregional programs will expand the transportation system as responsibly and quickly as possible as approved in Measure R and M to strengthen and expand LA County’s transportation system.
“Goal 4: Transform LA County through regional collaboration”
Goal 4.1. Metro will work closely with municipalities, council of governments, Caltrans to implement holistic strategies for advancing mobility goals”
Alternatives_Considered
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
The Board may choose not to approve the funding allocation for the two projects. However, this option is not recommended as it will delay the development of the construction phases and will face significant cost implications by delaying the required amendments.
Next_Steps
NEXT STEPS
Staff will notify the City of the Board’s decision and continue working with Arroyo Verdugo and the other subregions for their consideration of multimodal investments within the Measure R Multimodal Highway Subregional Program.
Attachments
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Program Funds for Arroyo Verdugo Operational Improvements
Prepared_by
Prepared by: Roberto Machuca, Deputy Executive Officer, Complete Streets and Highways, (213) 418-3467
Michelle Smith, Executive Officer, Complete Streets and Highways, (213) 547-4368
Avital Barnea, Senior Executive Officer, Multimodal Integrated Planning, (213) 547-4317
Reviewed_By
Reviewed by: Ray Sosa, Chief Planning Officer, (213) 547-4274
