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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-96 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES FUNDING PROGRAMTO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: Public Works Department SUBJECT: 1995-96 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES FUNDING PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION: Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for the funding of pedestrian and bikeway facilities in Newport Beach in accordance with the Caltran’s “Planning and Design Criteria for Bikeways in California” and the Regional Transportation Plan; and also authorizing the Public Works Director or his designee to make the application and act as the City contact person. DISCUSSION: With the passage in 1973 of SB-821, the Transportation Development Act, SB-325 was amended by the State Legislature to allow up to 2% of the SB-325 funds to be made available to cities and counties for facilities providing for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians. SCAG is responsible for administering the disbursement of SB-821 funds to various agencies in Southern California. SCAG has requested that OCTA implement the Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities (BPF) Program to evaluate and monitor bicycle and pedestrian facility projects within its jurisdiction and develop a recommended project priority listing for regional projects. The projects must be designed to meet Caltrans "Planning and Design Criteria for Bikeways in California". Approximately 50% of Orange County's total BPF Program apportionment will be available for regional bikeway projects. The remaining 50% is local funding and is apportioned in accordance with the City's population relative to the County-wide population. Newport Beach is slated for an allocation of $19,847.00 which represents a 2.69% share of the local funds. A regional project will not be proposed in this application cycle. Local projects are no longer required to be submitted for consideration by OCTA. However, City staff recommends that the local apportionment be designated for use in the Balboa Peninsula Beach Access Sidewalks program. This will continue the replacement program which was initiated in the 1993/94 budget with the construction of a pilot project at 11th Street. The proposed project will construct sidewalks onto the beach to provide improved beach access for residents, beach users, and the physically challenged. The new sidewalks will replace the existing deteriorated sidewalks at the locations and preferred order as determined by the consensus of Central Newport Homeowners. The design to be utilized is similar to the type successfully used at the Huntington State Beach and at the City’s 11th Street and Orange Street locations. The new walkways consist of an eight foot wide asphalt surface with sloping sides to accommodate the seasonal fluctuations of the beach profile and will extend approximately 100' to 350' onto the beach just short of the normal high surf line. The end of the walks will be 'bulbed' and include a ribbon style bicycle rack. This design will permit beach safety, beach cleaning, and maintenance equipment to traverse the walk without damage. The application for the BPF Program will be submitted and will request local funding in the amount of $19,847.00. Upon approval of the project by OCTA, it is anticipated that the project will be constructed within the 1995/96 fiscal year. The recommended resolution will authorize staff to apply for funds, and will designate the Public Works Director, or his designee, as the authorized representative to make the application. Don Webb Public Works Director