DEPARTMENT: Planning and Community Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John M. Dugan
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
An ordinance authorizing submittal of four transportation projects for funding consideration by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the recommendation of four projects for funding consideration through the FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program by the San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The following list of projects is being recommended for consideration of funding through the FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program:
Category |
Project |
Estimated Cost |
Other |
Strategic Multi-Modal Transportation Plan |
$3,000,000 |
Added Capacity |
Callaghan - Project extension from Bandera to Loop 410 (original project limits were Evers to Centerview) |
$2,500,000 |
Operational Improvements |
Presa Ramps at Hwy 90 |
$30,000,000 |
Operational Improvements |
Harry Wurzbach / Austin Hwy Intersection |
$10,000,000 |
|
TOTAL COST |
$45,500,000 |
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The MPO has issued a "call for projects" to all local agencies requesting a list of projects for funding consideration through the FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Project submittals are due December 2, 2013. The TIP is a process by which federal transportation funds are allocated for the completion of major road, street, highway and public transportation projects within the San Antonio-Bexar County MPO area.
Federal funding programs being considered by this call for projects are those funded through the Surface Transportation Program - Metropolitan Mobility (STP-MM) program. The anticipated STP-MM amount available for this program is $55 million for the region, but is contingent upon the availability of federal funding. All STP-MM projects require a minimum 20% local match and must be supported by a formal commitment at the time of submittal.
STP-MM projects will be grouped into six categories for evaluation purposes which include Added Capacity; Roadway Rehabilitation; Operational Improvements; Bicycle; Pedestrian; and Other. The following is a brief description of the projects included in the City's submittal for funding consideration by the MPO:
Strategic Multi-Modal Transportation Plan ($3,000,000)
This project is the implementation of the San Antonio / Bexar County Comprehensive Transportation Plan Micro-Model (funded through the FY 2014-2015 UPWP program) and creation of a San Antonio Strategic Multi-Modal Transportation Plan. The plan will assist with implementation of the 2040 MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan to help accommodate an additional 1.1 million people in Bexar County by 2040. The model and plan will allow analysis to test where land use assumption changes, infrastructure investments, development incentives, and other community development tools may have the greatest impact. The plan will enable San Antonio to efficiently and effectively prioritize projects constructed with local revenues as well as projects being requested for state and federal funding. The local match was adopted as part of the CoSA FY 2014 Budget.
Callaghan Road Project Extension (Bandera to Loop 410) - ($2,500,000)
This project is already in the MPO TIP Program as an added capacity project. The original project limits were from Evers Road to Centerview Drive. Through the initial design phase, the project limits were expanded north to Loop 410 and south to Bandera Road. The original project costs totaled $8,996,000. The expanded limits add approximately $2,500,000 to bring the total cost of the project to $11,496,000. The local match was funded in the FY 2012-2017 Bond Program.
Presa Ramps at Hwy 90 ($30,000,000)
This project is currently in the MPO Long-Range Plan. It is an operational improvement project that will add an entrance ramp on westbound US 90 and an exit ramp on eastbound US 90 in the Presa Street area. This improvement will result in improved connectivity to the area and is needed in order to address the lack of access points to Hwy 90 from this area of town. The local match was funded in the FY 2012-2017 Bond Program.
Harry Wurzbach / Austin Highway Intersection ($10,000,000)
This project is currently in the MPO Long-Range Plan. It is an operational improvement project to construct new entrance and exit ramps at the intersection of Harry Wurzbach and Austin Highway to improve safety and connectivity. A local match has not yet been funded for this project. If selected, the local match will need to be identified as part of the annual Capital Budget process.
ISSUE:
This ordinance recommends four projects for funding consideration through the FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program. Approval of this ordinance will demonstrate Council's support for MPO funding of these projects.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose to not authorize the submittal of these projects for funding consideration. However, the City would miss out on an opportunity to obtain federal funds for the completion of these important transportation improvement projects for San Antonio.
In review of potential alternatives, staff has determined that submitting these projects will enable the completion of viable transportation improvement projects for San Antonio, and will further the City of San Antonio's role in the coordinated transportation planning process of the MPO.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This council action does not commit any funds. However, if the MPO selects a City project for federal transportation funds, a local 20% match will be required. Three of the four projects have the local match already adopted in the CoSA Budget. If the Harry Wurzbach / Austin Highway project is selected, the local match would have to be identified as part of the Capital Annual Budget process by re-prioritizing current capital project needs or identifying new funding through future City Council action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the submittal of four projects for funding consideration through the FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program by the Bexar County - Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).