DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Advanced Funding Agreement: Upgrade of Traffic Signal Controllers Project
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), accepting grant reimbursement in the estimated amount of $1,320,000.00 from TxDOT for controller upgrade related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $340,146 to TxDOT, of which $10,164.00 is included for TxDOT’s administrative oversight of federal funds and the remaining $330,000.00 is the required 20% local match, funded out of the Advanced Transportation District Fund as authorized in the Adopted FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program and federal funds, located citywide.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
TCI currently maintains approximately 1,400 signalized intersections. The current software that operates on the traffic signal controllers, or computers, located at each intersection is no longer supported by its vendor and does not provide the functionality needed to continue to improve traffic signal operation and prepare the City for the future. The City is seeking new software which will provide enhanced features, improve network security and allow for better and more extensive data collection and performance measure calculations.
In April 2016, this project was selected for funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Local Agency Managed projects are managed by the City but receive federal funds administered through TxDOT. The funds paid to TxDOT by the City are for costs associated with oversight for administration of the federal funds.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), accepting grant reimbursement in the estimated amount of $1,320,000.00 from TxDOT for controller upgrade related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $10,164.00 to TxDOT for administrative oversight of federal funds for the Upgrade of Traffic Signal Controllers Project, funded out of the Advanced Transportation District Fund as authorized in the Adopted FY 2019 Capital Improvements Program and federal funds, located citywide.
The project will provide for the purchase of the necessary software licenses and installation of hardware to upgrade all signalized intersections operated and maintained by the City. The City has requested a competitive sealed proposal to establish a contract with a vendor providing the necessary software, hardware, maintenance and support for the project. It is anticipated all work on the intersections located citywide will be completed by March 31, 2022.
The Project was selected for funding through the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). As a requirement of the TIP, the local agency (City) is responsible for 20% of the cost with the remaining 80% being provided federally through TxDOT. This Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT will allow related project costs to qualify for federal cost sharing up to the federally approved amount not to exceed $1,320,000.00. The City match of $330,000.00 will be the responsibility of the City of San Antonio and is available and included in the FY 2019 Advanced Transportation District Fund’s adopted budget.
Approval of this ordinance will be a continuation of the City’s commitment to maintaining and improving existing infrastructure in collaboration with other governmental agencies.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this ordinance; however, the City will lose the opportunity to receive reimbursement from TxDOT, delaying the project or requiring a change in scope to stay within the available budget. The most cost effective option would be to approve the Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes acceptance of funds from TxDOT for reimbursement of software, hardware and installation costs in an amount not to exceed $1,320,000.00 in federal funds allocated to the City from TxDOT and administered by TxDOT as a federal pass through grant associated with the Upgrade of Traffic Signal Controllers Project. Actual costs to be reimbursed by TxDOT will be finalized with the completion of all controller upgrade related purchases.
This ordinance also authorizes a one-time capital improvement expenditure in an amount not to exceed $340,164.00 to TxDOT for the Upgrade of Traffic Signal Controllers Project. Funds in the amount of $340,164.00 are available and included in Advanced Transportation District Fund as authorized in the Adopted FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Program. Of the total $340,164.00 payment, $10,164.00 is included for TxDOT’s administrative oversight of federal funds and the remaining $330,000.00 is included as the City’s required 20% local match for the federal funds and TxDOT construction related direct costs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing the execution of an Advanced Funding Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), to accept grant reimbursement in the estimated amount of $1,320,000.00 from TxDOT for controller upgrade related expenses and authorizing payment in the amount not to exceed $340,146 to TxDOT, of which $10,164.00 is included for TxDOT’s administrative oversight of federal funds and the remaining $330,000.00 is the required 20% local match, funded out of the Advanced Transportation District Fund as authorized in the Adopted FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program and federal funds, located citywide.