Title
Transportation Improvements (B)
The City Commission requested staff present a discussion item outlining "What Now for Transportation" subsequent to the failure of the Transportation Surtax. **ESTIMATED STAFF PRESENTATION 5 MINUTES**
Explanation
Staff has prepared a comparison of projects identified on the Transportation Surtax list with projects contained in the funded portion of the Capital Improvement Plan.
Potential funding sources for unfunded projects include future revenue from the local option gas tax. Based on estimated costs of approved projects and bonding commitments there is approximately half a million dollars a year available after FY 18 for transportation projects. The City is also collecting Transportation Mobility Area Program (TMPA) fees from new development projects that are being used to fund transportation projects such as SW 40th Boulevard, sidewalks, and transit improvements. Additionally, there are a number of competitive grants or the State Infrastructure Bank Loan Program available through the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). These require approval of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization and inclusion in the FDOT's Work Program. There have been federal TIGER grants available through Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for regional multi-modal projects that are considered 'shovel ready'. The only project the City has that would qualify as being regionally significant based on past grant guidance is West 62nd Boulevard; however, this project is not 'shovel ready'.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the FDOT are also potential funding sources for transit related expenditures. Typically the FDOT requires a local match and provide funding on a three year declining contribution basis.
There are existing and proposed Eastside service enhancements that need to be decided as soon as possible. Routes 2 and 24 are currently funded by grants that will expire this year. The cost to continue these routes is $120,000. Proposed enhancements to Routes 6 and 15 have been awarded grants for FY15 & 16 from FDOT; however, a local match is required of $125,000. RTS staff recommends that funds from the Route 6 and 15 grants be moved to fund the 3rd year of Routes 2 and 24. The FDOT staff is open to this option.
Fiscal Note
There is no fiscal impact associated with this discussion.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a staff presentation; 2) direct staff to request the FY 15&16 Florida Department of Transportation grant funds allocated to Route 6 and 15 be reallocated to continue a third year for Route 2 and 24 enhancements; 3) authorize the City Manager to execute all documents associated with this reallocation of funds, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality; 4) authorize staff to continue pursuing grant opportunities for senior service transportation; and 5) provide other direction as appropriate.