Title
Resolutions Adopting Triangle West TPO (TWTPO; formerly DCHC MPO) Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Vision Zero Action Plan and Supporting SS4A Demonstration Grant Application.
PURPOSE: This item requests Town Council approval of two resolutions: one to adopt the draft TWTPO SS4A Vision Zero Action Plan, and the other in support of an application for a SS4A Demonstration Grant.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
_X_ Race/Equity _X_ Climate _X_ Comprehensive Plan _X_ Other
Council Direction Statement
The TWTPO SS4A Action Plan (Attachments C, G-I); provides a snapshot of transportation safety, including deficiencies, in the area and will provide municipalities such as Carrboro guidance on new strategies for improving transportation safety. The Action Plan is a prerequisite for any application for further SS4A grants, including the planned application for the Demonstration Grant. The grant, if awarded, would allow for the Town of Carrboro to make improvements to demonstrate effectiveness for improved bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility, with a focus on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) improvements. The project would support implementation of the Town’s Safe Routes to School Action Plan, the Community Climate Action Plan, and Transportation & Mobility strategy 2.2-H, I, and K in the Comprehensive Plan. Pocket Questions have been provided (Attachment E).
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Information
INFORMATION: The SS4A Program provides $5 billion ($2 billion remaining for future years) nationwide for projects that prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries (<https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A>). Planning and Demonstration Grants are available to create a SS4A Action Plan or to fund demonstration projects that can be analyzed for future projects. TWTPO is preparing a regional action plan that will cover Carrboro, allowing the Town to apply for future funding. The Vision Zero Action Plan requires adoption by the TPO Board and all local governments and agencies in the TPO region, including Carrboro. Staff anticipates the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be released by the U.S. Department of Transportation in late March/early April. It is required that the Action Plan be adopted before the grant application can be submitted.
Staff has determined that improving Safe Routes to School (SRTS) should be the focus of the Town’s Demonstration Grant application. The proposed demonstration projects will be located near schools in Carrboro, primarily Carrboro Elementary School. A list of the projects is provided (Attachment D), and to meet the requirements of the Demonstration grants, none of the projects will permanently alter the roadway. The proposed scope of work includes pavement markings in multiple locations, both for bike lane buffers and intersection refuge islands, possible installation of flexible delineators, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) at key intersections. Before and after data collection and analysis is also required for the grant, as the projects are intended to be a model, should they be successful, for future projects, and to be removed if they are proven to be unsuccessful. Town staff has been working closely with the staff from UNC’s Highway Safety Research Center and UNC’s Injury Prevention Center to develop a proposal that aligns with the program criteria and meets current Town interests and needs.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: A 20% local match is required for the Demonstration Grant, should the Town be awarded the grant. Staff will request up to $350,000 in grant funding, meaning an additional appropriation of up to $70,000 in Town funds may be required to receive the award. The SS4A Demonstration Grant is a reimbursement grant, which requires the Town to pay costs up front and submit invoices for reimbursement. If the Town is awarded the grant, a separate agenda item relating to the project budget and necessary agreements will follow. Staff time is associated with grant administration, data collection, and data analysis.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Town Council consider the resolutions (Attachments A and B) supporting both the adoption of TWTPO SS4A Action Plan and the submittal of an application for the SS4A Demonstration Grant. end