Agenda

Return

City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date:

08/06/2019

BACKGROUND

On May 2, 2019, TxDOT approved the Preliminary Application submitted by the Engineering Department pursing federal funding for the Transportation Alternatives/Safe Routes to School (TA/SRTS) Program. The project identified on the application includes the addition of sidewalks and crosswalks in the vicinity of Schertz Elementary School. The approval allows the City to submit the Detailed Application which is the second step of the two-step application process for funding approval. TA/SRTS receives funds from the Federal Highway Administration and provides federal funding to local governments that are enhancing school multi-modal pedestrian connections, safety, and quality of life through alternative transportation methods such as walking and bicycling. TA/SRTS funds can be used for the construction of sidewalks, redesign of crosswalks, improving accessibility, school zone improvements, and pavement striping/marking and sign upgrades. The TA/SRTS Program is a reimbursable program with all project design, construction and administrative costs reimbursed by the funding program. There is no minimum or maximum construction cost requirement. A preliminary cost estimate of $1.3M was submitted with the Preliminary Application.

Staff is diligently working on the application which has a submittal deadline of August 15, 2019. The city will be notified in December 2019 of projects awarded.

GOAL

Approval of Resolution 19-R-97 authorizing the pursuit of the Transportation Alternatives/Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program funding for the construction of sidewalks and crosswalks near schools within the City of Schertz by submitting the Detailed Application (DA) to TxDOT by August 15, 2019.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The addition of sidewalks and crosswalks in the vicinity of Schertz Elementary School will promote the students' use of transportation alternatives by making walking and bicycling to and from school safer. An added benefit is improved pedestrian safety for all residents of the area.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDED ACTION

Staff recommends that City Council approve Resolution 19-R-97, authorizing the City Manager to execute documents required to pursue Transportation Alternatives Program and Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Program funding for the construction of sidewalks and crosswalks near schools within the City of Schertz.

FISCAL IMPACT

There is no fiscal impact for the pursuit of funding.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 19-R-97.

Attachments
Resolution 19-R-97
SRTS 2019