TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Missie Barletto- Public Works Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: December 17, 2024
Title
PERMISSION TO APPLY FOR PALM BEACH TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AGENCY (TPA) TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES (TA) GRANT TO SUPPORT SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG NE 4TH AVENUE BETWEEN SWINTON AVENUE AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Consideration of the following items:
Motion to approve the Department of Public Works submittal of a Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant application to TPA for safety improvements along NE 4th Avenue between Swinton Avenue and Federal Highway.
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Background:
On April 29, 2024, the Palm Beach TPA alongside other agency representatives including City staff and local residents performed a safety audit for pedestrians and bicyclists along NE 4th St from Swinton Ave to Federal Highway. In the audit, attendees noted a number of potential improvements including roadway repair items, possible lane repurposing, bicycle and pedestrian facility upgrades, and the need for complete streets design. The TPA looks for locations in municipalities that may not be eligible for other types of grants, but which need more attention and therefore perform these audits, which may in turn become eligible for Transportation Alternatives (TA) Grant funding.
City staff will utilize the report generated by TPA staff following the audit, to prepare a preliminary plan to address the issues noted in the TPA report and proceed with an application for the grant which is due on February 14, 2025. If the grant is approved, City staff will work with design consultants in FY 2026 to prepare a roadway design that incorporates the recommendations of the TPA and enhances the corridor to make a safer roadway for pedestrian, bicyclists.
The purpose of the TPA’s Transportation Alternatives (TA) grant reimbursement program is to help fund connected infrastructure for non-motorized users. This federal program, in agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is an annual competitive application process where projects are submitted to the TPA and then ranked and prioritized for funding of approximately $5.1M annually with a max reimbursement for any one project being $1.5 million. City staff intends to seek the maximum for this project due to the scope of the project, which is expected to exceed the available funding amount. The funds from the TPA are reimbursable for the construction phase of the project only, therefore the City will be responsible for design and construction inspection phase services. Other grant programs through the TPA which typically offer higher funding amounts are not currently available.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
The Palm Beach TPA will reimburse eligible construction up to a maximum of $1.5 million with funding to be disbursed in July 2028. Design phase, construction management and any expenses beyond the award amount will be required to be financed by the City of Delray Beach with an expected start in FY 2026 and construction in July 2028.
Timing of Request:
The timing of this request is sensitive because the deadline to submit TPA grant application is February 14, 2025.