TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Sydney Barclay, Associate Engineer
SUBJECT: Project creation, budget adjustment, and authorization to apply for the “HSIP Cycle 12 Guardrail Project”, RDS 25-03.
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize creation of Project 25007 for the “HSIP Cycle 12 Guardrail Project” RDS 25-03 and approve a Budget Amendment to increase appropriations from Senate Bill 1 Non-Operating Special Revenue Fund. (Fiscal Impact: $75,000 Expense; SB-1 Non-Operating Special Revenue Fund; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant is a federal grant that, if awarded, provides funding to local agencies to improve their roadways and reduce traffic related accidents and fatalities. The Department of Public Works intends to apply for this grant to fund roadway safety improvements and to provide a safer transportation network. Authorization of a budget amendment would provide the Public Works Department with the means to prepare an application for the grant and, if the grant is awarded, to prepare the preliminary design for these improvements.
In 2018, 2020, and 2022, the County received grants under HSIP Cycles 9, 10, and 11. Willdan Engineering (Willdan) was contracted for services to prepare the HSIP Cycle 10 and 11 applications and their efforts were successful. Through use of Willdan’s services, Napa County obtained funding from HSIP Cycle 11 to finance guardrail and intersection improvements on Silverado Trail. As Willdan is familiar with the grant application process, Napa County Public Works seeks their aid in preparation of the HSIP Cycle 12 application and recommends the approval of a budget amendment to pursue this grant opportunity.
Public Works aims to upgrade existing guardrails throughout the Napa Valley that have been the subject of many traffic accidents. Guardrails are a form of a safety barrier that act to impede vehicles from driving off the roadway, while protecting existing structures. Guardrails to be upgraded will be selected based on traffic volume, existing conditions, accident history, economic factors, net benefit to road users, and potential liability for Napa County.
It is the intent of the Department to enhance the safety of these roadways and obtain funding to finance these improvements. Grant funding could provide up to $1,000,000 for guardrail upgrades. If Napa County receives the HSIP Cycle 12 grant funding, the Department of Public Works will prepare the plans and specifications for the guardrail improvements project. Caltrans will notify the County of the status of the application award by the Spring of 2025, the design process would occur between 2025 and 2026, and construction would take place between 2027 and 2028.
Requested Actions:
1. Approval of a budget amendment to increase Transfer Out appropriations by $75,000 in the SB-1 Non-Operating Special Revenue Fund (Fund 2440, Sub-Division 1220052, Account 56100) (SB-1 SRF) offset by use of its available fund balance to transfer to Project 25007;
2. Creation of a new Roads Capital Improvement Project for HSIP Cycle 12 (Fund 2040, Sub-Division 2040500, Project 25007) and increase Engineer Services appropriations by $75,000 (Fund 2040, Sub-Division 2040500, Project 25007, Account 52145) offset by a transfer-in revenue from SB-1 SRF; and
3. Authorize the Director of Public Works to apply for the HSIP Cycle 12 Grant.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) was created for the purpose of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. The guardrail improvement project being pursued would contribute to achieving this purpose. Guardrail improvements are 90% reimbursable and require a 10% local match. Costs incurred to finance the application are not reimbursable. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Although the majority of the projects will be reimbursed by Caltrans, 10% of the budget will require funding from SB-1. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
If the budget amendment for the HSIP Cycle 12 (RDS 25-03) is not approved, the County will lose a viable opportunity to receive a grant for necessary safety improvements. Delaying improvements, while the local traffic and population increases, will continue to expose Napa Valley citizens and visitors to hazardous road conditions. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: Consideration and possible adoption of a Categorical Exemption Class 1: It has been determined that this type of project does not have a significant effect on the environment and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. [See Class 1 (“Existing Facilities”) which may be found in the guidelines for the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act at 14 CCR §15301; see also Napa County’s Local Procedures for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act, Appendix B.]