TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Steven Lederer, Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Graham Wadsworth, P. E., Engineering Supervisor
SUBJECT: Safe Streets and Roads for All Demonstration Grant Agreement for the Napa Valley Vine Trail - Yountville through St. Helena Project, RDS 23-19.
RECOMMENDATION
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Adopt a Resolution to approve and authorize a Safe Streets and Roads for All Demonstration Grant Agreement No. 270083B with the Federal Highway Administration to provide safety training as part of the Napa Valley Vine Trail (NVVT) - Yountville through St. Helena Gap Closure Project. (Fiscal Impact: $160,000, Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund; Budgeted; Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
Congressman Thompson included $4 million of Community Project Funding (CPF) in the federal fiscal year 2023-2024 budget to complete the planning, engineering, and environmental work of over 10 miles of Class I and Class III multiuse path between the existing Vine Trail paths in Yountville and St. Helena. This funding has helped Napa County to be closer to “shovel ready” and submit more competitive grant applications.
On August 23, 2022, the Board adopted the “Local Roadway Safety Plan” that is a means for identifying and addressing unique local and rural road safety needs. On December 5, 2023, the Board adopted a resolution supporting the Napa Valley Transportation Authority’s “Vision Zero Plan” that is a strategy designed to eliminate fatal and severe injury crashes on roadways while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all.
On April 9, 2024, the Board authorized the submission of an application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant. The Grant application states that the Napa Valley Bicycle Coalition (NVBC) will pilot a pace car education campaign, pedestrian safety training to seniors, and E-bike safety education to youth and young adults.
In October 2024, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) staff stated that they wanted to move forward with a Grant Agreement, and they could not award the grant until Napa County and FHWA execute the Grant Agreement. In December 2024, County Counsel approved a draft Grant Agreement as to form. The Agreement states that Napa County would pay $160,000 for the scope of work and FHWA would reimburse Napa County $128,000, or 80% of the eligible expenses. The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget with $160,000 for the Project.
Over the past year-and-a-half, FHWA and Napa County staff have been exchanging many draft Grant Agreements and Standard Forms due to FHWA’s frequent re-working of the contract terms.
If the Board and FHWA execute the Grant Agreement, Public Works staff will negotiate an agreement with the NVBC to implement the work in the Grant Agreement.
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a Resolution to approve the Safe Streets and Roads for All Demonstration Grant Agreement No. 270083B with FHWA.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Project 26008 (Fund 2040, Sub-Division 2040500, Account 52360). |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a public amenity that reduces vehicle trips and promotes health and wellness. The education and training will help more people be comfortable using the Napa Valley Vine Trail and other active transportation facilities. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
The Project will begin in fiscal year 2026-27 and could continue through fiscal year 2031-32. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
The County will lose $128,000 in SS4A grant funding and not complete the safety education and training. |
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Strategic Initiative: |
Build Healthy, Connected Communities. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.