Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-26, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the County Wide School Flasher Speed Sign Upgrade Project.
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-26, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) for Federal Fiscal Year 2020/2021 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Funds for the County Wide School Flasher Speed Sign Upgrade Project.
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 18-26.
Body
County Public Works, law enforcement and Los Alamos Public School Administration have discussed concerns over speeding in school zones. In anticipation of the 2017-2018 school year, speed radar signs were installed at Mountain Elementary School on existing school flasher poles as a cost-effective way of improving safety in school zones by heightening driver awareness of their speed as it relates to the posted speed. Subsequently, a speed assessment was performed confirming the observations of school officials, that these signs were successful in reducing speeds through the school zone.
NMDOT announced a call for projects under the TAP program and established an application deadline of November 30, 2018 and requires a resolution of sponsorship as part of the application process. Engineering and construction activities are eligible within this two-year funding cycle.
If the County’s grant application is successful, this project proposes to install speed radar signs on existing flasher poles throughout the school district’s remaining elementary schools and the middle school, in similar fashion as Mountain Elementary. The proposed project scope would include eleven additional speed signs installed by Los Alamos County Traffic and Streets personnel.
The County anticipates a project award of FFY20 TAP funding for project construction in the amount of $80,000. If funding is awarded, it would be comprised of $68,352 (85.44%) in federal funds and would require a County match of $11,648 (14.56%).
Prior to formal grant award, the County must provide a resolution affirming its commitment to fund, build, and maintain the project. Resolution No. 18-26 has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Resolution has been advertised as required. A copy of Resolution No. 18-26 and the Notice of Legal Publication is attached for reference (Attachments A and B).
Alternatives
Failure to approve the resolution will result in the County being ineligible to apply or receive FFY2020/2021 TAP funds for this project.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
Council appropriated traffic and street maintenance funds will be utilized for the grant match funds and the upkeep and maintenance of school flashers county wide. The proposed funding application in the amount of $80,000 is comprised of a federal contribution of $68,352 and would require a County match of $11,648.
Should the County receive the grant award, staff will return to Council with a Budget Revision to establish the formal project budget.
Attachments
A - Resolution No. 18-26
B - Notice of Legal Publication
C - Grant Analysis and Financial Matrix Form