Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 21-21, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Federal Fiscal Year 2023+ Transportation Alternatives Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Funds for the NM4 Crossing and Multi-use Trail Improvement Project
Recommended Action
I move that Council approve Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 21-21, A Resolution of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Council Authorizing Application to the New Mexico Department of Transportation for Federal Fiscal Year 2023+ Transportation Alternatives Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program Funds for the NM4 Crossing and Multi-use Trail Improvement Project
County Manager’s Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has announced a call for projects under the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 and beyond. The program for funding new projects normally spans a three-year window for study, design development and construction activities to begin in FFY 2023, but the time extent is currently undefined. The application submittal deadline is October 29, 2021 and requires a resolution of sponsorship as part of the application process. Project study, design and construction activities including construction management are eligible expenses through these funding programs. Land or right-of-way acquisition and related costs are not eligible expenses.
During the public hearings for Mirador Subdivision and Mirador Mixed-Use Development including public meetings held for the development of the White Rock Downtown Master Plan, residents commented on the need for additional safe crossings along NM4. The Public Works Department has developed an eligible project scope to address safe pedestrian and bicycle connectivity between the Mirador Subdivision located on the north side of NM4 to Downtown White Rock and amenities located on the south side.
Although the exact location of a crossing will be determined through the study process, staff proposes an enhanced crossing between the La Vista and Sherwood intersections, with a new multi-use trail along the north side of NM4 to connect to the existing trail on the south with further connections to an existing trail network within the County owned Pinon Park. The project proposes construction of new trail alignments (approx. 2,500ft) and reconstruction of selected existing trail alignments (approx. 3,500ft) where pavement has exceeded its life and is no longer ADA compliant. The project will provide trail access to Pinon Elementary School and to amenities such as the Splash Pad, Skateboard Park, Playground, Library, Youth Center, Post Office, Grocery Store and Restaurants. This proposed trail network will also benefit the residents of the Sierra Vista and La Vista subdivisions. A map of the proposed project is attached for reference (Attachment A).
As part of the initial evaluation and feasibility review for the project, Engineering Staff met with NMDOT and Regional Transportation Planning Organization officials where various types of crossing improvements were discussed including grade separated options (i.e. underpass or tunnel and bridge) and at-grade pedestrian safety counter measures. Due to the known basalt rock outcrop close to the surface, critical fiber communication and electric utility corridors in the area, and limited area on the north side, an underpass option was determined to be difficult and costly to implement due to rock excavation and utility relocations. Bridge structures would also require rock excavation for footing placement and require lengthy ramps to meet ADA accessibility requirements. A bridge structure may also have a significant visual impact on the adjacent residences in Mirador subdivision.
Proposed at-grade crossing improvements would include a review of traffic patterns and best design practices such as median refuge islands, enhanced pedestrian activated traffic devices like rapid flashing beacons and pedestrian hybrid beacons (or HAWK signal) and changes to the road section width (reducing the westbound direction from two to one lane for example) to help reduce vehicle operating and posted speeds. The exact location and design enhancements will be determined during the study and design phase of the project.
Based on this evaluation, at-grade options were determined to be the most feasible and cost-effective, however the project study will evaluate and document all possible options. Further, as NM4 is a state highway, NMDOT representatives expressed support for the proposed project and at-grade options.
If the County’s application is successful, anticipated award of TAP and/or CMAQ funding for project study and design is FFY2023 and Construction in FFY2025. The total project is estimated to cost $2,750,000. If funding is awarded, it would be comprised of $2,349,600 (85.44%) in federal funds and would require a County match of $400,400 (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.21-21 has been prepared to meet these requirements. The Resolution has been advertised as required. A copy of Resolution No.21-21 and the Notice of Legal Publication and is attached for reference (Attachments B and C).
Alternatives
Failure to approve the resolution will result in the County being ineligible to apply for or receive TAP or CMAQ funds for FFY2023+.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
The Transportation CIP in the adopted FY2022 Budget included a projected budget for this project with $400,000 budgeted in FY2023 for Study and Design and $4,000,000 in FY2025 for construction pending grant award. These amounts were estimated in anticipation of a grade separated option being deemed feasible.
Should the County receive the grant award, staff will return to Council with a Budget Revision to establish the formal project budget. See Grant Analysis & Financial Matrix Form (Attachment D).
Attachments
A - Project Map
B - Incorporated County of Los Alamos Resolution No. 21-21
C - Notice of Legal Publication
D - Grant Analysis & Financial Matrix Form