MEETING DATE:
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-9341 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN APPLICATION FOR FUNDING THROUGH THE RECONNECTING COMMUNITIES PILOT (RCP) PROGRAM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 TO FUND CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTI-USE TUNNEL.
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT the resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program for FY 2024.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Quality of Life
Executive Summary
The Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) has launched the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program for FY 2024, offering up to $607 million in funding to improve access to essential services and promote equitable development, particularly in economically disadvantaged communities. The City aims to apply for this funding to support the planning/construction of the Enterprise Multi-Use Tunnel, an infrastructure project that will enhance transportation access and foster community connectivity. The proposed action would authorize the City Manager to apply for RCP funding. In the event the grant application is successful, match funding would be funded by a private developer through separate agreement.
Discussion
The RCP Program presents a unique opportunity for the City of San Marcos to secure funding for a tunnel along Enterprise Street creating a multi-use crossing beneath the Sprinter rail line. This tunnel, developed in partnership with a private developer, would align with the program’s priorities of equitable development, facility suitability, and community engagement. The proposed action authorizes the City Manager to apply for RCP funding.
A key priority of the RCP is improving transportation access to connect residents to essential services. The proposed project for the grant would be to construct a tunnel under the rail line along Enterprise between Industrial and Trade Street. Within the University District Specific Plan, a major bifurcation of the area exists due to the rail infrastructure supporting the Sprinter line. The proposed tunnel on Enterprise Street would address a critical infrastructure gap, aiming to enhance community mobility and access by establishing a bike and pedestrian connection severed by the rail line.
The City does not have any funding that would facilitate the planning or construction of the proposed project. The RCP provides a way to fund a major portion of the project using Federal funds. If successful, an RCP grant application would allow for 50% of the project to be funded. The remaining matching funds are proposed to be funded by the primary developer in the University District Specific Plan Area, UVSM. A future action requesting approval of an agreement with UVSM to fund the matching portions of the project would be brought before the City Council.
Should negotiations with UVSM fail to establish a mutually beneficial agreement for the funding of the matching portions of the grant, the City would not move forward with the application or acceptance of RCP funding.
Environmental Review
The activity performed under this action is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; and, is therefore not subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
If awarded, the grant will require a fifty percent match from the City of San Marcos. The City plans to meet this matching requirement through a funding agreement with a private developer, which will contribute towards the project costs.
Attachment(s)
Resolution No. 2024-9341
Prepared & Submitted by: Rafe Cesmat, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Isaac Etchamendy, Development Services Director/City Engineer
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager