Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the United States Department of Transportation for the Fiscal Year 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program for an implementation grant to improve road intersection safety in an amount not to exceed $8,000,000 and, if awarded, a City match not to exceed $2,000,000. This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Transportation and Public Works Department
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
July 28, 2022 - Council approved Resolution No. 20220728-086, authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application for an Implementation Grant for the Fiscal Year 2022 Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program was approved on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Fuentes off the dais.
June 1, 2023 - Resolution No. 20230601-042, authorizing the submittal of an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Fiscal Year 2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program for an implementation grant to improve road safety was approved on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Harper Madison off the dais.
May 5, 2024 - Resolution No. 20240502-059, to authorize the submittal of an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Fiscal Year 2024 Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program for an implementation grant to improve road safety was approved on an 11-0 vote.
For More Information:
Richard Mendoza, Director, 512-974-2488; Anna Martin, Assistant Director, 512-974-7105; Joel Meyer, Transportation Safety Officer, 512-974-1405; Gilda Powers, Quality Consultant, 512-974-7092.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
Additional Backup Information:
The City of Austin adopted a Vision Zero policy goal in 2015 and reaffirmed its support of achieving zero traffic related fatalities and serious injuries through the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, first adopted in March 2019. Austin has made significant progress through targeted initiatives based on a best-in-class, data-informed program using the funding supported by the community through multiple bond programs to address safety and mobility improvements citywide. Analysis of work performed at specific locations to date reflects positive early results; however, safety needs far exceed available capital funds at this time.
The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program has funded over 1,800 awards totaling $3 billion nationwide since its inception. The City of Austin received SS4A awards for Fiscal Year 2022 in the amount of $22.9 million, for Fiscal Year 2023 in the amount of $288,000, and for Fiscal Year 2024 in the amount of $10.5 million. The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) expects to award between 40-70 Implementation Grants and 400-700 Planning and Demonstration Grants in Fiscal Year 2025.
The City’s Fiscal Year 2025 application is for an Implementation Grant to fund major intersection safety projects with the overarching objective of reducing fatalities and serious injuries at these locations. Locations will be chosen using prioritization methodology developed for past Vision Zero Major Intersection Bond implementation, with a focus on locations already in design but which need supplemental funding to move to construction. Major intersection safety projects funded by the City's Vision Zero program are seeing a 22% reduction in serious injuries and fatalities.
If successful and the grant application and funds are awarded, staff will return to Council in late 2025 to seek authorization to accept the grant funds. Matching funds will be identified from 2020 Mobility Bond Funds, among other potential capital and operating sources.