To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Time Certain Matter
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
11:00 AM - McKinleyville Multimodal Connections Project Report
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive a staff report and consultant presentation on the completed McKinleyville Multimodal Connections Project (MMCP);
2. Accept and File the Report; and
3. Direct Public Works to incorporate the recommendations in the report on future projects withing the MMCP planning area.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Caltrans Sustainability Communities Strategy Grant (Fiscal Year 2020-2021)
Roads Fund (1200)
DISCUSSION:
The County of Humboldt (County), the McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee (MMAC), and the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) applied for and was awarded a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant in the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Cycle. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) grant program encourages local and regional planning that furthers state goals, including, but not limited to, the goals and best practices cited in the Regional Transportation Plan Guidelines adopted by the California Transportation Commission.
The County, RCAA, and a consultant team led by Mark Thomas (MT) collaborated with community members, schools, social service organizations, and project partners to create the McKinleyville Multimodal Connections Project (MMCP) Report. Multimodal improvement concepts were developed to promote connectivity between the unincorporated McKinleyville area, the fastest growing community in Humboldt County, and employment, schools, and community destinations around Humboldt Bay. The project kicked-off in the Spring of 2021 and included a comprehensive site analysis, public engagement and concept development through the Fall of 2022.
The project team identified locations for enhancements to multimodal user facilities to improve travel by walking, bicycling, or utilizing other wheeled devices (mobility assistance devices, wheelchairs, strollers, etc.) and access to transit in the project area. The project aims to foster transportation equity for disadvantaged community members, encourage active commuting to work and school, and support greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Through public outreach and engagement, a total of nine (9) corridors within the project area were identified for focused improvements: Azalea Avenue, Central Avenue, Hiller Road, Mad River Road/Miller Lane/Heindon Road, McKinleyville Avenue, North Bank Road, Ocean Avenue, School Road, and Washington Avenue.
In addition, the project team performed an evaluation of seven (7) alternatives to provide high quality routing for people walking and bicycling between the Central Avenue/School Road intersection in McKinleyville and the City of Arcata via connection to the existing 101 Mad River Bridge Bike Path (Central Avenue South Long-Term Alternative Alignments). The alternatives were narrowed based on a set of criteria for further engineering evaluation and community engagement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Total cost of this project was $221,187.24. The grant covered $196,497.25 with the remaining balance covered by the Road Fund (1200). The expenses were included in the approved fiscal year 2022-23 budget.
There are no additional costs to accept and file report. The cost to implement recommendations in the report depend upon the initiative, such as availability of grant funding, and whether the recommendation is an infrastructure or non-infrastructure treatment. The recommendations would be budgeted in future fiscal years for Board of Supervisor consideration and approval.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
This project and possible future construction projects was and will be handled by existing staff. No staff were added to accomplish this project.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Framework.
Core Roles: Create opportunities for improved safety and health and strengthening climate change resiliency.
New Initiatives: N/A
Strategic Plan: 2.1 - Improve transportation network to be properly-maintained, multi-model and energy efficient (e.g. roads, trails, public transportation and commercial airline)
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The project was completed by County of Humboldt Public Works in collaboration with Caltrans and the Redwood Community Action Agency. The McKinleyville Municipal Advisory Committee was consulted for feedback throughout the project development. The Project Task Force (PTF) included representatives from agencies and organizations including, but not limited to, McKinleyville High, Humboldt Bay Bike Commuters Association, Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities, Humboldt Transit Authority, Area 1 Agency on Aging, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, Morris Elementary School, Two Feathers, McKinleyville Community Services District, Humboldt County Association of Governments, and Humboldt County Supervisors.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
This project has been completed, so there are not alternatives. Continued support by the Board will be necessary to apply for state and federal grant to implement the recommended transportation improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 MMCP Report
Attachment 2. MMCP Appendices
Attachment 3. Presentation
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: C-40
Meeting of: 7/28/2020
File No.: 20-937