HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 9253(ID # 9253)City of Palo Alto
City Council
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Report Type: Information Meeting Date: 5/22/2018
Summary Title: Measure B Grade Separation Funding Allocation
Title: Measure B Grade Separation Funding Allocation Status Report
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Manager
Recommendation
This report is provided for the Rail Committee’s information; no action is needed.
Background
In 2016, Santa Clara County voters approved Measure B, a 30-year, half-cent
countywide sales tax to enhance transit, highways, expressways and active
transportation (bicycles, pedestrians and complete streets). Among the programs to be
funded under Measure B is $700 million for Caltrain Grade Separations in the cities of
Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Sunnyvale.
A lawsuit challenging the validity of 2016 Measure B was filed, and while a trial court
ruled in favor of VTA the case remains pending an appeal. In the meanwhile, funds are
being collected and held in escrow.
While funding remains on hold, VTA has proceeded with developing criteria and
processes for the use of the anticipated funding. In late 2017, the VTA Board adopted
guidelines for each of the funding programs. Attachment A provides the adopted
guidelines for the Caltrain Grade Separation program.
Discussion
The Cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and VTA have begun informal
discussions regarding the use and timing of the funds. Most recently, in early April
Mountain View councilmember and VTA Boardmember John McAlister advanced a
proposal to VTA General Manager Nuria Fernandez that the anticipated $700 million
funding be divided among the cities based on the number of grade separations within
each city, with 50% to Palo Alto, 25% to Mountain View, and 25% to Sunnyvale. Each
city would then be responsible for securing the additional funding needed for the grade
separations within their jurisdiction. Councilmember McAlister expressed the need for
urgency in decision-making, in light of Caltrain’s electrification project proceeding.
City of Palo Alto Page 2
General Manager Fernandez replied by communicating that VTA is currently finalizing
the scope of work for an implementation plan for use of the Measure B grade
separation funds. This scope presumably includes a strategy for VTA to leverage
Measure B funds to secure additional funding, reconcile timing needs, and be actively
involved in managing the delivery of these grade separation projects.
City Manager Keene and staff will continue involvement in these discussions in order to
advocate for Palo Alto’s interests while recognizing the necessity of collaboration with
our neighboring communities and funding partners.
Timeline, Resource Impact, Policy Implications
These ongoing discussions reinforce the importance of Palo Alto continuing progress on
our grade separation priorities. As discussions and decisions proceed regarding funding
allocations and leveraging additional funding, as well as agency roles and project
delivery coordination, it will be increasingly important that Palo Alto’s needs can be
sufficiently defined to be effectively advocated among the projects being advanced by
other agencies and VTA’s program management role.
Attachments:
AppA-Caltrain Grade Separation Program Guidelines_ADOPTED
Page 1 of 1
Caltrain Grade Separation Program Guidelines
Definition from Resolution No. 2016.06.17
To fund grade separation projects along the Caltrain corridor in the cities of Sunnyvale,
Mountain View and Palo Alto, separating the Caltrain tracks from roadways to provide
increased safety benefits for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians and also reduce congestion at
the intersections.
Total Funding
$700 million in 2017 dollars.
Distribution
As candidate projects move forward in readiness (ability to expend Measure funds), the
project sponsor will submit request for funding.
Funds will be allocated to projects that most cost‐effectively utilize 2016 Measure B
funding.
Funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis.
Implementation
VTA will work with the cities and other partners to develop an implementation plan for
delivering the eight grade separation projects eligible for 2016 Measure B funds.
There will be two program categories for funds:
o Planning
o Capital projects
Criteria
All project sponsors must apply to the State §190 Grade Separation Program.
Requirements
Reporting requirements regarding project progress will be detailed in agreements
executed with VTA for project funding.
Each project will require a 10% non‐2016 Measure B contribution.
All projects must be in compliance with VTA’s Complete Streets Reporting
Requirements.
All collateral material will be required to display a 2016 Measure B logo.
ATTACHMENT A