Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Meeting B

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY / TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY / MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

City of Atwater Council Chambers 750 Bellevue Road Atwater, CA 95301 (209) 723-3153

Notice Regarding Translation Services: Translation services are not provided at MCAG’s public meetings unless requested at least three (3) business days in advance. Please contact Eva Garibay at (209)723-3153 during regular business hours to request translation services.

Aviso Con Respecto a Los Servicios de Intérprete Servicios de intérprete no son ofrecidos en las juntas publicas de MCAG al menos de que se soliciten tres (3) días hábiles en anticipación. Para solicitar servicios de intérprete por favor contacte a Eva Garibay al (209)723-3153 durante horas de oficina.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 – 3:00 P.M.

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. ROLL CALL

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS ANY ITEM ON THE AGENDA DURING CONSIDERATION OF THAT ITEM.

3. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS AGENDA ITEMS OR COMMENT ON ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA MAY DO SO AT THIS TIME. COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER PERSON. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND CITY OR COMMUNITY OF RESIDENCE FOR THE RECORD. FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA, NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS TIME. IF IT REQUIRES ACTION, IT WILL BE REFERRED TO STAFF AND/OR PLACED ON THE NEXT AGENDA.

COPIES OF STAFF REPORTS OR OTHER WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION RELATING TO ITEMS OF BUSINESS REFERRED TO ON THE AGENDA ARE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS. PERSONS WITH QUESTIONS CONCERNING AGENDA ITEMS MAY CALL MCAG TO MAKE INQUIRY REGARDING THE NATURE OF THE ITEM DESCRIBED ON THE AGENDA.

ITEM STAFF MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

* # 4. Minutes of the August 18, 2016 Regional Waste Management Authority Board meeting

# 5. Oral Report – Monthly Update Brooks Stayer

For information only.

6. Oral Report – Highway 59 Litter Collection Brooks Stayer

For information and discussion.

TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

* # 7. Minutes of the August 18, 2016 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Board meeting

8. Oral Report – Monthly Update Rich Green

* # 9. Caltrans – Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced Rich Green County Master and Program Supplemental Agreements

Adopt: a. Resolution No. 2016/09-22-03 approving Master and Program Supplemental Agreements, and authorizing the Executive Director to execute them; and b. Resolution No. 2016/09-22-04 authorizing the Executive Director to execute Program Supplemental Agreement No. 004-F for CML-6308(018).

* # 10. Transit Joint Powers Authority Authorization of Federal Rich Green Transit Administration Section 5311 Program Grant Application and Program of Projects for Merced County Transit Rural Transit Operating Expenses – Federal Fiscal Year 2016

Adopt Resolution No. 2016/09-22-05.

* 11. Changeable Message Sign Pilot Project Rich Green

Authorize staff to move forward with the Changeable Message Sign Pilot Project.

MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

12. Caltrans Report Tom Dumas

* 13. Consent Agenda

# a. Minutes of the August 18, 2016 MCAG Governing Board meeting # + b. Final Drafts of 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program and Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis # c. Draft Formal Amendment No. 17 to the 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program: Federal Transit Administration 5311(f) Planning Grant Award to Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System # d. Social Services Transportation Advisory Council Appointment # e. Appointment of Citizens Advisory Committee Representatives # f. Final Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan

14. Information/Discussion Only

# a. Minutes of the August 10, 2016 Technical Review Board meeting # b. Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan Update # c. MCAG Newsletter – August and September 2016 # d. MCAG Letter of Opposition to FHWA NPRM – MPO Coordination and Planning Area Reform # e. Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program FY 2017-18 # f. CivicSpark Wrap Up Presentation # g. Atwater-Merced Expressway Segment 2 Funding Request Letter

* # 15. Regional Transportation Plan Amendment 1 Anthony Zepeda

Adopt Resolution 2016/09-22-06, which corresponds to the May 2016 adoption of the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 and the Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

* # 16. Adding Highway 33 to the National Highway System Anthony Zepeda

Adopt a resolution requesting amending the National Highway System to include State Route 33, from Interstate 5 to State Route 152.

# 17. 2017 One Voice Program Stacie Dabbs

For information only.

18. 2018 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Stacie Dabbs Communities Strategy Public Outreach Plan

For information only.

* 19. Short Range Transit Plan Subcommittee Anthony Zepeda

Nominate one or more Directors from the MCAG Governing Board to participate in the Short Range Transit Plan subcommittee.

20. Executive Director’s Report

21. Directors’ Report

22. CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Cal. Gov. Code Section 54956.9(a)) Name of Case: Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity v. Merced County Association of Governments and Merced County Association of Governments’ Governing Board (Case No. CVM019664)

* Action # Attachment + Enclosure

The next MCAG Governing Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., at the County of Merced, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 3rd Floor, 2222 M Street, Merced, CA 95340

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted at the Merced County Association of Governments not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting.

______Joy Gort, Administrative Assistant II Dated this September 16, 2016

ITEM 4

MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

August 18, 2016

MINUTES

The regular meeting of the MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY held on Thursday, August 18, 2016, at the County of Merced, County Admin Building, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 2222 M Street, Merced, CA was called to order by Chair Kelsey at 3:04 P.M.

DIRECTORS PRESENT Deidre Kelsey Daron McDaniel Michael McGlynn for Jerry Antonetti Jerry O’Banion Joe Oliveira John Pedrozo Jim Price Stan Thurston Mike Villalta Hub Walsh

DIRECTORS ABSENT Rodrigo Espinoza

GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Louise Farley, Senator Anthony Cannella’s Office Tom Dumas, Caltrans District 10 Mary Michal Rawling, GVHC Jose Ramirez, SJJPA, Ace Forward Alex Terrazas, City Manager, City of Los Banos

STAFF PRESENT Stacie Dabbs, Public Information Officer, MCAG Eva Garibay, Public Program Specialist I, MCAG Rich Green, Transit Manager, The BUS Nadia Gonzalez, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Joy Gort, Administrative Assistant II, MCAG Emily Haden, Legal Counsel, Haden Law Office Marjie Kirn, Executive Director, MCAG Ty Phimmasone, Associate Planner, MCAG Christina Smith, Chief Financial Officer, MCAG Brooks Stayer, Director, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Marty Yerrick, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority

4. Consent Agenda

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 Regional Waste Management Authority Board meeting b. FY 2015/2016 Fixed Asset Carryover Director O’Banion moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Director Pedrozo. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, Walsh, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Oral Report – Monthly Update

Brooks Stayer gave the monthly update for Regional Waste.

6. Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Financial Reports

Nadia Gonzalez gave an update on the status of the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Financial Reports.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, THAT PORTION OF THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:15 P.M.

/ s / Joy Gort Administrative Assistant II

PH: 209.723.4481 FAX: 209.384.3109 7040 N. Highway 59 Merced, CA 95348

ITEM 5

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

FROM: BROOKS STAYER, DIRECTOR OF MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

RE: ORAL REPORT - MONTHLY UPDATE

SUMMARY

In order to keep the Technical Review Board (TRB) and Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Board (MCRWMAB) informed, Director of Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Brooks Stayer will provide a monthly update to Authority activities and revenue.

Tonnage Update Discussion

Director Stayer will discuss landfill tonnage revenue generated at the Highway 59 and Billy Wright Landfills for August 2016.

REQUESTED ACTION

For information only.

Attachment: Chart: August Comparisons 2012-2016

Partnering for Regional Solutions

Disposed Tons For Highway 59 and Billy Wright Landfills August Comparison: 2012 - 2016 33,000

30,000 29,215

27,000 25,256 24,877 24,705 Total Tons Both Landfills 24,000 22,275 H59 Disposed Tons 21,000 Highway 59 Landfill 21,366 21,032 18,000 19,984 BWL Disposed 18,461 18,722 Tons

Tons 15,000 Total 12,000 Disposed Tons 9,000 7,849 5,982 6,000 5,272 3,814 3,845 Billy Wright Landfill 3,000

0 August '12 August '13 August '14 August '15 August '16

PH: 209.723.4481 FAX: 209.384.3109 7040 N. Highway 59 Merced, CA 95348

ITEM 6

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

FROM: BROOKS STAYER, DIRECTOR OF MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

RE: ORAL REPORT - HIGHWAY 59 LITTER COLLECTION

SUMMARY

Discuss litter collection along Highway 59.

REQUESTED ACTION

For information and discussion.

Partnering for Regional Solutions

ITEM 7

TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

August 18, 2016

MINUTES

The regular meeting of the TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY held on Thursday, August 18, 2016, at the County of Merced, County Admin Building, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 2222 M Street, Merced, CA was called to order by Chair Kelsey at 3:15 P.M.

DIRECTORS PRESENT Deidre Kelsey Daron McDaniel Michael McGlynn for Jerry Antonetti Jerry O’Banion Joe Oliveira John Pedrozo Jim Price Stan Thurston Mike Villalta Hub Walsh

DIRECTORS ABSENT Rodrigo Espinoza

7. Consent Agenda

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County meeting b. State Transit Assistance FY 2015/16 Claim for Quarters 1 and 2 Allocations Director Oliveira moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Director O’Banion. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, Walsh, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Oral Report – Transit Monthly Update

Rich Green gave the Transit monthly update.

9. Merced Transpo Center

Director Villalta moved to approve staff to explore the possible transfer of the Merced Transpo property from the City of Merced to the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County and to come back to the Board with a total cost and revenue update. Seconded by Director Price. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. City of Merced Encroachment Permit for Bus Stop Improvements in South Merced

Director Pedrozo moved to authorize the Executive Director to sign the Encroachment Permit. Seconded by Director Walsh. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, Walsh, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY, THAT PORTION OF THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 3:31 P.M.

/ s / Joy Gort Administrative Assistant II

ITEM 9

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

FROM: RICH GREEN, TRANSIT MANAGER

RE: CALTRANS – TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHOURITY FOR MERCED COUNTY MASTER AND PROGRAM SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENTS

DISCUSSION

The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPMC) receives federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds annually for public outreach and marketing. Per federal delegation of authority, Caltrans manages these federal CMAQ funds. Since TJPAMC is the direct recipient of these funds, Caltrans is requiring the TJPAMC Board approve, by official resolutions, the Master Agreement, and the Program Supplemental Agreement F010, specific to project, CML-6308(018). These standard agreements identify federal and state terms associated with the federal CMAQ funds. Caltrans also requires an official resolution by the TJPAMC Board that designates the official authorized to execute these agreements.

Staff is recommending the TJPAMC Board adopt the Caltrans-required resolutions.

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt: a. Resolution No. 2016/09-15-03 approving Master and Program Supplemental Agreements, and authorizing the Executive Director to execute them; and b. Resolution No. 2016/09-15-04 authorizing the Executive Director to execute Program Supplemental Agreement No. 004-F for CML-6308(018).

Attachments: Resolution No. 2016/09-15-03 Program Supplemental Agreement No. 004-F for Project CML-6308(018) Resolution No. 2016/09-15-04

RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-03

RESOLUTION OF THE TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY APPROVING AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THOSE AGREEMENTS.

WHEREAS, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County is an eligible to receive Federal and/or State funding for certain transportation projects, through the California Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements and/or Fund Transfer Agreements need to be executed with the California Department of Transportation before such funds could be claimed; and

WHEREAS, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County wishes to delegate authorization to execute these agreements and any amendments thereto to the Executive Director; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County approves all Master Agreements, Program Supplemental Agreements, Fund Exchange Agreements, Fund Transfer Agreements and any amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation, and authorizes the Executive Director to execute them.

The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County this 22 day of September, 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 22 of September, 2016.

Signed: Signed:

______Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Chair Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County

Rev. 01 01 11

RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-04

RESOLUTION OF THE TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY APPROVING PROGRAM SUPPLEMENT AGREEMENT NO. 004-F FOR CML-6308(018), AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County is required by the Department of Transportation to execute the Program Supplemental Agreement No. 004-F, for project CML-6308(018), before such federal funds could be claimed; and

WHEREAS, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County does hereby accept and will comply with the special covenants or remarks set forth in the Agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County that it does hereby authorize the Executive Director to execute the Supplemental Agreement No. 004-F and any amendments thereto.

The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County this 22 of September 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 22 of September 2016.

Signed: Signed:

______Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Chair Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County

Rev. 01 01 11

ITEM 10

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

FROM: RICH GREEN, TRANSIT MANAGER

RE: TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY AUTHORIZATION OF FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION SECTION 5311 PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION AND PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR MERCED COUNTY TRANSIT RURAL TRANSIT OPERATING EXPENSES - FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2016

BACKGROUND

Transit Joint Powers Authority staff annually prepares and files a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Rural Operating Grant application to the Caltrans Division of Mass Transportation (DMT) for operating rural public transit service as Merced “The Bus.”

Federal FTA-5311 Program funds are authorized by Congressional action and distributed to the State of California (Caltrans-DMT). Caltrans distributes an estimated annual apportionment to individual counties. TJPA receives the estimated annual apportionment notification and submits an FTA-5311 application to Caltrans-DMT. Caltrans-DMT processes the applications and then sends grant recipients a Caltrans Standard Agreement (SA) Contract back to the grantee for their signature. Grant recipients return the signed SA document to Caltrans. Caltrans then processes (signs) the SA and the contract is fully executed. Once the SA is fully executed, grant recipients are required to submit a Request for Reimbursement (RFR) document for incurred rural transit operating costs.

Staff submitted the grant application based on the estimate of $529,248 for FFY 2016 as provided by Caltrans-DMT. Staff recently received the actual apportionment for Merced County as $502,309 for FFY 2016. Staff must resubmit the Resolution listing the actual amount in order to submit the RFR for incurred costs for Fiscal Year 15/16.

A Governing Board Resolution is required to authorize:

• The filing of the FFY 2016 FTA-5311 Rural Transit Operating Grant application to Caltrans- DMT; and

• The TJPA Executive Director or designee to sign and execute documents related to the grant application as well as executing Caltrans-DMT Standard Agreement contract and the required request for reimbursement.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please contact Rich Green at 209.723.3100 x 305 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt Resolution No. 2016/09-22-05.

Attachment: Resolution No. 2016/09-22-05

RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-05

RESOLUTION OF THE TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY (TJPAMC) GOVERNING BOARD AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2016 GRANT APPLICATION WITH THE CALTRANS DIVISION OF MASS TRANSPORTATION FOR FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION (FTA) SECTION 5311 RURAL TRANSIT OPERATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AS THE OPERATOR OF RURAL PUBLIC TRANSIT SERVICES IN MERCED COUNTY BY THE TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY AS AUTHORIZED BY SECTION FTA-5311 OF THE MOST CURRENT FEDERAL SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BILL (MAP-21).

WHEREAS, Merced County and the Cities of Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos and Merced have consolidated their transit services under one, Countywide public transit system called Merced The Bus; and

WHEREAS, Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) staff as contracted administrative support for The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC) has prepared an application for the FFY 2016 FTA Section 5311 Grant Program for Rural Transit Operating Assistance in the amount of $502,309 for rural public transit service provided by Merced The Bus; and

WHEREAS, The California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) – Department of Mass Transportation (DMT) is designated as the managing agency by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Grant program for Rural Transit Operating Assistance; and

WHEREAS, The FTA Section 5311 Grant Program application requesting federal financial assistance for operating rural public transit service will impose certain obligations upon the TJPAMC, and will require the TJPAMC to provide a local revenue share (with some combination of state, local, or private funding revenue source) at the rate of 44.67% or more to match the maximum federal share of 55.33%; and WHEREAS, The TJPAMC Governing Board adopted a FY 15-16 Transit Operating Budget that included an estimate of Rural Transit Operating Expenditures of $2,851,615; and

WHEREAS, The TJPAMC Governing Board as the FTA-5311 Program Grantee certifies that it has, or will have by the time of delivery, sufficient funds to operate the vehicles, to provide rural public transit services and has coordinated with other transportation providers and users in the region, including social service agencies; and

WHEREAS, Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) (as the MPO/TPA) has approved, the programming of funds for this rural transit operating project and has met all Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) requirements; and

WHEREAS, the TJPAMC Executive Director or a designee are authorized to execute and file all certifications, assurances, and other documents which the FTA requires before awarding a FTA Section 5311 rural transit operating assistance grant award; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Governing Board authorizes its Executive Director or a designee to execute and file an application on behalf of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County with Caltrans-DMT for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Rural Transit Operating Assistance Grant Program for Merced County for FFY 2016 (July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the TJPAMC Executive Director or a designee are authorized to sign and execute all documentation necessary to submit the FFY 2016 FTA-5311 Section grant application, sign the Caltrans DMT Standard Agreement (SA), implement the rural transit service operating project, and submit a request for reimbursement for expenses incurred.

The foregoing Resolution was introduced at the regular meeting of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Governing Board, held on September 22, 2016 by ______who moved its adoption, which motion was duly seconded by ______and which was adopted by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

______Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Chair Transit Joint Powers Authority for Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Merced County

ITEM 11

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

FROM: RICH GREEN, TRANSIT MANAGER

RE: CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN PILOT PROJECT

BACKGROUND

At the March 2015 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Board Meeting, staff proposed using a California Office of Emergency Services grant for purchasing solar powered changeable message signs for bus stops. This project would provide electronic signs on the tops of the poles at bus stops that would connect to the Syncromatics Automatic Vehicle Locators (AVL) and display real-time arrival predictions for routes without the need for a smart phone. The board denied moving forward with this project due to the concerns of vandalism and theft.

DISCUSSION

Staff met with the changeable message sign vendor to relay the discussions had at the Board meeting and why the TJPAMC would not be moving forward with the project. In July of 2016, the vendor came back and met with staff to introduce their new vandal resistant changeable message signs. They wanted to put the signs to the test and proposed a three-month pilot project to install two different types of signs in an “area of concern” for $3,000. The vendor would include the cost of installation, cellular service and configuration with our AVL system.

Staff is recommending moving forward with this project and installing the two signs at the two stops on Loughborough, near the Merced Target. This is a high volume location where the signs would be most useful and is also an area of known vandalism. If this program proves successful, then staff would propose installation of these changeable message signs at the most advantageous locations at a cost of approximately $6,000 each.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please contact Rich Green at 209.723.3100 x 305 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Authorize staff to move forward with the Changeable Message Sign Pilot Project.

ITEM 13a

MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

August 18, 2016

MINUTES

The regular meeting of the MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS GOVERNING BOARD held on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the County of Merced, County Admin Building, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 2222 M Street, Merced, CA was called to order by Chair Kelsey at 3:31 P.M.

DIRECTORS PRESENT Deidre Kelsey Daron McDaniel Michael McGlynn for Jerry Antonetti Jerry O’Banion Joe Oliveira John Pedrozo Jim Price Stan Thurston Mike Villalta Hub Walsh

DIRECTORS ABSENT Rodrigo Espinoza

3. Oral Communications

None.

11. Caltrans Report

Tom Dumas gave the Caltrans report and distributed the Mile Marker.

12. Consent Agenda

Director Walsh noted a correction to the minutes to show that he was present at the meeting, although he was not present for voting on Items 12 and 17.

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 MCAG Governing Board meeting b. FY 2016-2017 Local Transportation Fund Claims c. State Transit Assistance FY 2015/16 Claim for Quarters 1 and 2 Allocations d. Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Policies and Procedures Update e. Citizens Advisory Committee Appointment Director Pedrozo moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the amendment to Item 12a as noted. Seconded by Director McDaniel. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

13. Information/Discussion Only

a. Minutes of the August 10, 2016 Technical Review Board meeting b. MCAG 4th Quarter Report c. MCAG Financial Reports d. Check Register – 4th Quarter e. SB 375 Target Setting Letter to California Air Resources Board f. Commute Connection Progress Report – April thru June 2016 g. MCAG Newsletter for June and July 2016

Mary Michal Rawling asked for a staff report on Item 13e.

Marjie Kirn reported that Item 13e is a joint letter from the eight (8) Valley Councils of Government in our region. It is a comment letter to the Air Resources Board in regards to goal setting for the greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

14. Public Hearing – Draft 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program and Draft Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis

Ty Phimmasone gave an update on the Draft 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and the Draft Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

Public Hearing Opened – 3:50 p.m. Public Hearing Closed – 3:51 p.m.

No comments were received during the Public Hearing period.

The 2017 FTIP and only one recommend Conformity Analysis option will be considered for adoption, by resolution, at the next MCAG Governing Board meeting.

15. Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

After a lengthy discussion, the MCAG Governing Board clarified the following recommendation with their approval.

Director Price moved to approve: a. Staff to work with Caltrans, CHP and the Call Box Maintenance Contractor to remove the call boxes along Highways 99, I-5 and east of Highway 33/Santa Nella Connection on Highway 152 in Merced County, while leaving the location signs and adding “Call 511” signs at each location; b. Upgrade the remaining call boxes to 3G cell phone technology west of Highway 33 on Highway 152; and c. Explore installing a cell phone tower over the Pacheco Pass. Seconded by Director O’Banion. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. Public Hearing – Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan

Stacie Dabbs gave an update on the Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan.

Public Hearing Opened – 4:05 p.m. Public Hearing Closed – 4:06 p.m.

No comments were received during the Public Hearing period.

Action on the Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan will take place at the next MCAG Governing Board meeting.

17. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform

Director Pedrozo moved to direct staff to submit the comment letter to FHWA regarding the proposed rulemaking by August 26, 2016. Seconded by Director O’Banion. Ayes – Directors Pedrozo, McDaniel, Kelsey, O’Banion, Price, McGlynn, Oliveira, Villalta, Thurston Noes – None MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

18. Executive Director’s Report

Nothing to report at this time.

19. Directors’ Report

The MCAG Governing Board Directors wished everyone to have a Happy Labor Day.

Director McDaniel thanked Marjie Kirn for her representation in Washington D.C. stating she did a wonderful job.

Director O’Banion asked if the money collected from SAFE could be spent in other areas. Staff will research and bring information back at a future MCAG Governing Board meeting.

Director Pedrozo asked that staff request a debriefing regarding the TIGER Grant. Staff requested a debriefing with the Department of Transportation.

Director Walsh would like to invite the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to give a presentation on the recent inaction on the part of the EPA in regards to the plan that was submitted by the SJVAPCD and the implications it has on us in terms of transportation dollars.

20. CLOSED SESSION – CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION (Cal. Gov. Code Section 54956.99a)) Name of Case: Sierra Club and Center for Biological Diversity v. Merced County Association of Governments and Merced County Association of Governments’ Governing Board (Case No. CVM019664)

At this time, direction was given to Counsel.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE MCAG GOVERNING BOARD, THAT PORTION OF THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:22 P.M.

/ s / Joy Gort Administrative Assistant II ITEM 13b

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: TY PHIMMASONE, PLANNER

RE: FINAL DRAFTS OF 2017 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND CORRESPONDING AIR QUALITY CONFORMITY ANALYSIS

The Merced County Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) is developed to satisfy Federal requirements. The FTIP is a four-year list of financially-constrained projects (Federal Fiscal Years 16/17 through 19/20), which are programmed for Federal funding or are regionally significant. The 2017 FTIP carries over programming from the latter two years of the 2015 FTIP.

To meet the Federal air quality regulations, the United States Department of Transportation must approve a new conformity analysis and/or finding on the FTIP. The Governing Board will need to make a new conformity finding for the FTIP based on the final transportation conformity regulation. Failure to meet air quality requirements could result in a lapse of federal funding.

The importance of FTIP programming is addressed in the following. 1) Any federal funds must be included in the FTIP before a project sponsor can access the funds; 2) Funds must be programmed in the FTIP in the year you will request funding approval via submittal of a Request for Authorization (RFA), unless the project is in a Grouped Projects Listing; 3) If the first or second requirement is not met, THEN LOCAL AGENCIES CANNOT ACCESS FEDERAL FUNDING.

The body of the Draft 2017 FTIP document is enclosed. The entire Draft 2017 FTIP document with appendices, and the Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis documentation are available on the MCAG website ( http://www.mcagov.org/215/Federal-Transportation- Improvement-Progr ). These documents were available to the public for review and comments from July 18, 2016 to August 19, 2016. Caltrans Headquarters Programming provided the attached comments on the Draft 2017 FTIP. In Appendix R, staff has responded to these comments. A public hearing was held at the MCAG Board meeting on August 18, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Merced County Administration Building, Board of Supervisors Council Chambers. There were no comments at the public hearing.

The deadline for submittal to Caltrans is September 30, 2016. Caltrans will combine all MPO FTIPs into a single 2017 Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (FSTIP) document, which then goes through a 30-day review period. Following the review period, Caltrans submits the Final 2017 FSTIP to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). FHWA then goes through its 30-day review period. The final approval of the 2017 FSTIP is anticipated on December 16, 2016.

It you have any questions regarding this staff report please contact Ty Phimmasone at 723.3153 x 309 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt the Final Drafts of the 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

Attachments: Resolution No. 2016/09-22-01 Appendix R: 2017 FTIP Public Comments Received / Responses to Comments

Enclosure: 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) – Body of Final Draft

BEFORE THE MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-01

In the Matter of: RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS 2017 FTIP AND THE CORRESPONDING CONFORMITY ANALYSIS

WHEREAS, the Merced County Association of Governments is a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and a Metropolitan Planning Organization, pursuant to State and Federal designation; and

WHEREAS, federal planning regulations require Metropolitan Planning Organizations to prepare and adopt a long range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for their region; and

WHEREAS, federal planning regulations require that Metropolitan Planning Organizations prepare and adopt a short range Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) for their region; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (2017 FTIP) has been prepared to comply with Federal and State requirements for local projects and through a cooperative process between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans), principal elected officials of general purpose local governments and their staffs, and public owner operators of mass transportation services acting through the Merced County Association of Governments forum and general public involvement; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 FTIP program listing is consistent with: 1) the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan; 2) the 2016 State Transportation Improvement Program; and 3) the Conformity Analysis for 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 FTIP contains the MPO’s certification of the transportation planning process assuring that all federal requirements have been fulfilled; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 FTIP meet all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR Part 450.

WHEREAS, projects submitted in the 2017 FTIP must be financially constrained and the financial plan affirms that funding is available; and

WHEREAS, the MPO must demonstrate conformity per 40 CFR Part 93 for the RTP and FTIP; and

WHEREAS, the Conformity Analysis for the 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP supports a finding that the 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP meet the air quality conformity requirements for ozone and particulate matter; and

WHEREAS, the 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP do not interfere with the timely implementation of the Transportation Control Measures; and

WHEREAS, the and 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP conform to the applicable SIPs; and

WHEREAS, the documents have been widely circulated and reviewed by Merced County Association of Governments advisory committees representing the technical and management staffs of the member agencies; representatives of other governmental agencies, including State and Federal; representatives of special interest groups; representatives of the private business sector; and residents of Merced County consistent with public participation process adopted by Merced County Association of Governments; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was conducted on August 18, 2016 to hear and consider comments on the 2017 FTIP and corresponding Conformity Analysis;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Merced County Association of Governments adopts the 2017 FTIP and corresponding Conformity Analysis effective upon the effective date of EPA Federal Register titled Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality State Implementation Plans; California; San Joaquin Valley; Moderate Area Plan for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Merced County Association of Governments finds that the 2017 FTIP and 2014 RTP are in conformity with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments and applicable State Implementation Plans for air quality

THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was passed and adopted by Merced County Association of Governments this 22nd day of September 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution of the Merced County Association of Governments duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 22nd of September, 2016.

Signed: Signed:

______Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Governing Board Chair Merced County Association of Governments Merced County Association of Governments

Appendix R

2017 FTIP Public Comments Received / Responses to Comments

Public Review and Comment Period July 18, 2016 to August 19, 2016

Public Hearing on August 18, 2016

Merced County Association of Governments 122 COMMENTS: Lima Huy, State HQ Programming Division

From: Huy, Lima A@DOT Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 10:54 AM To: Thavone Phimmasone Subject: MCAG 2017 FTIP Comments

Greetings Ty,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. I only have a few minor comments concerning your 2017 FTIP. 1. Federal regulations require an analysis of maintenance and operation costs. While I saw a section in your FTIP discussing this topic, I don’t see an analysis of the incoming revenues and a discussion of the shortfall, if any. 2. Recommend including discussion on MCAG’s public participation process and including the link to MCAG’s PPP. Also, if you have not addressed the POP requirements for the FTA 5307 program, you have an opportunity to include language in your FTIP informing the public that MCAG will utilize the FTIP public participation process to satisfy the public hearing requirements for the POP.

Thanks!

Lima Huy Senior Transportation Planner Caltrans - Division of Transportation Programming Office of Federal Transportation Management Program 1120 N Street, MS 82 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone (916) 651-7411 Website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/transprog/oftmp.htm

MCAG STAFF RESPONSE:

1. More description and details were written in the maintenance and operations section of the FTIP. Refer to added language on pages 19-20. 2. A summary of the FTIP section of MCAG’s Public Participation Plan has been included in the FTIP. Refer to the content on pages 11-13.

Public Hearing on August 18, 2016:

There were no comments.

Federal Transportation Improvement Program Fiscal Years 2016/2017 to FY2019/2020

DRAFT DOCUMENT

( http://www.mcagov.org/215/Federal-Transportation-Improvement-Progr )

369 W. 18th Street Merced, CA 95340 (209) 723-3153 www.mcagov.org

The preparation of this report has been financed in part by the State of California Department of Transportation, the Federal High Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, and the member agencies of the Merced County Association of Governments.

MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS GOVERNING BOARD

Deidre Kelsey, Supervisor, Chairperson County of Merced

Jim Price, Mayor Jerry O’Banion, Supervisor City of Atwater County of Merced

John Pedrozo, Supervisor Joe Oliveira, Council Member County of Merced City of Gustine

Stan Thurston, Mayor Rodrigo Espinoza, Mayor City of Merced City of Livingston

Hubert “Hub" Walsh, Supervisor Mike Villalta, Mayor County of Merced City of Los Banos

Daron McDaniel, Supervisor Jerry Antonetti, Mayor County of Merced City of Dos Palos

Marjie Kirn Executive Director

TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD

Alex Terrazas, City Manager, Chairperson City of Los Banos

Darrell Fonseca, City Manager Sean Scully, City Manager City of Dos Palos City of Gustine

Steve Carrigan, City Manager Frank Pietro, City Manager City of Merced City of Atwater

Odi Ortiz, Interim City Manager James Brown, County Executive City of Livingston Officer County of Merced

CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Jack Lemen, Chairperson Citizen-At-Large

John Cardenas Vacant Economic Development Engineering

Harlan Dake Alan Arnold Education Real Estate

Adam Cox Ron Price Construction Water / Irrigation

Vacant Jaron Brandon Agriculture Student

Vacant Robert McLaughlin Commerce / Finance Healthcare

Vacant Daniel Caris Goods Movement Small Business

Vacant Vacant Citizen-At-Large Citizen-At-Large

Merced County Association of Governments

Table of Contents

Summary 1

Introduction 2 Merced County: Part of the Central San Joaquin Valley 2 Central San Joaquin Valley 2

The Federal Transportation Improvement Program 6 FTIP Presentation 6 Federal TIP Process and Development 7 Consistency with Other Documents 10 FTIP Certification by Board Resolution 10

Public Participation Plan 11 Background 11 PPP for FTIP 11 PPP for FTA POP 13

Air Quality 14 Air Quality Conformity Determination 14 Transportation System Management 15 Transportation Demand Management 15

Financial Plan 15 Financial Constraint and Funding Assumptions 15 Project Priority 17 Year of Expenditure (YOE) Dollars 17 Total Project Costs 18 Operations and Maintenance Costs 18

TIP Environmental Justice Analysis 21 Introduction 21 Methodology 21 Findings 22

Project Listings by Mode 24 Introduction 24 North/South Split and County Shares 24

FTIP Project Form Users Guide 26

Listings of Highway Projects 27 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) – Regional Choice 28 State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) 29

Local Streets and Roads 30 Safety 32 Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) 32 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) 33

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Table of Contents (Continued)

Listings of Local Streets and Roads Projects 31 Safety (Federal HSIP, HBP) 32 Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) 32 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) – Non-Transit 33

Mass Transportation 35 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC): “The Bus” 35 Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) 35

Listings of Mass Transportation Projects 37 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC): “The Bus” 38 Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) 38

Non-Motorized Transportation 39 Active Transportation Program (ATP) 39 Recreational Trails Program 39

Listing of Non-Motorized Transportation Projects 40 Active Transportation Program (ATP) 41

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Appendices

Appendix A: 2017 FTIP Resolution

Appendix B: Transit Financial Capacity Assessment Certification Statement

Appendix C: Transit Joint Powers Agreement

Appendix D: Transit Planning MOU between MCAG and StanCOG

Appendix E: Glossary of Terms

Appendix F: Annual Obligation Report

Appendix G: Projects Exempt from Air Quality Conformity Finding

Appendix H: Public Notice

Appendix I: Expedited Process Selection Procedures (EPSP)

Appendix J: Grouped Projects Listings

Appendix K: 2017 FTIP Financial Revenue and Expenditure Tables

Appendix L: Revised FSTIP / FTIP Amendment and Administrative Modification Procedures

Appendix M: Regionally Significant (Non-Exempt) Projects Listing

Appendix N: Administrative Modification of the FTIP/FSTIP Delegated to Executive Director

Appendix O: CTC Adoption of 2016 STIP (RIP and IIP)

Appendix P: TIP Environmental Justice Analysis

Appendix Q: 2017 FTIP CMAQ Cost-Effectiveness Documentation

Appendix R: 2017 FTIP Comments Received / Responses to Comments

SUMMARY

A Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) is a multi-modal list of capital improvement programs to be implemented over a four-year period. If there are any projects programmed in the FTIP with funding included in the fifth year or subsequent years, (FY20/21, FY21/22 or beyond) this is for information only. Biennially, Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), in cooperation with member jurisdictions and the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans), prepares an FTIP for all highways, streets, roads, aviation, transit and guideway projects in Merced County that use federal or state funding.

The FTIP program is specifically required to include:  Any Merced County local transportation project that is awarded federal funds (on the federal aid route); and  Any Merced County transportation project that is considered regionally significant (regardless of the funding source).

MCAG committees (Citizens Advisory Committee [CAC], Technical Review Board [TRB], and the Governing Board [GB]) review the FTIP for compliance with state and federal requirements.

The Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) is the formal presentation to the state (Caltrans) and the California Transportation Commission (CTC) of projects that local agencies wish to implement within the next four years. Projects not listed in this formal RTIP submittal will not be considered for funding. Once projects are approved by the CTC and presented in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) by Caltrans, the projects are then incorporated into the FTIP for ultimate inclusion into the California Federal State Transportation Improvement Program (FSTIP). Amendments to the Merced County FTIP are made when projects submitted by local agencies are subsequently awarded funds contingent upon all requirements being met. This document makes revisions to the STIP that constitutes full compliance with federal legislation FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act.

The FTIP established a systematic approach to programming capital improvement projects (CIP) over a four-year term. Projects identified in the first 4-years of the FTIP are identified as the quadrennial element. The quadrennial element is required to be fiscally constrained in the Federal Clean Air Act Regulations for MPO areas that do not meet the national ambient air quality standards. The FTIP is subject to continual review and modifications to assure timely delivery of programs and projects.

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INTRODUCTION

Merced County: Part of the Central San Joaquin Valley

Merced County is comprised of approximately 2,000 square miles of flat land in the northern portion of the San Joaquin Valley. Merced County is 30 miles wide and is 60 miles in length.

Merced County is the home of six incorporated cities (Atwater, Dos Palos, Gustine, Livingston, Los Banos, Merced) and the remaining unincorporated area of Merced County (Figure 1). According to the California Department of Finance, the population of Merced County is 266,134 (January 2015).

In 2014, Merced County ranked 5th in the state of California in agricultural sales value. Merced County agricultural commodities grossed about $4.4 billion in 2014. Merced County’s top five farm commodities (Milk, Almonds, Cattle, Chickens, and Sweet Potatoes) made up a gross production value of about $3.1 billion.

Merced County lies between Stanislaus County to the north and Fresno and Madera Counties to the south, and is bounded by Santa Clara and San Benito Counties to the west and by Mariposa County to the east (Figure 2).

The Central San Joaquin Valley

The Central San Joaquin Valley is vast (27,500 miles in size) and consists of eight counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and the western two thirds of Kern (Figure 2). These eight valley counties share the largest air basin in the United States and collaborate with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJV Air District).

The eight San Joaquin Valley Transportation Planning Agencies and the SJV Air District have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure a coordinated transportation / air quality planning approach (Figure 3).

The MOU defines a cooperative process designed to achieve compliance with the air quality conformity provision of the multi-year Federal Surface Transportation Act.

A second MOU exists with the eight county Councils of Governments (COGs) to ensure a coordinated, cooperative transportation planning process on issues of mutual concern. One of the transportation planning/programming efforts being addressed in a cooperative effort is the preparation and presentation of the federally required Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).

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THE FEDERAL TRANSPORATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

The FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation) Act requires that each Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) prepare a FTIP. The FTIP is a financially constrained, multi-modal transportation planning program document that is developed by the MPO through its member agencies and in cooperation with state and federal agencies.

The FTIP is a compilation of project lists from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP), transit and other federal–aid programs, and regionally significant projects. The FTIP is composed of three parts:  Part one is a priority list of projects and project segments by phase to be carried out in a four-year period;  Part two is a financial plan that demonstrates how the FTIP can be implemented. The financial plan is also required to indicate all public and private resources and financing techniques that are expected to carry out the program.  Part three is the Expedited Process Selection Procedures (EPSP) that allows the movement of projects from year-to-year within the first four fiscal years (quadrennial element) as needed.

FTIP Presentation

As a result of the MOU between the eight valley transportation planning agencies, a committee was formed to coordinate the TIP format. Reviewing agencies should see a consistent presentation of the TIP from all of the eight agencies. The goal is to provide an efficient and expedient TIP review and approval process for the San Joaquin Valley by providing similar common document sections and maps. Another effort provides a common statewide database (California Transportation Improvement Program System [CTIPS]) format to program and track project information in each TIP.

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Federal TIP Process and Development

MCAG prepares the FTIP in cooperation with its member agencies, transit operator, state and federal agencies, and public involvement (Figure 4).

Figure 4

Federal TIP Development Process

Regional Bid for State Caltrans Bid for State Programs (RTIP) Programs (PSTIP)

California Transportation Commission (CTC)

State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) adopted by the CTC

State Funding Approved

Metropolitian Planning Caltrans Organizations (MPO)

Urbanized & Non-Urbanized Area Projects & Other Projects Requiring Federal Action

MPO Federal Federal State State Incorporates Transportation ------Transportation Improvement Program Improvement Program (FTIP) MPO FTIP (FSTIP)

US Department of Transportation: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

Federal Funding Approved

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The following flowcharts guide our committee members and the public through the 2017 FTIP update process.

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The following illustration lays out the importance, process, and timing of making amendments to the FTIP in terms of programming projects, obligating the funding, and authorization to begin reimbursable work.

Please note that the above addresses major FTIP changes. With Caltrans’ delegation of authority to approve FSTIP Administrative Modifications, which was approved on September 22, 2011, MCAG could make limit-defined cost/program changes to existing projects/programs and amend them into the FTIP/FSTIP. To note, the limit for the FTIP/FSTIP Administrative Modification is the LESSER of 40% of project cost (up from 25%) or $10 million (up from $5 million).

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As federal-aid programs (under the control of the MPO) are developed, notifications are distributed to eligible local agencies and the public, informing them of the appropriate manner in which projects may be submitted for consideration. The Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program selection process is available on MCAG’s website (http://www.mcagov.org/218/Congestion- Mitigation-and-Air-Quality). The state undertakes a public participation process during development and adoption of its State programs. When the California Transportation Commission (CTC) approves Merced County transportation projects into the Statewide STIP, MCAG is required to modify the FTIP.

Consistency with Other Documents

Merced County Association of Governments’ 2017 FTIP is consistent with the following documents: 1. 2016 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP); 2. 2016 State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) 3. State Implementation Plan (SIP) for Air Quality; 4. 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) or current amendment.

The 2017 FTIP is consistent with County Share information as provided within the 2016 STIP Fund Estimate (FE) and also with federal fund estimates resulting from the passage of the FAST Act.

FTIP Certification by Board Resolution

Merced County Association of Governments’ Board Resolution certifies: 1. FTIP is consistent with the metropolitan planning regulations per Title 23 CFR 450; 2. FTIP is consistent with the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); 3. Completion of public participation was carried out in accordance with the MPO’s Public Participation Plan (Appendix C of 2014 RTP and also online at http://www.mcagov.org/243/Public-Participation-Plan); 4. FTIP does not interfere with the timely implementation of the TCM’s; 5. FTIP conforms to the applicable SIP’s. This language is also identified on the actual Board Resolution in Appendix A.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN (PPP)

Background

The most current PPP was adopted in Fall 2016. The full PPP is on the MCAG website: http://www.mcagov.org/243/Public-Participation-Plan.

The following summarizes the PPP sections for the FTIP and for the FTA POP.

PPP for Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP)

The FTIP is updated every two years with amendments occurring as needed. There are six types of FTIP amendments, each with specific public participation requirements.

Expedited Project Selection Procedures (EPSP)

Expedited Project Selection Procedures (EPSP) allow eligible projects to be moved between FTIP fiscal years as long as the project cost and scope do not change. MCAG is federally authorized to utilize EPSP without additional state and federal approval action. MCAG does not require a formal public participation process for EPSP actions.

Amendment Type 1 – Administrative Modifications

Administrative Modifications include minor changes to project cost, schedule, or funding sources, and do not require public notices, public review and comment, or a public hearing. The exception is for a FTA 5307 project, which must go through a formal amendment process. MCAG has the delegated authority to approve this type of FTIP Amendment.

Amendment Type 2 – Formal Amendment: Funding Changes

Type 2 Formal Amendments include revenue changes and project cost changes that are greater than Administrative Modification limitations. These amendments do not require public notices or a public hearing, with the exception of FTA 5307 projects. However, they must be circulated through MCAG’s standing committees and posted on MCAG’s website at least 7 days prior to action. MCAG will

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consider public comments prior to approval action. These amendments require approvals from MCAG, Caltrans, and FHWA/FTA.

Amendment Type 3 – Formal Amendment: Exempt Projects

Type 3 Formal Amendments significantly revise, add, or delete projects to/from the FTIP that are exempt from regional air quality emissions analyses or are non- regionally significant. These amendments do not require public notices or a public hearing, with the exception of FTA 5307 projects. However, they must be circulated through MCAG’s standing committees and posted on MCAG’s website at least 7 days prior to action. MCAG will consider public comments prior to approval action. These amendments require approvals from MCAG, Caltrans, and FHWA/FTA.

Amendment Type 4 – Formal Amendment: Conformity Determination that Relies on a Previous Regional Emissions Analysis

Type 4 Formal Amendments include adding or deleting projects that have already been modeled for air quality conformity.

Public notification includes: legally noticed 30-day public comment period; legally noticed public hearing; posting of amendment information on MCAG’s website during public comment period; agendizing the amendment for presenting and receiving comments at MCAG’s standing committees; considering and responding to public comments received during the comment period.

These amendments require approvals from MCAG, Caltrans, and FHWA/FTA.

Amendment Type 5 – Formal Amendment: Conformity Determination and New Regional Emissions Analysis

Type 5 Formal Amendments involve adding or deleting projects that must be modeled for impacts, or significantly changes the concept, design, scope, or schedule of an existing project. This type of amendment requires a new regional emissions analysis that demonstrates conformity with applicable air quality requirements.

Public notification includes: legally noticed 30-day public comment period; legally noticed public hearing; posting of amendment information and air quality conformity analysis on MCAG’s website during public comment period; agendizing the amendment and air quality conformity analysis for presenting and receiving comments at MCAG’s standing committees; considering and responding to public comments received during the comment period.

These amendments require approvals from MCAG, Caltrans, and FHWA/FTA.

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PPP for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Program of Projects (POP)

As required by federal law and guidance, a Program of Projects (POP) for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) projects must be developed by the designated recipient of FTA funds. The POP listing must undergo a public review process. FTA guidance allows the FTIP public review process to satisfy the public participation requirements of the POP.

For the FTA 5307 program, as the direct recipient, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County confirms that, as part of the FTIP process, public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review satisfies the public participation requirements for the FTA POP.

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AIR QUALITY CONFORMITY

Air Quality Conformity Determination

The federal Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990 require that transportation improvement programs conform to applicable portions of the State Implementation Plan (SIP) for air quality. Section 176(c) of the CAAA requires that air quality be given priority in program implementation as required by Section 176(d).

Merced County is designated a non-attainment area for ozone and particulate matter greater than 2.5 microns (PM2.5); and has a maintenance plan for PM10. As such, the FTIP must satisfy federal requirements to consider Transportation Control Measures (TCM) projects that would reduce mobile and stationary emissions adequate to demonstrate conformity with the SIP for air quality. These TCM projects are set forth in plans such as MCAG 1993 Rate of Progress Program. Multiple Air Planning Basin plans in California cumulatively address air quality standards statewide. Each Air Planning Basin addresses their own local SIP(s) by pollutant as adopted by the California Air Resources Board and approved by state and federal Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA).

Current TCM CTIPS # Project Description 205-0000-0042 Transportation Demand Management / Alternative Modes Program

In nonattainment and maintenance areas, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) must be able to find that the FTIP conforms to the adopted air quality SIP and that priority has been given to timely implementation of TCMs identified in the SIP. Projects included in the FTIP cannot show a negative effect on air quality emissions budgets as identified in the SIP. MCAG processes an air quality conformity analysis/determination documenting that local air planning issues and programs demonstrate that TCMs have been identified through a thorough planning process; that TCMs have received the necessary federal, state and local commitment to ensure implementations. TCM commitments are maintained in the RTP and project funds programmed in the FTIP.

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Transportation System Management

Transportation System Management (TSM) is a system-wide approach to maximize the use of existing facilities and available financial resources. TSM fosters cooperation between jurisdictions while minimizing the duplication of efforts in Merced County. TSM strategies are used to reduce traffic congestion, fuel consumption, single-occupancy vehicle travel, and vehicle emissions, with the end result of improving air quality.

Possible actions to reduce vehicle trips are numerous and can include: 1) major employers implementing staggered and/or flexible work hours; 2) public transit modifying routes and schedules; 3) park and ride lots; 4) carpooling; 5) vanpooling and other forms or ride sharing; and 6) local ordinance development to provide guidelines for the development of transportation facilities that adequately provide for future development.

Transportation Demand Management (TDM)

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs, such as the Commute Connection, which serve the Counties of Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin. Commute Connection help commuters make the transition from driving alone to a convenient ridesharing option such as carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling/walking or riding transit. The program includes free services such as commuter ride- matching, Guaranteed Ride Home and employer services.

FINANCIAL PLAN

Financial Constraint and Funding Assumptions

The FTIP by law must be financially constrained and include a financial plan demonstrating how projects can be delivered while the existing transportation system is being adequately operated and maintained. Only projects for which construction and operation funds can reasonably be expected may be included.

Delays in environmental clearance approvals as well as insufficient state transportation revenues continue to be normal considerations in project programming.

The revenues and expenditure charts on the following pages demonstrate currently available revenues to finance the projects contained with the FTIP. The federal and state revenue projections are based on the best available data as provided by Caltrans. MCAG uses established estimates through its project selection process to allocate all available revenues against eligible projects.

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Revenue and expenditure summaries are further defined by the funding assumptions below:

 The California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provides revenue and apportionment estimates for the following programs:

Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP); Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ);

 The California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) provides programming of projects for the following programs:

State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP); . Bridge Preservation; . Roadway Preservation; . Mobility; . Collision Reduction; . Mandates; . Roadside Preservation; . Minor Program; Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP); Highway Bridge Program (HBP); Emergency Relief (ER) Program; Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP); and Active Transportation Program (ATP).

 For transit agencies, a financial capacity and certification of assessment that assures their continued ability to operate pursuant to FTA Circular 7008.1 (Appendix B). Because transit grants are on an annualized cycle, projects shown beyond 2019-20 are “projections”. As the transit funding grant amounts become available, actual figures are amended into the FTIP consistent with the actual grants.

 The local fund commitments are reflected in each entity’s capital improvement program and adopted annually by local resolution. Local revenue figures are local match requirements for state and federal funding.

 Many projects’ records, in the 2017 FTIP for each respective program listing, only have funding in the prior year column and do not having funding in fiscal years 2016/2017 through 2019/2020. These projects are listed for information purposes only.

These projects were part of the 2017 FTIP and are listed either because: 1) They are close to being completed; or 2) They only have funding for the environmental phase; or 3) They have the potential to be funded.

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All items for information purposes are listed to ensure accurate reimbursements.

 MCAG and Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate transit services. The 2000 US Census incorrectly included the Merced County community of Delhi in the new Turlock Urbanized Area (UZA). As a new urbanized area, Turlock is not eligible for FTA-5307 transit funding. The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC) provides service to Delhi and, therefore, will receive a portion of Turlock’s UZA funding. StanCOG is the designated recipient for the Turlock Urbanized Area. MCAG will receive an FTA-5307 apportionment fund from StanCOG that reflects the transit service TJPAMC provides to the Delhi community.

Project Priority

In accordance with FAST Act federal requirements, MCAG establishes the following priorities: 1) All projects (as a group) shown in the first year (16/17) of the four-year element shall have first priority; 2) All projects (as a group) shown in the second year (17/18) of the four-year element shall have second priority; 3) All projects (as a group) shown in the third year (18/19) of the four-year element shall have third priority; and 4) all projects (as a group) shown in the fourth year of the four year element (19/20) shall have fourth priority.

MCAG first received approval of its Expedited Project Selection Procedure (EPSP) on October 18, 2007. The EPSP met the requirements of the Federal Regulations, 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 450 and Title 23 of the United State Code. All projects in the first four years of the MCAG 2017 FTIP were considered selected and could be advanced within the four-year period of the 2017 California Federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (FSTIP) subject to the conditions set by the EPSP. An EPSP, for the new four- year period of 2016/17-2019/20 is included in Appendix I of this document as part of the 2017 FTIP submittal to Caltrans.

As a non-attainment area, TCM projects, consistent with the approved SIP, will be implemented in a timely fashion.

Year of Expenditure (YOE) Dollars

Per title 23, Section 450.324(h), project costs are shown in year of expenditure (YOE) dollars. This means that a project shown as $1 million in 2017 is expected to cost $1 million in that year, in inflated dollars. If a project’s cost increases at the time of obligation, the agencies that control funding decisions must take further action to approve increased funding amounts.

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Total project costs have been calculated to Year of Expenditure (YOE) dollars using a cost escalation methodology. The project sponsor uses the cost escalation percentage of 3% per year. Caltrans-sponsored STIP/RIP projects are calculated to YOE in the 2016 adopted STIP.

Total Project Costs

Project phases are required to be 100% funded before the phase can be programmed in the FTIP.

Because the project revenue “need” from federal, state, and local sources greatly outweighs the project revenue, there are project phases that cannot be included within the first four years of the financially constrained 2017 FTIP and will have to be added in the future when revenue sources are identified. The 2017 FTIP includes projects that do not have phases programmed within the quadrennial element or outside the quadrennial period (due to insufficient revenue).

Operations and Maintenance Costs

Streets, Roads, and Bridges

The responsibility to maintain pavement conditions of local streets and roads resides with each local agency. For road maintenance on the local road network, this region depends on state-exchanged Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) monies, Highway Users Tax Account (HUTA) monies, Local Transportation Fund (LTF) monies, local general funds, and local tax measure dollars. Federal RSTP monies are annually exchanged for state dollars and are distributed to local agencies to use on local road maintenance (with priority given to preventative maintenance on fed-aid roadways). Even though monies from gas taxes have been unstable revenue streams due to less fund generation at the pumps (less driving and more efficient vehicles), HUTA still remains a primary streets and roads funding source for local agencies. Local general funds can be used to fund maintenance of streets and roads. The City of Merced has a local tax measure, which could fund street maintenance. Other local agencies may pursue this course to generate additional revenue for streets and roads maintenance. Local agencies hope that more monies will be available for maintenance from the Federal and/or State levels.

As the result of the 2014 California Statewide Local Streets and Roads Needs Assessment, it was determined that Merced County has a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) of 58. This means that the average pavement condition for the system is “At Risk,” and would require thin asphalt overlays to repair the pavement. Note that this assessment was done for the region’s entire pavement system, which was inclusive of local streets and roads that are not considered Federal-aid highways. Typically, major streets and roads, which are part of the federal-aid system, are in much better condition than local roads, because they

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are designed to withstand more traffic and heavier loads. Since these represent the major travel corridors (classified on the California Road System as Other Principal Arterials, Minor Arterials, and Major Collectors), as matters of safety and mobility, these streets and roads were rehabilitated or reconstructed with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and Proposition 1B monies and/or are maintained more frequently (utilizing HUTA, RSTP, local measure monies, and general funds) with preventative maintenance and minor rehabilitation due to their higher local priority.

Outside of local revenues, the region receives about $16.2 million annually from federal and state sources: HUTA = $10.2 million; RSTP = $3.3 million; LTF = $2.7 million. Given that there is 200 miles of federal-aid system roadways in Merced County, as indicated in the California 2013 Public Road Data Report produced by Caltrans, and that these higher-priority roadways are in much better condition and require less expensive upkeep, the regionally-available funds are sufficient for their maintenance.

Local agencies try to make use of innovation and new technologies to make the most of their limited street/road maintenance funds. Since full reconstruction is costly, innovative maintenance strategies (fabric overlays; scrub and thin overlays) are employed to extend life at reduced cost, which allows local agencies to treat more roadways. Also, local agencies have shared knowledge and collaborated on projects (to reduce bid costs).

Local agencies have been successful with obtaining Highway Bridge Program (HBP) funds to maintain and replace their bridges. In the current TIP, the City of Merced has projects under the Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program (BPMP) and the County of Merced has numerous projects in the HBP listing.

For maintenance on the state highway and bridge system, funds have been identified in the SHOPP programs (primarily Bridge and Roadway Preservation) to tend to these needs. The responsibility of maintaining the state highway and bridge system rests with Caltrans. In line with the TIP requirement to operate and maintain the Federal-aid highways, Caltrans and the local agencies have prioritized the maintenance of these more-traveled (highways, arterials, and major collectors) streets/roads, and bridges. Within the 2017 FTIP, the SHOPP dedicates $142,553,000 of revenue to address maintenance for the state- managed infrastructure.

Transit Service

For transit operations and maintenance, the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC) and Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) transit services rely heavily on Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Grants, State Transit Assistance (STA) funds (TJPAMC only), Local Transportation Fund (LTF) monies, farebox revenues (cannot be used to match

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FTA grants), and partnership agreements (i.e. TJPAMC with City of Turlock; YARTS with Yosemite National Park, AMTRAK, Mariposa County, Mono County).

TJPA is the recipient of FTA 5307, FTA 5311, Local Transportation Fund, and State Transit Assistance funds for operations. Annually, these amounts total an estimated $11.5 million. Combined with farebox revenues and other miscellaneous pots, TJPA operates “The Bus” transit service with great efficiency. To optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness, TJPAMC has periodically made changes to scheduling of fixed routes of The Bus transit system. TJPAMC is also working with the University of California, Merced to provide coordinated service to the students and faculty.

YARTS receives its funding from FTA 5311(f), Local Transportation Funds from multiple counties, service agreement with the National Park Service, service agreement with AMTRAK, and farebox revenues. With these funds, shown in the FTIP to be about $2.5 million annually, YARTS operates the intercity transit service to Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas. YARTS, via an expanded service contract with Yosemite National Park, is providing more transit runs. YARTS has received funding from FresnoCOG for providing expanded service to Fresno along State Route 41.

Operations and maintenance for these transit services are fully covered by these revenue sources. If these funding levels decrease, then the level of transit service is reduced (assessing costs/riderships for routes and determining necessary cuts to service) to match the available levels of funding.

To address regional transportation needs, which includes additional funding for local and regional projects, road maintenance, alternative transportation modes, and transit operational needs, our region has worked with stakeholders to develop a sales tax measure for the November 2016 ballot. If approved, the sales tax could generate more than $450 million over the next three decades. In order to further garner public support, MCAG has performed extensive outreach and education.

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TIP ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ANALYSIS

Introduction

“Are the high minority and low-income populations sharing equitably in the 2017 TIP investments?”

The environmental justice equity analysis mainly assesses whether all racial and income areas will benefit equally from transportation investments. The goal of this process is to ensure racial, low-income, and geographic equity of transportation investment benefits. Populations considered high minority or low- income should realize equal levels of benefit from transportation investments compared to other population groups. Also, transportation investments should not be concentrated in one geographic region, but rather should be fairly distributed.

Methodology

The emphasis of this environmental justice equity analysis will be on the benefits of transit operations, CMAQ projects, and that one regionally significant roadway project.

The environmental justice equity analysis focused on minority and low-income residents. Minority refers to the total non-white, non-Hispanic population. Low- income refers to households with incomes that fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (200% of ~$25,000/household = $50,000). The data to develop these minority and low-income categories came from the 2010 and 2000 U.S. Census respectively.

MCAG staff used the Geographic Information System (GIS) to overlay the TIP investments with the locations of these high minority and low-income groups (using Census Block and Block Group geographies and demographic data). For the transit operations investment, a ¾-mile walking-distance buffer of the fixed- route transit service and the demand-response transit areas were overlaid with the locations of these interest groups. For the CMAQ pedestrian/bicycle and traffic flow improvement projects, their locations were overlaid with the locations of these interest groups. Mapping the one regionally significant roadway project with the interest groups will show the equitably beneficial impact of the project.

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Findings

Transit

Transit Investment Overlaid with High Minority Areas

The GIS mapping of the ¾-mile walking distance buffer of the fixed-route, and the demand-response transit service (TSA) with the determined high minority areas shows that transit operations do provide equitable service to this interest group in the populated areas.

The following table exhibits the resultant equity transit service benefit to the overall minority population as a percentage of the total population for the transit service area. The benefit percentages reflect the fixed-route service area and the overall transit system service area, which includes the fixed-route service and the rural, on-demand transit service areas (TSA).

Note: Since the minority population within the transit service area is above 50%, this service area could be considered as high-minority.

Transit Investment Overlaid with Low-Income Areas

The GIS mapping of the ¾-mile walking distance buffer of the fixed-route, and the demand-response transit service (TSA) with the determined low-income areas shows that transit operations do provide equitable service to this interest group in the populated areas.

Since the income data does not exist for the smaller Census Block geographic layer, and because it makes no sense to utilize the larger Census Block Group geography and data for detailed analysis, the equity service benefit to the low- income population (% of total service area population) could not be quantitatively determined. However, the mapping does display the overall transit system operating in the urban and rural low-income areas of Merced County. For more accurate representation, the 2010 Census Blocks, with zero population, were used on the map to mask out those regions (which would have been shaded as part of the larger 2000 Census Block Group geographies).

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CMAQ

CMAQ Pedestrian/Bicycle and Traffic Flow Improvement Projects with High Minority Areas

The GIS mapping of the locations of the CMAQ pedestrian/bicycle and traffic flow improvement projects with the determined high minority areas displays equitable project benefit to this interest group in the populated areas.

CMAQ Pedestrian/Bicycle and Traffic Flow Improvement Projects with Low- Income Areas

The GIS mapping of the locations of the CMAQ pedestrian/bicycle and traffic flow improvement projects with the determined low-income areas displays equitable project benefit to this interest group in the populated areas.

Livingston Widening: Widening of State Route 99 to 6 Lanes from South of Livingston to the Merced/Stanislaus County Line

Equity Project Benefits to Minority Population and to Low-Income Population

For those with access to vehicles, the project will benefit those minority and low- income populations residing close to access points (highway interchange locations) in the City of Livingston and in the community of Delhi. For the others, there is fixed-route transit service that provides connections north to Turlock and south to Atwater and Merced. Vanpooling and ridesharing are also available through the CMAQ-funded Commute Connection program, and also with the CalVans program. This capacity-increasing project will also benefit those populations living in Atwater and Merced.

Impacts on Minority Population and on Low-Income Population

This project includes the additions of a northbound lane and a southbound lane within Caltrans’ existing right-of-way (within the existing median), and therefore, will not require any relocation of minority or low-income populations. Traffic volumes are expected to significantly increase along State Route 99 in future years. This capacity-increasing project looks to reduce future congestion issues that would result in poorer air quality. By providing additional capacity for free- flow travel, moving traffic will produce less harmful emissions to the surrounding area. This project’s (widening within the median) of longer rural stretches and shorter urban sections will not impact many households (located within 500 feet of project).

Please refer to Appendix P: TIP Environmental Justice Analysis for the results, which led to these findings.

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PROJECT LISTING BY MODE

Introduction

The 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program is comprised of the following transportation program categories of project listings:

1. State highway projects (funded by RIP and IIP); 2. State Highway Operations Protection Program (SHOPP): State highway safety and maintenance projects; 3. Minors program: state highway safety projects; 4. Safety Program: local projects including bridge reconstruction, rail retrofits and seismic retrofit projects; 5. Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP): local projects; 6. Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ): local projects; 7. Transit: FTA and CMAQ transit projects; 8. Non-Motorized Transportation: A) bicycle and pedestrian projects funded by Active Transportation Program (ATP); and B) Recreational Trail Program projects.

State highway projects are located within Merced County and under the jurisdiction of Caltrans-District 10.

Even though Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) is Federal, since this funding is annually exchanged for State-only dollars, these apportionments do not need to be shown in the FTIP.

County Share

National Highway System (NHS) and Surface Transportation Program (STP) dollars are combined with State Highway Account (SHA) dollars to fund the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Total funding available for the STIP is apportioned into county shares. County shares are the amounts each county should program in a designated five-year funding cycle and are determined by population and vehicle miles traveled.

The state highway program has been divided into two funding groups, the Regional Improvement Program (RIP), which programs 75 percent of STIP funding and the Interregional Improvement Program (IIP), which programs 25 percent of the funding. Of the 25 percent, only 10 percent at the state’s discretion can be used in urban areas. The remaining 15 percent is dedicated to rural highway projects and other programs such as rail.

California State law (Street & Highways Code, Section 188(a)) requires the distribution of state transportation funds (STIP/RIP) funding such that 60 percent goes to the 13 southern counties and 40 percent to the northern counties. To

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counter balance the northern bias in other programming areas, highway capacity programming now favors the southern counties. Once the North/South split is established, county shares are set. County Shares are the amounts each county should program in a designated five-year funding cycle and are determined by population and vehicle miles traveled.

The Caltrans’ managed SHOPP program receives funding off the top of revenue estimates to maintain the highway rehabilitation and safety programs.

State highway project (STIP) programming lists are based on funding sources and potential funding level estimates. The Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (IIP) list of projects is a discretionary program developed by Caltrans and available on state highways designated as high emphasis interregional routes. ITIP funding can only be programmed to the following interregional routes in Merced County (Interstate-5, Highway 152, and Highway 99).

Other state highways (i.e. urban and non-state routes) are funded under the Regional Improvement Program (RIP) program. MCAG and its member agencies in cooperation with state and federal agencies develop the RIP list of projects. Because both lists of projects draw from the same funding sources, coordination and consensus must be reached between the two lists. All projects in the current RTIP are programmed for implementation in the 2016/17 through 2019/20 fiscal years. All projects must be assured of having preliminary study reports done prior to fund allocation. All projects must be within the “county share” limits for Merced County.

As a non-attainment area, TCM projects for each year are consistent with the approved Air Quality SIP and will be implemented in a timely fashion.

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FTIP PROJECT FORM USERS GUIDE

Item 1: Program title is the name of the existing transportation program, a category of project types, a funding program or a combination of the three.

Item 2: Route and Post Mile are road segment information; PIN and ST/FED ID are identification codes used in databases; Fund is the main funding source; AQ identifies a project as conformity exempt or not; Lead is the agency responsible for expediting the project.

Item 3: Description provides project information. Total escalated cost adds all phases of cost for a project grand total. Status may be used to indicate if a record has been changed.

Item 4: Phase allows programming for standard steps or phases in a large project. PE is preliminary engineering, work done prior to contracting out a job. This is typical for roadwork. R/W is right-of- way work that may be needed for the project and may include cost of property and engineering work. Const or construction phase typically includes the actual cost of the improvements (or capital) and the project administration. Total is the cost for each year as shown in the following columns.

Item 5: The four-year element indicates federal funding years.

Item 6: The years represent federal funding years. Federal Fiscal years begin October 1 and end September 31 of the following year. Prior year is offered when a project may still be in progress even though the funding years are past or if a phased project crosses from an earlier year into a current year.

Item 7: Local, state and federal funding sources represent an overall funding summary of the projects collective funding sources. This typically includes federal dollars and a local dollar match.

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LISTING OF HIGHWAY PROJECTS

State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) - Regional Choice

State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP)

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Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Program Schedule Change Description Route Description Postmile PIN (Construction Costs escalated per Caltrans percentage) Project Comments Dist-EA Total Escalated Cost 5th year of BEYOND STIP Funding Summary (Current & Prior Years) Fund Air Quality RTP page Four Year Element STIP AQ Conformity no. and Status Carryover Local State Federal Exemption map alpha Lead Prior Years 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 Phase Code no. * For info only. * For Beyond 5th year Information only of STIP Fund Estimate

Reporting Category State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) - Regional Choice

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA Table I/II N/A RW EXEMPT: Plan, Program and Monitoring (PPM) Prior Non-construct. ST-CASH Const 250,000 393,000 Current 643,000 Related 4.01 $ 643,000 CTIPS Activities MCAG 105-0000-0017 Total 250,000 393,000 PE - 6.0

99 PE 800,000 2,050,000 Carry Over Livingston Widening Northbound 28.2/37.3 RW 20,000 Widen from 2 to 3 lanes northbound only from 0.8 mi. south of 10-0Q121 Prior 800,000 Hammatt Avenue to Merced /Stanislaus Co. line. STIP AC Const 40,000,000 Current 2,070,000 pp. 34-5 $ 42,870,000 CTIPS Caltrans 2016 STIP 105-0000-0134 Total 800,000 2,070,000 40,000,000 NOTE:

99 PE 4,700,000 Carry Over Livingston Widening Southbound 28.2/37.3 RW 300,000 Widen from 2 to 3 lanes southbound only from 0.8 mi.M south of 10-0Q122 Prior 4,700,000 Hammatt Avenue to Merced /Stanislaus Co. line. STIP AC Const 33,950,000 Current 300,000 pp. 34-5 $ 38,950,000 CTIPS Caltrans 2016 STIP 105-0000-0135 Total 4,700,000 300,000 33,950,000 NOTE:

Merced County Association of Governments 28 Merced County Association of Governments 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Route Description Program Schedule Change Description Postmile (Construction Costs escalated per Caltrans percentage) Project Comments PIN Total Escalated Cost Dist-EA 5th year of STIP BEYOND STIP Funding Summary (Current & Prior Years) Four Year Element Fund Air Quality AQ Status Carryover Local State Federal Conformity RTP page Prior Years 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 Lead Phase Exemption Code no. * For info only. * For Beyond 5th year Information only of STIP Fund Estimate Reporting Category Safety: State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) Grouped Projects Programs

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE Grouped Projects for Safety Improvements VARIOUS RW II or III SHOPP Collision Reduction Program Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Tables 2 & 3- Railroad/Hwy crossing, Prior EXEMPT: SHOPPAC Safer non-Fed-aid system roads, Shoulder improvements, traffic control devices and operating Const 11,719,000 15,964,000 Current 27,683,000 Safety assistance other than signalization projects, Intersection signalizations at individual intersections, Improvement Pavemetn marking demo, Truck climbing lanes outside urbanized area, Lighting improvements, Program Emergency truck pullovers p. 19 1.06 $ 27,683,000 CTIPS Note: "Toll Credits" in use in place of State Cash for Caltrans 2015 FTIP Amend 13 305-0000-0000 Total 11,719,000 15,964,000 2017 FTIP "Current" Quadrennial Period.

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE VARIOUS Grouped Projects for SHOPP Bridge Rehabilitation and RW II or III Reconstruction Program Prior EXEMPT: Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Table 2- Widening narrow pavements or SHOPPAC reconstructing bridges (no additional travel lanes) Const 17,464,000 Current 17,464,000 Non capacity- p. 19 widening 1.19 $ 17,464,000 CTIPS Note: "Toll Credits" in use in place of State Cash for or Bridge Caltrans 2015 FTIP Amend 13 205-0000-0126 Total 17,464,000 2017 FTIP "Current" Quadrennial Period. Reconstruction

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE VARIOUS Grouped Projects for Pavement Resurfacing and/or RW II or III Rehabilitation Prior EXEMPT: SHOPPAC SHOPP Roadway Preservation Program Const 25,575,000 68,090,000 Current 93,665,000 Pavement Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Table 2- Pavement resurfacing and/or Resurfacing rehabilitation, Emergency relief (23 U.S.C. 125), Widening narrow pavements or reconstructing bridges (no additional travel lanes) and/or Rehabilitation p. 19 1.10 $ 93,665,000 CTIPS Note: "Toll Credits" in use in place of State Cash for Caltrans 2015 FTIP Amend 13 205-0000-0127 Total 25,575,000 68,090,000 2017 FTIP "Current" Quadrennial Period.

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE VARIOUS Grouped Projects for SHOPP Mandates Program RW II or III Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Tables 2 & 3 categories. Prior EXEMPT: p. 19 SHOPPAC Const 3,741,000 Current 3,741,000 Safety 1.06 $ 3,741,000 CTIPS Note: "Toll Credits" in use in place of State Cash for Improvement Caltrans 2015 FTIP Amend 13 205-0000-0222 Total 3,741,000 2017 FTIP "Current" Quadrennial Period. Program

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LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS

Safety Program

The Safety Program is the section that includes: Bridge replacement and rehabilitation under the Highway Bridge Program (HBP); Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP); and Active Transportation Program (ATP). These projects are selected on a discretionary basis. They must compete with local projects submitted by other regions statewide.

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)

The Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) was established in 23 U.S.C. 204 to improve transportation facilities that provide access to, are adjacent to, or are located within federal lands. The Access Program supplements state and local resources for public roads, transit systems, and other transportation facilities, with an emphasis on high-use recreation sites and economic generators.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program is another funding source for local projects. CMAQ projects are programmed to reflect the yearly apportionments for the Merced region. The projects listed in this section are local streets and road projects and transit project.

Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP)

MCAG is allowed by California statute to exchange the federal RSTP apportionment for Merced County with state-only dollars, therefore, there are no federal requirements on use of these funds. MCAG distributes the annual RSTP apportionment to local jurisdictions by formula. RSTP-funded local road projects are not listed in the FTIP due to these non-regionally-significant projects being funded by state-only dollars.

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LOCAL STREETS AND ROADS

Safety (Federal HBP, HSIP)

Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)

Congestion Mitigation & Air Quality (CMAQ) - Non-Transit

Merced County Association of Governments 31 Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE VARIOUS Grouped Projects for Bridge Rehabilitation and RW II or III Reconstruction Program (HBP) Prior 73,054 2,988,157 EXEMPT: Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Table 2- Widening narrow pavements or reconstructing bridges (no additional travel lanes) Current 854,389 10,858,511 Non-Capacity Const 3,061,211 1,929,000 7,504,700 2,279,200 19,939,450 Increasing 1.19 $ 11,712,900 CTIPS Bridge Widening Various Agencies 2015 FTIP Amend 13 205-0000-0037 Total 3,061,211 1,929,000 7,504,700 2,279,200 19,939,450 Per 03/29/16 updated HBP backup listing or Reconstruction n/a

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE VARIOUS Grouped Projects for Safety Improvements (HSIP) RW II or III Projects are consistent w- 40CFR Part 93.126 Exempt Tables 2 & 3 categories. Prior 114,000 1,439,000 EXEMPT: Const 1,553,000 183,000 2,088,000 Current 274,000 1,997,000 Safety 1.06$ 2,271,000 CTIPS Improvement Various Agencies 2015 FTIP Amend 11 205-0000-0134 Total 1,553,000 183,000 2,088,000 Per 11/12/15 updated HSIP backup listing Program n/a

Reporting Category Highway Bridge Program (HBP): Line-Item Project

PE 144,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE HBP: Arroya Ave Bridge Over West Delta Canal 0.9 Mi. N/O RW 100,000 II or III SR-152 Prior 144,000 EXEMPT: Replace one-lane bridge with standard 2-lane bridge. Toll HBP Const 808,000 Current 100,000 Non-capacity Credits for PE, R/W, and CON. Widening $ 1,052,000 CTIPS or Bridge County of Merced2015 FTIP Amend 1 205-0000-0241 Total 144,000 100,000 808,000 Per 10/30/15 updated HBP backup listing Reconstruction n/a

Reporting Category Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP)

PE Carry Over EPA TABLE Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP): MER CR337(1) RW II or III Rehabilitate 1.7 miles of Wolfsen Road from SR-165 to Wildlife Prior EXEMPT: FLAP/County Refuge Const 2,000,000 Current 229,000 1,771,000 Pavement Resurfacing $ 2,000,000 CTIPS and/or County of Merced 2017 FTIP- New 205-0000-0254 Total 2,000,000 Rehabilitation n/a

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Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Reporting Category Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) - Non-Transit

VARIOUS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE Transportation Demand Management / RW II or III Alternative Modes Program MG004 Prior EXEMPT: CMAQ [ TCM ] Const 150,000 150,000 Current 300,000 Ride-sharing & 3.01 $ 300,000 CTIPS Van-pooling MCAGFTIP Amend 0.000.00 205-0000-0042 Total 150,000 150,000 Program n/a

140/33 PE 225,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE RW 175,000 II or III Construct Roundabout on SR-140/33 in Gustine. Prior 26,000 199,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 2,300,000 Current 284,000 2,191,000 Intersection 5.01 $ 2,700,000 CTIPS Channelization City of Gustine 2015 FTIP Amend 1 205-0000-0180 Total 225,000 2,475,000 Project n/a

Local PE 234,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE RW II or III In Merced. Westerly Bike Path Connection. Prior 28,000 206,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CO Const 1,125,000 Current 129,000 996,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 1,359,000 CTIPS Pedestrian City of Merced2015 FTIP Amend 14 205-0000-0178 Total 234,000 1,125,000 Facility n/a

59 PE 35,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Merced. Right-Turn Channelization on Southbound SR-59 RW II or III Approaching 16th Street. Prior 4,000 31,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 215,000 Current 25,000 190,000 Intersection 5.01 $ 250,000 CTIPS Channelization City of Merced 2015 FTIP Amend 2 205-0000-0228 Total 35,000 215,000 Project n/a

Local PE 15,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Merced. Sidewalk Infill on Oleander Ave btwn. Alexander RW II or III Ave & Olive Ave. Prior 2,000 13,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 61,000 Current 7,000 54,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 76,000 CTIPS Pedestrian City of Merced 2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0229 Total 15,000 61,000 Facility n/a

59 PE 76,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE RW II or III In Merced. Traffic Signal at SR-59 & 16th Street. Prior 9,000 67,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 449,000 Current 52,000 397,000 Intersection 5.02 $ 525,000 CTIPS Signalization City of Merced 2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0231 Total 76,000 449,000 Project n/a

Merced County Association of Governments 33 Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Reporting Category Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program (CMAQ) - Non-Transit (CONTINUED)

Local PE 60,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Atwater. Traffic Signals Synchronization and Raised RW II or III Median. Prior 7,000 53,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 487,000 Current 56,000 431,000 Signal 5.07 $ 547,000 CTIPS Synchroniz. City of Atwater 2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0234 Total 60,000 487,000 Project n/a

Local PE 17,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Atwater. Sidewalk Infill on Juniper Ave btwn. Vann Ter & RW II or III Bridgewater Street. Prior 2,000 15,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 166,000 Current 19,000 147,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 183,000 CTIPS Pedestrian City of Atwater 2013 FTIP Amend 20 205-0000-0235 Total 17,000 166,000 Facility n/a

Local PE 45,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Gustine (Harry Schmidt Park). Construct Pedestrian/Bike RW II or III Path Alongside SR-33/140 btwn. Meredith Ave & Linden Ave. Prior 5,000 40,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 296,000 Current 34,000 262,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 341,000 CTIPS Pedestrian City of Gustine 2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0237 Total 45,000 296,000 Facility n/a

Local PE 75,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE RW 35,000 II or III In Gustine. Construct a Roundabout at 5th Street & 4th Ave. Prior 9,000 66,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 516,000 Current 4,000 31,000 Intersection 5.01 $ 626,000 CTIPS Channelization City of Gustine2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0238 Total 75,000 35,000 516,000 NOTE: Construction funding will be in Future Year. Project n/a

Local PE 75,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE In Livingston. Construct a Roundabout at Main Street & B RW II or III Street. Prior 9,000 66,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ/CITY Const 551,000 Current 63,000 488,000 Intersection 5.01 $ 626,000 CTIPS Channelization City of Livingston 2013 FTIP Amend 17 205-0000-0240 Total 75,000 551,000 Project n/a

Merced County Association of Governments 34

MASS TRANSPORTATION

Mass Transit Project Development Funding

Three primary types of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding, for our region’s transit service providers, are listed in the FTIP:

49 USC 5307: The Large Urban Cities Program provides financial operating and capital purchase assistance to operators or urban public transportation services. Funds are apportioned to urbanized areas (UZA) (population over 50,000) based on a formula using population and population density.

49 USC 5311: The Rural and Small Urban Areas Program provides financial operating and capital purchase assistance to operators of non-urban public transportation services. Funds are apportioned to non-urbanized areas (population under 50,000).

49 USC 5311 ( f ): The Intercity Bus Program provides provide supplemental financial support to transit operators and to facilitate the most efficient and effective use of available Federal funds in support of projects that provide transportation between non-urbanized areas and urbanized areas that result in connections of greater regional, statewide, and national significance.

Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC): The Bus

The Transit Joints Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC) oversees the transit service (The Bus) for Merced County (www.mercedthebus.com). The Bus provides for fixed urban and rural inter-community bus route service for most of the population areas, and also provides for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service. The Bus has streamlined its fixed-route routes to provide better service and increased frequencies, and is still working on coordination with U.C. Merced to provide more effective transit to its students and faculty. The Bus completed a demonstration project to provide expanded service to include evenings and Sundays.

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)

YARTS is a regional public transit system that operates in the Yosemite region. YARTS operates year-round on Hwy 140 between Merced and Yosemite Valley, through Mariposa County. In the summer, it also operates between Mono County destinations (Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop, and Lee Vining) and Yosemite Valley on Hwy 120 East. YARTS, via an expanded service contract with Yosemite National Park Service (NPS), is providing more transit runs. YARTS is also funded by Fresno COG to provide expanded service from Fresno to Yosemite National Park along State Route 41.

Merced County Association of Governments 35

YARTS carries locals, commuters and visitors to the Yosemite region. Commuters make up about 35% or more of the ridership and travel in both directions (Mariposa to Yosemite and Mariposa to Merced).

YARTS service connects with Amtrak and Greyhound in Merced to provide travel connections. YARTS contracts with Amtrak to provide their thru-way service between the trains, stopping in Merced, and Yosemite National Park.

Merced County Association of Governments 36

MASS TRANSPORTATION LIST OF PROJECTS

Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC): “The Bus”

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)

Merced County Association of Governments 37

Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Route Description Program Schedule Change Description Postmile (Construction Costs escalated per Caltrans percentage) Project Comments PIN Total Escalated Cost Dist-EA 5th year of BEYOND STIP Funding Summary (Current & Prior Years) Four Year Element Fund STIP Air Quality RTP page no. AQ Status Carryover Local State Federal Conformity and map Prior Years 16/17 17/18 18/19 19/20 20/21 21/22 Lead Phase Exemption Code alpha no. * For info only. * For Beyond 5th year Information only of STIP Fund Estimate Reporting Category Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County (TJPAMC)

VARIOUS Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County: "The PE Carry Over EPA TABLE N/A Bus" RW II or III Operations & Maintenance Prior 11,200,000 3,200,000 6,779,000 EXEMPT: pp. 10,11,13, 5307/5311/STA/LTF Const 21,179,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 Current 26,928,000 4,648,000 14,520,000 Transit 25,26, 2.01 $46,096,000 CTIPS Operating 38-41, Transit JPA Carryover 205-0000-0022 Total 21,179,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 11,524,000 Assistance 62,63

VARIOUS Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County: "The PE Carry Over EPA TABLE N/A Bus" RW II or III Public Outreach and Marketing Prior 655,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ Const 655,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 Current 400,000 Ride-Sharing pp. 19-20 3.01 $400,000 CTIPS & Van-Pooling Transit JPA MCCarryover 205-0000-0223 Total 655,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 Program

Reporting Category Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS)

VARIOUS YARTS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE N/A Operations and Maintenance RW II or III Prior 2,902,000 600,000 EXEMPT: pp. 10,11,13, 5311f/LTF/FEE Const 3,502,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 Current 8,904,000 1,200,000 Transit 25,41,42 2.01 $10,104,000 CTIPS Operating YARTSCarryover 205-0000-0112 Total 3,502,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 2,526,000 Assistance

VARIOUS YARTS PE Carry Over EPA TABLE N/A Public Outreach and Marketing RW II or III Prior 4,000 166,000 EXEMPT: CMAQ Const 170,000 85,000 85,000 85,000 85,000 Current 340,000 Ride-Sharing pp. 19-20 3.01 $340,000 CTIPS & Van-Pooling YARTSCarryover 205-0000-0130 Total 170,000 85,000 85,000 85,000 85,000 Program

Merced County Association of Governments 38

NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION

Non-motorized transportation is defined as trips made on foot or by bicycle. Bicycling, walking or jogging are popular modes of travel for neighborhood trips. Mixed land use developments have been instituted within the Merced region to encourage non-motorized trips. Mixed land use developments can reduce air pollution, fuel consumption, and traffic congestion.

Active Transportation Program (ATP)

The selection process for ATP-funded projects has become a state, grant-award process through the California Transportation Commission (CTC). The ATP funding is distributed into three pots: 1) Large MPO’s with populations greater than 200,000; 2) Small urban and rural areas with populations 200,000 or less; 3) Statewide competitive pool. Our region’s projects can compete in categories 2) and 3). If awarded, then these ATP projects will be programmed in the TIP document.

Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program is an assistance program of the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Recreational Trails Program provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses.

Merced County Association of Governments 39

NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION LIST OF PROJECTS

Bicycle and Pedestrian (Active Transportation Program)

Recreational Trails Program – NO PROJECTS

Merced County Association of Governments 40 Merced County Association of Governments 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program San Joaquin Format ( Highest Version)

Reporting Category Active Transportation Program (ATP)

Local PE Carry Over EPA TABLE Merced City ATP/SRTS Plan RW II or III Development Prior EXEMPT: ATP Const 135,000 Current 135,000 Non-CON- related 4.01 $ 135,000 CTIPS Activities City of Merced2015 FTIP Amend 9 205-0000-0250 Total 135,000 n/a

Local PE 330,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE Merced County to Construct Walnut Ave Segment 2 RW II or III Complete Street Upgrade Prior EXEMPT: ATP Const 1,515,000 Current 1,845,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 1,845,000 CTIPS Pedestrian Merced County2015 FTIP Amend 9 205-0000-0251 Total 330,000 1,515,000 Facility n/a

Local PE 100,000 58,000 Carry Over EPA TABLE Merced County to Construct Lobo Ave Complete Street RW 100,000 II or III Upgrade Prior EXEMPT: ATP Const 715,000 Current 973,000 Bicycle / 3.02 $ 973,000 CTIPS Pedestrian Merced County2015 FTIP Amend 9 205-0000-0252 Total 100,000 158,000 715,000 Facility n/a

Merced County Association of Governments 41

ITEM 13c

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: TY PHIMMASONE, PLANNER

RE: DRAFT FORMAL AMENDMENT NO. 17 TO THE 2015 FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION 5311(f) PLANNING GRANT AWARD TO YOSEMITE AREA REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) FTA 5311(f) planning grant funding for preparing a Short Range Transit Plan.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please contact Ty Phimmasone at 723.3153 x 309 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt Formal Amendment No. 17 to the 2015 FTIP, which programs the FTA 5311(f) planning grant funding awarded to YARTS for the preparation of the Short Range Transit Plan.

Attachment: Resolution 2016/09-22-02

BEFORE THE MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-02

In the Matter of: RESOLUTION ADOPTING the Merced County Association of Governments 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment 17

WHEREAS, the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and a Metropolitan Planning Organization, pursuant to State and Federal designation; and

WHEREAS, federal planning regulations require Metropolitan Planning Organizations to prepare and adopt a long range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for their region; and

WHEREAS, federal planning regulations require that Metropolitan Planning Organizations prepare and adopt a Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) for their region; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) Amendment 17 has been prepared to comply with Federal and State requirements for local projects and through a cooperative process between the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans), principal elected officials of general purpose local governments and their staffs, and public owner operators of mass transportation services acting through the Merced County Association of Governments forum and general public involvement; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 listing is consistent with: 1) the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan Amendment 1; 2) the 2016 State Transportation Improvement Program; and 3) the Corresponding Conformity Analysis; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 contains the MPO’s certification of the transportation planning process assuring that all federal requirements have been fulfilled; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 meets all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR Part 450; and

WHEREAS, projects submitted in the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 must be financially constrained and the financial plan affirms that funding is available; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 is consistent with the adopted Conformity Analysis for the 2015 FTIP and the 2014 RTP; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 does not interfere with the timely implementation of the Transportation Control Measures; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 conforms to the applicable SIPs; and

WHEREAS, the documents have been widely circulated and reviewed by MCAG advisory committees representing the technical and management staffs of the member agencies; representatives of other governmental agencies, including State and Federal; representatives of special interest groups; representatives of the private business sector; and residents of Merced County consistent with public participation process adopted by MCAG; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that MCAG adopts the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MCAG finds that the 2015 FTIP Amendment 17 is in conformity with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments and applicable State Implementation Plans for air quality.

The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by MCAG this 22nd day of September, 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution of the Merced County Association of Governments duly adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on the 22nd of September, 2016.

Signed: Signed:

______Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Governing Board Chair Merced County Association of Governments Merced County Association of Governments

ITEM 13d

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: NATALIA AUSTIN, ANALYST

RE: SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

California’s Transportation Development Act (TDA) requires MCAG to have a Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) in place to oversee the annual Unmet Transit Needs Process.

Prior to making any allocation of TDA funds not directly related to public transportation services, specialized transportation services, or facilities provided for the exclusive use of pedestrians and bicycles, the transportation planning agency shall annually go through an assessment of unmet transit needs.

The process begins with the establishment of a SSTAC under the strict guidelines of the TDA, as defined by the Public Utilities Code. The SSTAC shall consist of the following nine members (1-6):

1. One representative a potential transit user who is 60 years of age or older; 2. One representative a potential transit user who is disabled; 3. Two representatives of the local service providers for seniors, including one representative of a social service transportation provider, if one exists; 4. Two representatives of local service providers for the disabled, including one representative of a social service transportation provider, if one exists; 5. One representative of a local social service provider for persons of limited means; 6. Two representatives from the local consolidated transportation service agency, including one representative from an operator, if one exists.

The following table identifies current SSTAC members and vacancies:

APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

1. Lisa Hansen, Director of HOPE Respite Care for the Merced Rescue Mission, has submitted an application for appointment to the SSTAC. Her application is attached for the Board’s review and consideration. 2. Timothy Rivera, frequent transit rider and caregiver to seniors and disabled, has submitted an application for appointment to the SSTAC. His application is attached for the Board’s review and consideration.

Please note that we are anticipating more SSTAC applications to be received and considered by the MCAG Governing Board at the September 22, 2016 meeting.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report, contact Natalia Austin at 209.723.3153 x 319 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Appoint a member(s) to the SSTAC from the aforementioned applicants.

Attachments: Lisa Hansen SSTAC application Timothy Rivera SSTAC application

MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS Application forAppointment as member of SOCIAL SERVICES TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (SSTAC) DATE:

HOME ADDRESS: Street Zip Code WORK ADDRESS: goo l\l. 9-.

_ Transit User who is 60 years of age or older _ Transit User who is Disabled _ Local Social Service Provider forSeniors _ Local Social Service Transportation Provider forSeniors -. Local Social Service Provider for the Disabled _ Local Social Service Transportation Provider forthe Disabled ___L_Local Social Service Provider for persons of limited means _ Other (Optional) - Transportation Planning agency may_ appoint additional members in accordance with the procedure prescribed in subdivision (b).

PH: 209.723.3153 FAX: 209.723.0322 www.mcagov.org 369 W, 18th Street Merced, Ca. 93540

ITEM 13e

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: JOY GORT, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT II

RE: APPOINTMENT OF CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

DISCUSSION

At this time, staff is submitting two applications for Citizen-at-Large Representatives on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

Applicant Representing Residence Jose Delgadillo Citizen-at-Large Merced Roscoe (Jack) Jackson Citizen-at-Large Merced

The CAC has seven (7) remaining vacancies. Staff is reviewing current applications on file and will submit additional recommendations to the Board at a future meeting. A press release was published on August 11, 2016 informing the public of current vacancies. Staff will continue recruiting for any positions that cannot be filled with current applications on file.

Please notify Joy Gort at (209) 723.3153 x 323 or [email protected] if you have questions regarding this item.

REQUESTED ACTION

Appoint Jose Delgadillo and Roscoe (Jack) Jackson as Citizen-at-Large Representatives on the Citizens Advisory Committee.

Attachments: CAC Appointment Table Application – Jose Delgadillo Application – Roscoe (Jack) Jackson MCAG Press Release

Partnering for Regional Solutions

For Immediate Release

August 11, 2016

Stacie Dabbs, Public Information Officer Merced County Association of Governments (209)723-3153 x 308 [email protected]

MCAG seeking applications for committee appointments

MERCED - Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is seeking applicants for appointment to the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council and the Citizens Advisory Committee.

The Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) is a nine-member council that is appointed by the MCAG Governing Board to solicit the input of transit-dependent and transit disadvantaged persons regarding transit needs in Merced County. The SSTAC is convened annually, at minimum, for the Unmet Transit Needs process as required by the Transportation Development Act. SSTAC members are appointed by the MCAG Governing Board to serve a three-year term. The council is comprised of a broad representation of social service and transit providers representing the elderly, the handicapped, and persons of limited means while striving for geographic and minority representation. Currently, MCAG is seeking candidates for appointment to the council in the following areas: • Senior Transit Rider • Social Service Transportation Provider for the Disabled • Local Social Service Provider for Persons of Limited Means • Local Social Service Transportation Provider for Seniors

MCAG is also seeking applicants for appointment to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is a 17-member committee comprised of private sector individuals who provide public input regarding MCAG programs and activities and advise the MCAG Governing Board on monthly agenda items. Meetings are held the first Friday of every month at 8:30am at MCAG, 369 W. 18th Street, Merced. CAC Committee members are appointed by the MCAG Governing Board to serve a four-year term based on the geographic location of their home or business, and their field of work. Current vacancies include representatives in the following areas: • Commerce/Finance • Goods Movement • Real Estate • Agriculture • Engineering • Student • Citizen at-large

Applications for the SSTAC and the CAC can be obtained at www.mcagov.org or at MCAG, 369 W. 18th Street, Merced. For more information, please contact Stacie Dabbs at (209)723-3153 x 308 or [email protected].

MCAG is the regional transportation planning agency and metropolitan planning organization for Merced County. In addition to regional transportation planning, MCAG also manages The Bus, YARTS and the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority. For more information, visit www.mcagov.org.

## PH: 209.723.3153 FAX: 209.723.0322 www.mcagov.org 369 W, 18th Street Merced, Ca. 93540

ITEM 13f

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: STACIE DABBS, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

RE: FINAL DRAFT 2016 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

BACKGROUND

The Public Participation Plan (PPP) is intended to give MCAG and its member agency staff guidance for public involvement and interagency consultation in the regional planning process. It contains procedures and strategies MCAG uses to initiate, seek and foster greater public involvement in all of the agency’s transportation planning activities. MCAG’s documented participation plan defines a process for providing reasonable opportunities to be involved in the regional and metropolitan planning processes. UPDATE The current MCAG Public Participation Plan was adopted in 2008 and amended in 2011. The key additions to the draft 2016 plan are the new priorities and public involvement guidance outlined in Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act which was signed into law in December 2015, and Senate Bill 375 (2008) which requires a separate Outreach Strategy and Public Participation Plan for the Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy, respectively.

The draft document went through a 45-day public review and comment period that began on July 22, 2016 and concluded on September 6, 2016. A public hearing was held on August 18, 2016 at the MCAG Governing Board meeting at which time no comments were received, nor were any other comments received during the comment period.

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt the 2016 Public Participation Plan. Attachment: DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan

2016 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FINAL DRAFT September 9, 2016

Public Review and Comment Period: July 22, 2016 to September 6, 2016

MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS 369 W. 18TH STREET MERCED, CA 95340 (209)723-3153 WWW.MCAGOV.ORG

MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS 2016 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction 1 About Merced County Association of Governments ……………………………………………………….. 1 Purpose of the Public Participation Plan …………………………………………………………………………. 1 MCAG’s Commitment to Public Participation …………………………………………………………………. 1-2 . II. Federal & State Public Participation Requirements 2 Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act ………………………………………………………… 3 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ……………………………………………………………………………… 3 The Brown Act ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3-4 Americans with Disabilities Act ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 2008 California Legislation ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Other Requirements ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

III. Opportunities for Public Engagement 5 MCAG’s Boards and Committees ……………………………………………………………………………………. 5-6 Valleywide Committees ……………………………………………………………………………………………………6-7

IV. Project or Plan Specific Public Participation Requirements 7 Regional Transportation Plan …………………………………………………………………………………………. 7-9 Federal Transportation Improvement Program ………………………………………………………………. 9 Federal Transit Administration Program of Projects – Public Participation Requirements ………………………………………………………………………………. 9-12 Annual Listing of Obligated Projects ……………………………………………………………………………….. 12 Air Quality Conformity Public and Interagency Consultation …………………………………………… 12-13 Intergovernmental Review via Regional and State Information Clearinghouses ………..……. 13 Overall Work Program (OWP) …………………………………………………………………………………………. 13 Unmet Transit Needs Assessment …………………………………………………………………………………… 13-14

V. Public Participation Plan Evaluation & Updates 14

VI. Public Participation Strategies 15

APPENDIX A: 2014 Regional Transportation Plan Outreach Strategy and Sustainable Communities Strategies Public Participation Plan

I. INTRODUCTION About Merced County Association of Governments

As a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) addresses issues of mutual concern to the county and the cities in the Merced County region, and satisfies federal and state transportation planning and programming mandates. MCAG provides a forum for planning, discussion, and study of area-wide issues, prepares and adopts regional plans and programs, serves as the regional agency for federal and state transportation programs and funding opportunities and addresses other area-wide issues based on the desires of the member jurisdictions. MCAG represents its member agencies as planner, programmer, and broker in developing an efficient and effective inter-modal transportation system that provides for the mobility needs of people, goods, and services while protecting the environment.

MCAG and its member agencies are responsible for determining policy, adopting plans and programs, and awarding funds to implement these plans. This procedural document is intended to give the MCAG Governing Board and member agency staff guidance for public involvement and interagency consultation in the regional planning process. It contains procedures and strategies MCAG uses to initiate, seek and foster greater public involvement in all of the agency’s transportation planning activities. MCAG’s documented participation plan defines a process for providing reasonable opportunities to be involved in the regional and metropolitan planning processes. Purpose of the Public Participation Plan

MCAG developed this Public Participation Plan (PPP) as a guide to meeting the MPO requirements for early coordination, public involvement and project development. The PPP is intended to provide direction for public participation activities conducted by MCAG and contains the requirements, procedures, strategies and techniques used by MCAG to communicate with the public and appropriate affected agencies. This plan defines a process that outlines roles, responsibilities and key decision points for consulting with affected public agencies and other interested parties, and providing reasonable opportunities to be involved in the metropolitan transportation planning process. MCAG’s Commitment to Public Participation

Commitment 1: Early Engagement

• Provide adequate public notice of public participation activities and opportunities, and time for public review and comment at key decision points, including but not limited to, a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) and the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP); • Provide timely notice and reasonable access to information about MCAG’s issues and processes.

Commitment 2: Access to All

• Employ visualization techniques to describe the RTP and FTIP;

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 1 • Make public information (technical information and meeting notices) available in electronically accessible formats and means, such as the internet; • Hold public meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times; • Consider the needs of those traditionally underserved by existing transportation systems, such as low-income and minority households, who may face challenges accessing employment and other services; • No individual shall, on the basis or grounds of disability, race, age or sex, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities, or be subjected to discrimination by MCAG.

Commitment 3: Response to Public Comment

• Demonstrate explicit consideration and response to public input received during the development of the RTP and FTIP; • Forward all formal public comments to the MCAG Governing Board or appropriate committee for consideration during decision making.

Commitment 4: Open Communication

• Provide additional opportunity for public comment, if the final RTP or FTIP differs significantly from the version that was made available for public comment by MCAG and raises new material issues which interested parties could not reasonably have foreseen from the public involvement efforts; • Coordinate with statewide transportation planning public involvement and consultation processes.

Commitment 5: Review

• Periodically review the effectiveness of the procedures and strategies contained in this PPP to ensure a full and open participation process.

II. FEDERAL AND STATE REQUIREMENTS Developing an effective PPP involves the identification of techniques designed to meet the needs of a given situation relating to the development of a transportation plan, program, or project. Current federal and state statutes and regulations provide general guidelines for public involvement processes and procedures. There is great flexibility available to transportation planning agencies in developing specific public involvement and participation plans. However, while the set of techniques for any given situation may differ depending upon such factors as demographics and identified potential impacts, the general approach contains elements that are relevant and responsible to all communities. This information is provided to help practitioners identify legal requirements related to engaging the public that were created to protect and promote good practices. Phrases are provided from statue, regulation

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 2 and executive orders relating to different aspects of engaging the public. To understand the broader context of those requirements, MCAG encourages interested parties to refer to the complete statue, regulation or executive order. Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act

New federal surface transportation legislation, known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, (H.R. 22), signed into law in December 2015, underscore the need for public involvement. The law requires metropolitan planning organizations such as MCAG to “provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of public transportation agency employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transportation, representatives of users of pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities, representatives of the disabled, public ports and certain private providers of transportation, including intercity bus operators and employer-based commuting programs and other interested parties” with a reasonable opportunity to comment on transportation plans and programs. In addition, MPOs should consult with agencies and officials responsible for tourism and natural disaster risk reduction in developing plans and TIPs.

The FAST Act also requires MCAG - when developing the RTP and TIP – to coordinate transportation plans with expected growth, economic development, environmental protection and other related planning activities with the region. Toward that end, this PPP outlines key decision points for consulting with affected local, regional, state and federal agencies. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that transportation planning and programming be non- discriminatory on the bases of race, color, national origin or disability. The federal statue was further clarified and supplemented by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and a series of federal statues enacted in the 1990s relating to the concept of environmental justice. The fundamental principles of environmental justice include:

• Avoiding, minimizing or mitigating disproportionately high and adverse health or environmental effects on minority and low-income populations; • Ensuring full and fair participation by all potentially affected communities in the transportation decision-making process; and • Preventing the denial, reduction or significant delay in the receipt of benefits by minority populations and low-income communities.

The Brown Act (State of California Government Code Sections 54950-54962)

The Ralph M. Brown Act governs the meeting and actions of governing boards of local public agencies and their created bodies. Requirements of the Brown Act also apply to any committee or other subsidiary body of a local agency, whether permanent or temporary, decision-making or advisory, which

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 3 is created by such a governing board. The Brown Act sets minimum standards for open meetings relative to access to the public, location of meetings, notice posting, agenda distribution, and public input. The public agency may adopt reasonable regulations ensuring the public’s right to address the agency, including regulations to limit the total amount of time allocated for public testimony. The MCAG Governing Board and its standing committees adhere to these requirements involving proper noticing, access and the ability to address the Board and committees.

Due to time constraints, unscheduled comments by the public may be limited to 3 minutes in length, however the agency encourages interested citizens to provide written copies of presentations to the Board or committees, particularly if the statement is too long to be presented in its entirety. Citizens able to attend the meetings may submit their concerns and ideas in writing to staff, who will then present the comments to the respective Boards and/or committees in either a written or oral format. Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) stipulates involving the community, particularly those with disabilities, in the development and improvement of services. All events held for programs or projects with federal aid and open to the general public must be made accessible to everyone, including the disabled.

MCAG complies with the ADA by providing accessible formats, notifications and locations for workshops, meetings and public hearings, consulting with individuals from the disabled community, conducting outreach by maintaining an extensive contact/email lists, and by other means of notification and accommodation to participate in the planning process. 2008 California Legislation

State law (SB 375, Steinberg, Chapter 728, 2008 Statutes) calls on agencies such as MCAG to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategy – a new element of the Regional Transportation Plan – to integrate planning for growth and housing with long-range transportation investments, to strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks. The law also calls for a separate Outreach Strategy and Public Participation Plan for the development of the Regional Transportation Plan and the Sustainable Communities Strategy, respectively. Appendix A contains the Outreach Strategy and Public Participation Plan for MCAG’s long-range transportation plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy. Other Requirements

A number of other federal and state laws call on MCAG to involve and notify the public in its decisions. MCAG complies with all other public notification requirements of the California Public Records Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, as well as other applicable state and federal laws.

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 4 III. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT MCAG’s Boards and Committees

Below are descriptions of each of MCAG’s standing or advisory boards, committees and commissions. They offer the organization an excellent opportunity for expanding public participation opportunities during the transportation planning process. This is accomplished not only by active membership but also by presentations made before them and attendance at open meetings. To find out more about each group, who staffs them and how to get involved with the work they are doing, contact MCAG at (209)723-3153, email Public Information Officer, Stacie Dabbs at [email protected] or visit the MCAG website at www.mcagov.org.

Citizens Advisory Committee

The 17-member Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) provides policy and program recommendations directly to the MCAG Governing Board. It is comprised of private sector individuals who are appointed by the MCAG Governing Board to serve based on the geographic location of their home or business and their work experience. According to the CAC by-laws, no member of the CAC can be an elected official in Merced County. The CAC meets at 8:30am on the first Friday of every month at MCAG.

MCAG Governing Board

The Governing Board establishes policy and guides MCAG’s work programs. It is an 11-member board that includes the supervisor for each of Merced County’s five districts and an elected official from each of the six incorporated cities in Merced County: City of Atwater, City of Dos Palos, City of Gustine, City of Livingston, City of Los Banos, and City of Merced. The board also serves as the Board of Directors for the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority and the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County. The Governing Board typically meets at 3:00pm on the third Thursday of every month at various locations throughout Merced County. For information about a specific meeting date and location, call MCAG at (209)723-3153.

Social Services Transportation Advisory Council

The purpose of Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC) is to solicit the input of transit dependent and transit disadvantaged persons, including the elderly, disabled, low-income persons, and youth regarding transit needs in Merced County. Members of the SSTAC are appointed by the MCAG Governing Board, representing a broad range of service providers representing the elderly, handicapped, and persons of limited means. In the appointment of council members, MCAG strives to attain geographic and minority representation. The SSTAC is convened annually, at minimum, for the Unmet Transit Needs process as required by the Transportation Development Act. The SSTAC is convened annually, at minimum, for the Unmet Transit Needs process as required by the Transportation Development Act.

Technical Planning Committee

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 5 The Technical Planning Committee is a seven-member ad-hoc committee composed of professional municipal employees from each of the jurisdictions in Merced County. This committee provides recommendations on issues to the MCAG Governing Board by way of the Technical Review Board. Each jurisdiction selects a staff person to serve on the committee.

Technical Review Board

The Technical Review Board (TRB) is comprised of the city managers from each of the six cities in the region and the executive officer of Merced County. The TRB provides recommendations on policies and programs directly to the MCAG Governing Board. TRB meetings are held at 12:00pm on the second Wednesday of the month at various locations throughout the county. For information about a specific TRB meeting, contact MCAG at (209)723-3153. Valleywide Committees

MCAG staff is actively involved with Valleywide committees comprised of staff from the eight MPOs in the San Joaquin Valley. These groups meet regularly on issues of mutual interest and/or of regional concern. In addition to the committees listed below, the San Joaquin Valley MPOs are also active in the state’s high-speed rail efforts, promotion of State Route 99, goods movement through the region, RTP/SCS development and other areas of regional significance. Together, the eight valley MPOs have developed and contribute to a San Joaquin Valley Council of Governments website: www.sjvcogs.org.

Model Coordinating Committee

The Model Coordinating Committee (MCC) has been established to provide a coordinated approach to valley air quality, conformity and transportation modeling issues. The committee’s goal is to ensure Valleywide coordination, communication and compliance with federal and state Clean Air Act requirements. Each of the eight valley MPOs and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) are represented, as well as, the Federal Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board and Caltrans.

Programming Coordination Group

The Programming Coordination Group has been established to provide a coordinated approach to valley air quality, conformity and transportation programming issues. The committee’s goal is to ensure Valleywide coordination, communication and compliance with federal and state Clean Air Act requirements. Each of the eight valley MPOs and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) are represented, as well as, the Federal Highway Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board and Caltrans.

San Joaquin Valley Greenprint Planning Process Steering & Technical Advisory Committees

The Greenprint Planning Process addresses rural land management challenges and opportunities that deepen our understanding of the land, water and living resources in the region and assures that those resources continue to benefit the region economically and environmentally for future generations. The

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 6 Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee work to assemble the perspectives of the residents of the San Joaquin Valley into a shared vision, and to identify a series of strategies for the conservation and management of the region’s land, water and living resources. These strategies are being developed with extensive public input and will be based on sound science and economics. The resulting Greenprint can then serve as a guide to local, state, federal and private sector decision makers as they make choices about the futures of the San Joaquin Valley’s resources.

San Joaquin Valley Regional Planning Agencies Directors’ Committee

The Directors’ Committee is comprised of the Executive Directors from each of the eight MPOs in the San Joaquin Valley. This committee was formed to provide regular opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern to all of the valley MPOs. Meetings are typically held at 10:00am on the first Thursday of the month at various locations throughout the valley. The meeting schedule, as well as, agendas and minutes can be found at www.sjvcogs.org.

San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council

The San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council is a sixteen-member council that was established to discuss and build valleywide consensus on issues of regional significance in the San Joaquin Valley. The Council consists of two elected officials and one alternate appointed from each of the eight MPO governing boards, and exists to provide guidance on common interregional policy issues and to represent the San Joaquin Valley at public forums with the California Transportation Commission, the Governor and his administration, as well as, state and federal legislative bodies that requires a common voice from the San Joaquin Valley. Meeting agendas, minutes and information about the Council are available at www.sjvcogs.org.

IV. PROJECT OR PLAN SPECIFIC PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

There are two key transportation initiatives that are specifically called out in federal law as needing early and continuing opportunities for public participation – development of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and the Federal Transportation Improvement Plan (FTIP). The long-range RTP and Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) prioritizes and guides all Merced County regional transportation development over 20-25 years. The FTIP is the programming document that identifies funding for those programs and projects that are included in the RTP/SCS. Regional Transportation Plan

The RTP is the comprehensive guide for transportation investments (transit, highway, local roads, bicycle, and pedestrian projects), and establishes the financial foundation for how the region invests in its surface transportation system by identifying how much money is available to address critical

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 7 transportation needs and setting the policy on how projected revenue will be spent. The RTP is generally updated every four years with the opportunity for amendments as needed.

Due to its comprehensive, long-term vision, the RTP provides the easiest and best opportunity for interested residents and public agencies to influence MCAG’s policy and investment priorities for transportation in Merced County. It is at the RTP development state where investment priorities and major planning-level project design concepts are established and broad, regional impacts of transportation on the environment are addressed. Under California Senate Bill 375 (Steinberg, Chapter 728, 2008 Statutes), the RTP must include a SCS to integrate planning for growth and housing with long- range transportation investments, including goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for cars and light trucks.

Opportunities for public participation with the RTP are different for RTP updates compared to RTP amendments. RTP updates include significant revisions to the RTP document while RTP amendments are generally specific to project scopes, schedules or costs.

RTP Update

The RTP update reflects reaffirmed or new planning priorities and changing projections of growth and travel demand based on a reasonable forecast of future revenues available to the region. As necessary, MCAG prepares two technical companion documents for RTP updates: a program-level Environmental Impact Report per California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, and transportation air quality conformity analyses (to ensure clean air mandates are met) per federal Clean Air Act requirements. Certain revisions to the RTP may warrant a revision or update to these technical documents, as well as an amendment to FTIP.

In general, outreach for RTP updates include public meetings, workshops and surveys during the RTP development period to solicit public dialogue and comments on the RTP process including, but not limited to topics and issues such as:

• Overview of the planning process • RTP goals, objectives, performance indicators • RTP project lists • RTP funding scenarios • Legally noticed public comment period on the Draft RTP update (the length of the public comment period is generally 30 days) • Legally noticed public hearing

The RTP and SB 375 call for a separate Public Participation Plan that specifically addresses outreach for the RTP and the SCS. Appendix A includes MCAG’s RTP/SCS Public Participation Plan that details strategies MCAG uses to communicate with nontraditional and traditional audiences to include them in the transportation planning process.

RTP Amendment

An amendment is a major revision to a long-range RTP, including adding or deleing a project, major changes in project costs, and/or design concept and scope (e.g. changing project locations, open to traffic dates, or the number of through traffic lanes). An amendment requires public review and

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 8 comment, demonstration that the project can be completed based on expected funding, and/or a finding that the change is consistent with federal transportation conformity mandates. Amendments that require an update to the air quality conformity analysis will be subject to conformity and interagency consultation procedures. Changes to projects that are included in the financially unconstrained portion of the RTP (as information only) do not require an amendment.

RTP Administrative Modification

An administrative modification is a revision to the RTP for minor changes to project/project phase costs, or funding sources. It does not require public review and comment, demonstration that the project can be completed based on expected funding, nor a finding that the change is consistent with federal transportation conformity requirements. As such, the public participation process for RTP administrative modifications follows the requirements as outlined for the FTIP, as applicable. Federal Transportation Improvement Program

The Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) implements the policy and investment priorities expressed by the public and adopted by MCAG in the RTP. In this way, public comments made as part of the RTP are reflected in the FTIP as well. The FTIP covers a four-year timeframe and all projects included in the FTIP must be consistent with the RTP. The FTIP is a comprehensive listing of Merced County area surface transportation projects including transit, highway, local roadway, bicycle and pedestrian investments that:

• Receive federal funds, or are • Subject to a federal required action, or are • Regionally significant, for federal air quality conformity purposes.

The FTIP includes a financial plan that demonstrates there are sufficient revenues to ensure that the funds committed (or programmed) to the projects are available to implement the projects or project phases. Adoption of the FTIP also requires a finding of conformity with federal transportation air quality conformity mandates.

The FTIP is updated every two years with amendments occurring as needed. FTIP “updates” or “adoptions” are generally considered similar to the Type 5 amendment (see below), and follow a similar public participation process. For FTIP amendments, FHWA identifies six types, each with specific participation requirements as indicated below.

Expedited Project Selection Procedures (EPSP) allow eligible projects to be moved between FTIP fiscal years as long as the project cost and scope do not change. MCAG staff is federally authorized to utilize EPSP without additional state or federal approval action. MCAG does not require a formal public participation process for EPSP actions. A more detailed description of the EPSP is available from MCAG staff upon request and is incorporated into the FTIP document.

Federal rules allow MPOs to group or combine projects that are not considered to be of appropriate scale for individual listing. Such groups are often referred to as “Grouped Projects” also previously

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 9 referred to as “Lump Sums.” MCAG uses this ability to program Grouped Projects within the FTIP. Such projects may be grouped by function (e.g. bike lanes), work type (e.g. maintenance), or geographical area. Once grouped, the MPO is required to maintain, outside the FTIP, a detailed list of projects contained in each group called a “Grouped Projects Detailed Listing.”

Modifications to the projects or costs within the Grouped Projects Detailed Listings are conducted on an as needed basis and do not require a formal public participation process. However, any changes to the overall Grouped Project costs or scope are done in accordance with the amendment types below. Grouped Projects Detailed Listings are made available through the MCAG website and distributed to Caltrans and FHWA.

FTIP Technical Corrections

Technical corrections may be made by MCAG staff as necessary. Technical corrections are not subject to an administrative modification or an amendment and may include revisions such as:

• Changes to information and projects that are included only for illustrative purposes; • Changes to information outside of the FTIP period; • Changes to information not required to be included in the FTIP per federal regulations; • Changes to correct simple errors or omissions including data entry errors.

These technical corrections cannot significantly impact the cost, scope or schedule within the FTIP period, nor will they be subject to a public review and comment process, re-demonstration of fiscal constraint, or a conformity determination.

Amendment Type 1 – Administrative Modifications

Administrative modifications include minor changes to project cost, schedule, or funding sources and do not require published public notices, public review and comment, or a public hearing with the exception of certain types of Federal Transit Administration Projects which must go through a formal amendment process. Administrative modifications only require approval by MCAG. State and federal agencies are notified, but do not take approval action on administrative modifications. Administrative modifications do not require re-demonstration of fiscal constraint or conformity determination. These modifications are posted on MCAG’s website at the time of action and subsequently posted on Caltrans’ website.

Amendment Type 2 – Formal Amendment: Funding Changes

Type 2 formal amendments primarily include project cost changes that are greater than minor changes identified under administrative modifications procedures. The projects in a Type 2 formal amendment do not change in design concept or scope and the conformity analysis years as assumed for the regional analysis of the currently conforming RTP/SCS and the FTIP remain unchanged. Type 2 formal amendments do not require published public notices or a public hearing, with the exception of certain types of Federal Transit Administration Projects. These

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 10 amendments require approval by MCAG, Caltrans and FHWA/FTA. Publicly accessible notification of a Type 2 formal amendment is posted on MCAG’s website at least 7 days prior to action and distributed to local agency partners through MCAG’s standing committees. MCAG will consider public comments on the amendment prior to approval action.

Amendment Type 3 – Formal Amendment: Exempt Projects

Type 3 formal amendments significantly revise, add or delete projects to/from the FTIP that are exempt from regional air quality emissions analyses or are non-regionally significant projects or project phases. These amendments typically include transit or safety projects. Type 3 formal amendments require approval by MCAG, Caltrans and FHWA/FTA. Public notification of a Type 3 formal amendment is posted on MCAG’s website at least 7 days prior to action and distributed to local agency partners through MCAG’s standing committees. Type 3 formal amendments do not require published public notices or a public hearing, with the exception of certain types of Federal Transit Administration Projects. MCAG will consider public comments on the amendment prior to approval action.

Amendment Type 4 – Formal Amendment: Conformity Determination that Relies on a Previous Regional Emissions Analysis

Type 4 formal amendments primarily include adding or deleing projects that have already been appropriately modeled for air quality purposes as part of the adopted RTP/SCS. In this case, the federal approving agencies can use a previous analysis of the project’s impact on air quality for approval purposes. Type 4 formal amendments may be accompanied by an RTP/SCS amendment to maintain consistency. The FTIP amendment and RTP/SCS amendment (if applicable) follow the same public process. Type 4 formal amendments require approval by MCAG, Caltrans, and FHWA/FTA.

Public notification of a Type 4 formal amendment includes the following:

• Legally noticed 30-day public comment period • Legally noticed public hearing • Posting of amendment information on MCAG’s website during public comment period • Publishing amendment information as part of the following publicly available MCAG agendas: Technical Review Board and MCAG Governing Board • Consideration and response to public comments received during comment period

Amendment Type 5 – Formal Amendment: Conformity Determination and New Regional Emissions Analysis

Type 5 formal amendments are the highest level amendment and primarily involve deleting or adding new projects that must be modeled for their impacts, or significantly changing the design, concept, scope or schedule of an existing project. Type 5 formal amendments require an Air Quality Conformity document that demonstrates conformity with applicable air quality

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 11 requirements and a new regional emissions analysis. An RTP amendment may be needed to maintain consistency. The FTIP amendment, Air Quality Conformity document, and RTP amendment (if application) follow the same public process. Type 5 formal amendments require action by MCAG, Caltrans and FHWA.

Public notification of Type 5 formal amendments include:

As required by federal law and guidance, a Program of Projects (POP) for FTA projects must be developed by the Designated Recipient of FTA funds. The POP is a list of proposed FTA funded projects that must undergo a public review process. Guidance provided by FTA allows the FTIP to function as the POP as long as the public is notified through public notice that the FTIP public review process satisfies the public participation requirements of the POP. Once the FTIP is approved, the document will function as the POP for recipients of FTA funds in the MCAG region.

This public participation plan follows the procedures for public involvement associated with the FTIP development and therefore satisfies public participation requirements for the POP. More specifically, this plan satisfies the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County’s public participation for the POP. All public notices of public involvement activities and time established or public review and comment on the FTIP will state that they satisfy the POP requirements for FTA programs. Annual Listing of Obligated Projects

By federal requirement, at the end of each calendar year MCAG publishes an annual listing of obligated projects which is a record of project delivery for the previous year. The listing is also intended to increase the awareness of government spending on transportation projects to the public. Copies of this annual listing may be obtained from MCAG’s website at www.mcagov.org. Hard copies are also available upon request by contacting MCAG at (209)723-3153. Air Quality Conformity Public and Interagency Consultation

A dialogue between agencies regarding air quality conformity considerations must take place in certain instances prior to adoption of the RTP/SCS or FTIP. These consultations are conducted through the San Joaquin Valley Interagency Consultation Group which includes representatives of the United States

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 12 Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, the eight San Joaquin Valley MPOs, and Caltrans. These agencies review updates and, in certain instances, amendments to the RTP/SCS and FTIP to ensure they comply to federal transportation conformity regulations via air quality transportation conformity analysis. Intergovernmental Review via Regional and State Information Clearinghouses

The intent of intergovernmental review, per Executive Order 12372, is to ensure that the Merced County region’s federally funded or assisted projects do not inadvertently interfere with state and local plans and priorities. Applicants in Merced County with programs and/or projects for intergovernmental review should submit documentation to MCAG and/or the State Clearinghouse in Sacramento (as required by Executive Order 12372) which are responsible for coordinating state and local review of applications for federal grants or loans. Overall Work Program (OWP)

The OWP is a critical document for the scheduling and distribution of work, especially the allocation of resources needed to address each task required of MCAG. In effect, the OWP constitutes a set of instructions for the planning and programming work to be carried out by staff or consultants each year. Throughout the course of each year, MCAG staff works with local agencies, Caltrans, other transportation planning agencies, other public and private associations and the general public, independently and through MCAG committees to develop the program for the year. A draft of the OWP is taken through the MCAG committee process with a final adoption by the Governing Board typically occurring in May. Unmet Transit Needs Assessment

Each year, pursuant to the Transportation Development Act (TDA) requirements, MCAG, as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) and MPO for Merced County, is required to identify any unmet transit needs that may exist in the Merced County region. Should any unmet transit needs be identified, a further determination must be made to establish whether or not those needs are reasonable to meet. In accordance with state law, TDA funds must be allocated first to unmet transit needs, which are found to be reasonable to meet, before any remaining funds can be distributed to local jurisdictions for non- transit purposes. At the conclusion of each Unmet Transit Needs process, the MCAG Governing Board must adopt a resolution making one of the following three findings:

1. There are no unmet transit needs; 2. There are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to meet; 3. There are unmet transit needs, including transit needs that are reasonable to meet.

Under TDA regulations, the Unmet Transit Needs Assessment must include the following elements:

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 13 • An annual assessment of the size and location of identifiable groups likely to be transit dependent or transit disadvantaged, including but not limited to, the elderly, the handicapped, including individuals eligible for paratransit and other special transportation services, and persons of limited means, including but not limited to, recipients under the CalWORKs program; • An analysis of the adequacy of existing public transportation services and specialized transportation services, including privately and publicly owned services; and • An analysis of the potential alternative public transportation services and specialized transportation services, including privately and publicly owned services.

To further implement the Unmet Transit Needs Assessment process, the MCAG Governing Board has adopted definitions for both “unmet transit needs” and “reasonable to meet” which are reviewed every annually in compliance with the TDA requirements. All unmet transit needs identified during the annual Unmet Transit Needs Assessment process are reviewed by the Social Services Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC).

Public participation is an important component of the Unmet Transit Needs process. The TDA requires MCAG to hold at least one public hearing for the purpose of receiving public input regarding potential unmet transit needs in the region. Although the TDA only requires MCAG to hold one public hearing, staff makes the effort to go beyond the minimum requirements to provide public hearings throughout the region. Public notice of the hearings, including the date, time, location and specific purpose is provided at-least 30 days in advance of the meeting through publication in one or more newspapers of general circulation, including a Spanish language publication. Written notification is also provided to those persons and organizations that have indicated an interest in the unmet transit needs process, including private social service agencies and public transit operators that are represented on the SSTAC.

Public hearings are held to give members of the public the opportunity to identify potential unmet transit needs in the region. After the conclusion of a hearing(s), a report is prepared that addresses the three required Unmet Transit Needs Assessment elements listed above, analyzes any identified unmet transit need with the definition of “reasonable to meet,” and provides a recommended finding for the Governing Board to adopt. Any new comments received after the public hearing, or during the Governing Board’s meeting to adopt the Unmet Transit Needs finding, are assessed during the subsequent year’s Unmet Transit Needs Assessment process.

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN EVALUATION & UPDATES MCAG’s Public Participation Plan is not a static document, but an on-going strategy that will be periodically reviewed and updated based on experiences and the changing circumstances of the agency and the transportation community it serves. This plan may be subject to occasional minor changes. Any major updates will include a review by MCAG’s formal committees and Governing Board, a public hearing and a 45-day public review and comment period.

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 14 VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION STRATEGIES MCAG uses several strategies to provide interested parties with reasonable opportunities be involved in the transportation planning process. Staff understands the importance of educating members of the public on MCAG’s mission and an overview of the issues/projects under consideration prior to involvement in planning activities.

Below is a list of participation strategies that serves as a menu for MCAG staff to use in the development of specific outreach strategies for each plan/program on a case-by-case basis. The following list is not exclusive, meaning additional strategies may be identified for specific projects or circumstances.

Public Workshops/Meetings

• Participate in or speak at meetings of existing agencies/community groups • Co-host workshops with community groups, business associations, etc. • Partner with community-based organizations in low-income and minority communities for targeted outreach • Various format types: o Open houses o Facilitated discussions o Question and Answer sessions o Break-out sessions for smaller group discussions o Interactive exercises o Customized presentations Visualization Techniques

• Maps • Charts, graphics, illustrations, photographs • Table-top displays and models • Web content and interactive games • Electronic voting • PowerPoint slide shows and/or videos

Polls/Surveys

• Electronic surveys • Intercept interviews where people congregate, such as transit hubs • Printed surveys distributed at meetings, community events, etc.

Focus Groups

• Recruit participants by interest area or area of expertise/field • Recruit participants randomly/voluntarily through an open public recruitment process

Printed Material

• User-friendly documents, including use of executive summaries and simplified language

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 15 • Post cards • Maps, charts, photographs, and other visual meals of displaying information • Translated material into Spanish, or other languages as deemed appropriate

Targeted Distribution (Mail/Email)

• Work with community-based organization to deliver material to community members, businesses and schools • Mail/Email to targeted contact lists – either MCAG’s, and outside agency’s or purchased • Distribute flyers to key community organizations • Place notices on monitors inside transit vehicles and at transit hubs

Local Media

• News releases and press advisories • Submit human interest stories that center around MCAG projects • Invite reporters to public hearings, etc • Meet with editorial staff • Opinion pieces/commentaries • Purchase display ads or radio spots • Participate in or place speakers on radio/tv talk shows • Public Service Announcements • Include minority media outlets in all activities listed above

Electronic Access to Information

• Keep website updated with current content and simplified layouts • Audio/video of current and past public meetings/workshops • Electronic duplication of open house/workshop material • Online access to maps, charts, plans, etc • Post event/meeting information on website calendars

Newsletters

• MCAG’s monthly electronic newsletter • Submit articles for publication in community/corporate/online newsletters

Public Notification Tools

• Email blasts for e-newsletters, press releases • Social media accounts • Printed materials • Electronic access to information • Local media • Notices placed in local papers, on MCAG’s website and distributed through the media • Public utility bill inserts

Other Outreach Techniques

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 16 • Information/comment tables or booths at community events and public gathering places • Form public review committee during plan development to review documents for readability • Form a public outreach committee to include representatives from interested member agencies and community groups

Merced County Association of Governments DRAFT 2016 Public Participation Plan | 17

Appendix A Regional Transportation Plan Outreach Strategy including a Sustainable Community Strategy Participation Plan

Regional Transportation Plan Outreach Strategy

including a

Sustainable Communities Strategy Participation Plan

September 2012

Merced County Association of Governments 369 West 18th St., Merced CA 95340 Phone: 209-723-3153 Fax: 209-723-0322 Website: mcagov.org Email: [email protected]

Introduction

The Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) is required by federal and state law to prepare a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), and the RTP is required by Senate Bill 375 (SB 375) to contain a new element called a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) or an Alternative Planning Strategy (APS).

The RTP is MCAG’s long-range plan which specifies the policies, projects, and programs necessary over a 25 year period to maintain, manage, and improve the region’s transportation systems. The purpose of the SCS is to demonstrate how a feasible combination of future land use patterns and transportation investments can result in greenhouse gas emission reductions that meet targets set by the California Air Resources Board. If the targets cannot be met, an APS must be prepared. An APS does not need to meet feasibility standards.

MCAG will soon begin developing the RTP, including extensive public outreach, with adoption in about a year – in the Fall of 2013. As part of the RTP, MCAG will also be preparing an SCS for the first time.

SCS Participation Plan

MCAG is required by SB 375 to adopt a public participation plan for development of the SCS / APS. This document includes that required plan – see the next section. It includes all of the required elements of state law. Additionally, this document outlines the specific strategies that MCAG will use in outreach for not only the SCS but the RTP, which the SCS is a part of.

MCAG is also working with its seven sister agencies in the San Joaquin Valley (“Valley” or “SJV”) on a Valleywide Outreach Strategy. Most of the agencies have a similar timeframe for their RTP and SCS adoption, and have joined forces to share some common tasks, while retaining their individual processes.

Note that this document is complementary to MCAG’s Public Participation Plan (PPP), which was last updated in September 2011 and is available on the MCAG website or on request. However this document is not the same as the PPP, nor is it a part of it. This document concerns the 2012-2013 RTP/SCS cycle specifically, whereas MCAG’s Public Participation Plan details how MCAG meets Federal and State requirements for public participation in all aspects of transportation planning.

To summarize, this document serves two purposes:

• Regional Transportation Plan Outreach Strategy • Public participation plan for development of the Sustainable Communities Strategy

There are two closely related documents:

• MCAG’s Public Participation Plan (September 2011) • Valleywide SCS Public Outreach Strategy DRAFT (August 28, 2012)

Sustainable Communities Strategy Participation Plan

Meeting or exceeding the requirements of SB 375, MCAG will do all of the following:

1) Notifications: a) Any interested party may make a request to receive notices, information, and updates on the development of the RTP and SCS. That request may be made by: contacting Lori Flanders at [email protected], Matt Fell at [email protected], or either Lori or Matt by phone (209-723-3153) or regular mail (MCAG, 369 West 18th St, Merced CA 95340). Also note that all updates will be posted on the MCAG website at mcagov.org 2) Outreach: a) MCAG will make significant outreach efforts to encourage the active participation of a broad range of stakeholder groups in the planning process, consistent with the agency's adopted Federal Public Participation Plan, including, but not limited to, affordable housing advocates, transportation advocates, neighborhood and community groups, environmental advocates, home builder representatives, broad-based business organizations, landowners, commercial property interests, and homeowner associations. 3) Public Agency Consultation: a) MCAG will consult with transportation agencies, transportation commissions, and other public agencies. (This is also required and documented in MCAG’s full PPP). 4) Public Workshops: a) MCAG will hold several workshops (only one is required by SB 375) during development of the RTP, including the SCS or APS, to provide the public with information and tools necessary to provide a clear understanding of the issues and policy choices. Some of the workshops held in 2013 (dates to be determined) will include urban simulation computer modeling to create visual representation of the SCS or APS. 5) 55+ day review of draft: a) MCAG will prepare and circulate the draft RTP, including the draft SCS or APS, at least 55 days before adopting the final RTP. 6) Info meeting(s): a) MCAG will conduct an informational meeting on the draft RTP and SCS with members of the County Board of Supervisors and the six Cities’ Councils, to consider their input and recommendations. b) A second informational meeting will be held if the first is not attended by representatives of the Board of Supervisors AND City Council members representing a majority of the cities representing a majority of the population in incorporated areas. (Note: any set of four cities including Merced would satisfy the second half). c) Notice of the meeting(s) will be sent to the clerks of all 7 local jurisdictions (the county and the six cities). 7) Public Hearings: a) MCAG will hold at least two publicly noticed public hearings on the draft RTP, including the draft SCS or APS. The hearings will be in different parts of the county.

RTP Outreach Strategy

The MCAG Public Participation Plan describes in detail what the federal and state requirements for public participation are and how MCAG meets and exceeds them. This section instead focuses on the overall strategy and themes that MCAG will use as it prepares the Regional Transportation Plan, including the Sustainable Communities Strategy or Alternative Planning Strategy.

Objectives

• Build awareness and understanding of the RTP and SCS • Gather meaningful input • Reach under-represented groups (Valleywide SCS Outreach will help achieve this)

Key Messages

• The public’s input MATTERS. • The RTP is not just about transportation. • The RTP and SCS position our communities for economic development and future funding opportunities

Tools and Visuals

• Voting “clickers” • Maps and charts “worth a thousand words” • Fact sheets that simplify complex matters • High-tech computer simulations

Electronic Outreach

• “One stop shop” RTP/SCS web page • MCAG Newsletter sent via email • Social media – Facebook and Twitter

Key Groups

• Everyone is invited! • Board of Supervisors and all six City Councils • Municipal Advisory Committees • Chambers of Commerce • Farm Bureau • UC Merced, Merced College, School Districts • Community groups, service clubs, organizations • MCAG standing advisory committees (Citizens Advisory Committee, Technical Planning Committee, Technical Review Board)

Approach

MCAG will go above and beyond the public outreach required by law, including making an extra effort to include traditionally underrepresented groups, and creating a frequently-updated web page where all materials will be made available. We will conduct two main rounds of preliminary public outreach followed by outreach after the draft RTP is released:

• Fall of 2012 – focus on education and visioning o Education . “What is the RTP?” . “What is the SCS?” . “Why do they matter?” o Visioning . Gather input on community values, goals, concerns . Transportation and housing preferences and goals . Specific enough to feed into Round 2 • Spring of 2013 – focus on scenarios and choices o Scenarios . Interactive mapping of future land use . Sets of transportation investments o Choices . Via “clickers” choose options to build scenarios . Explore implications of those choices and trade-offs . “What the MCAG Board has to do” when they select an option • Summer of 2013 – receive comments o Release of draft RTP, SCS/APS, Environmental document (EIR) o About 2 month comment period, including informational meeting with electeds and public hearings. o Adoption in Fall 2013

In addition to this outreach, the San Joaquin Valley COGs have received a grant to help us all do SCS-related outreach. The grant includes assistance with developing materials and preparing and purchasing advertising for workshops and public hearings. Fresno COG is administering this grant for the Valley COGs and they have hired a consultant (MIG).

Evaluation

• Monthly press releases beginning in October 2012, until adoption of RTP • Goal of 250 participants • 25 workshops / presentations over the course of a year

ITEM 14a

TECHNICAL REVIEW BOARD MEETING

August 10, 2016

MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Technical Review Board, held at the City of Gustine, 352 Fifth Street, Gustine, CA was called to order at 12:17 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT Jim Brown, Merced County Darrell Fonseca, City of Dos Palos Sean Scully, City of Gustine Alex Terrazas, City of Los Banos

MEMBERS ABSENT Odi Ortiz, City of Livingston Frank Pietro, City of Atwater Steve Carrigan, City of Merced

OTHERS PRESENT Stacie Dabbs, MCAG staff Tom Dumas, Caltrans Nick Fung, Caltrans Nadia Gonzalez, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Rich Green, Transit staff Chris Kinzel, TJKM Transportation Consultants Stephen Qualls, League of California Cities Jose Antonio Ramirez, Consultant Christina Smith, MCAG staff Brooks Stayer, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Marty Yerrick, Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority

1. Introductions

So noted.

2. Oral Communication

None.

3. Minutes of the June 8, 2016 Technical Review Board meeting

Sean Scully moved to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2016 Technical Review Board meeting. Seconded by Darrell Fonseca. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Caltrans Report

Tom Dumas gave the report from Caltrans.

MERCED COUNTY REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

5. Information/Discussion Only

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 Regional Waste Management Authority Board meeting b. Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority Financial Reports

So noted.

6. Oral Report – Monthly Update

So noted.

7. FY 2015/2016 Fixed Asset Carryover

Jim Brown moved to recommend the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority authorize the carryover of $14,000 from FY 2015/16 fixed assets, increasing the FY 2016/17 fixed asset budget line item from $20,000 to $34,000. Seconded by Darrell Fonseca. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

TRANSIT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY FOR MERCED COUNTY

8. Information/Discussion Only

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County meeting b. Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County Financial Reports

So noted.

9. Oral Report – Monthly Update

So noted.

10. Merced Transpo Center

After a discussion, the Technical Review Board agreed to modify the action as noted below.

Jim Brown moved to recommend the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County direct staff to explore the possible transfer of the Merced Transpo property from the City of Merced to the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County and to come back to the Board with a total cost and revenue update. Seconded by Scott McBride. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. City of Merced Encroachment Permit for Bus Stop Improvements in South Merced

Darrell Fonseca moved to recommend the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County sign the Encroachment Permit. Seconded by Sean Scully. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. State Transit Assistance FY 2015/16 Claim for Quarters 1 and 2 Allocations

Darrell Fonseca moved to recommend the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County submit the FY 2015/16, Quarters 1 and 2 STA Claim Form, in the amount of $535,186, to MCAG. Seconded by Jim Brown. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

13. Consent Agenda

a. FY 2016/2017 Local Transportation Fund Claims b. State Transit Assistance FY 2015/16 Claim for Quarters 1 and 2 Allocations c. Congestion Mitigation Air Quality Policies and Procedures Update

Sean Scully moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Seconded by Jim Brown. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

14. Information/Discussion Only

a. Minutes of the June 30, 2016 MCAG Governing Board meeting b. MCAG 4th Quarter Report c. MCAG Financial Reports d. Draft 2017 Federal Transportation Improvement Program and Draft Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis e. SB 375 Target Setting Letter to California Air Resources Board f. Commute Connection Progress Report – April – June 2016 g. MCAG Newsletter for June and July 2016

So noted.

15. Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

Sean Scully moved to recommend the MCAG Governing Board: a. Direct staff to work with Caltrans, CHP and the Call Box Maintenance Contractor to remove the call Boxes along Highways 99, I-5, and east of Highway 33 on Highway 152 in Merced County, while leaving the location signs and adding “Call 511” signs at each location; and b. Upgrade the remaining call boxes to 3 G cell Phone technology. Seconded by Jim Brown. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. Draft 2016 Public Participation Plan

So noted.

17. Regional Transportation Impact Fee Study - Update

Chris Kinzel of TJKM gave an update on the Regional Transportation Impact Fee Study.

18. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform

Jim Brown moved to recommend the MCAG Governing Board submit comment letters to FHWA regarding the proposed rulemaking by August 26, 2016. Seconded by Sean Scully. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

19. Oral Report – League of California Cities Update

Stephen Qualls gave the League of California Cities report.

20. Oral Report - Jurisdictions

So noted.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 2:01 P.M.

ITEM 14b

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: NATALIA AUSTIN, ANALYST

RE: BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN PLAN UPDATE

BACKGROUND

In 2008, the Complete Streets Act became California Law, requiring cities and counties to ensure their general plans, circulation plans, and related documents account for the needs of all roadway users, including bicyclists and pedestrians. To qualify for funding for projects to improve the safety and convenience for bicyclists and pedestrians, local agencies must first establish eligibility by preparing and adopting an active transportation plan or bicycle transportation plan.

MCAG has promoted bicycle and pedestrian travel for many years. MCAG is offering to assist local jurisdictions with outdated plans to update their plans so they may qualify for grants for bicycle and pedestrian projects.

POTENTIAL FUNDING SOURCES Active Transportation Program (ATP)

The Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created by Senate Bill 99 (Chapter 359, Statutes of 2013) and Assembly Bill 101 (Chapter 354, Statutes of 2013) to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking. The ATP consolidates various transportation programs, including the federal Transportation Alternatives Program, state Bicycle Transportation Account, Recreational Trails projects, and federal and state Safe Routes to School programs into a single program to:

• Increase the proportion of biking and walking trips, • Increase safety for non-motorized users, • Increase mobility for non-motorized users, • Advance the efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, • Enhance public health, including the reduction of childhood obesity through the use of projects eligible for Safe Routes to Schools Program funding, • Ensure disadvantaged communities fully share in program benefits (25% of program), and • Provide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportation users. Program funding is segregated into three components and is distributed as follows:

• 50% to the state for a statewide competitive program; • 10% to small urban and rural regions with populations of 200,000 or less for the small urban and rural area competitive program; and • 40% to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) in urban areas with populations greater than 200,000 for the large urbanized area competitive program.

New programming capacity for the 2017 ATP will be for state fiscal years 2019/20 and 2020/21. Each program must be adopted not later than April 1 of each odd-numbered year; however, the California Transportation Commission may alternatively elect to adopt a program annually.

The ATP will fund infrastructure projects, non-infrastructure projects and plans (in disadvantaged communities only) that encourage increased use of active modes of transportation, such as biking and walking and projects that meet at least one of the program goals. ATP funding may be used to fund the development of community-wide active transportation plans within or, for area-wide plans, encompassing disadvantaged communities, including bike, pedestrian, safe routes to schools, or comprehensive active transportation plans. All plans must comply with the CTC ATP Guidelines. The guidelines are located on the CTC website at: http://www.catc.ca.gov/programs/ATP.htm.

Once the CTC has adopted a program of projects, Caltrans HQ – Division of Transportation Programming will provide the list of approved projects to MPOs. MPOs will amend the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) to include their projects.

REMOVE II

The purpose of the REMOVE II Program funded through the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) is to finance the construction of new bikeway projects to promote clean air through the development of a widespread, interconnected network of bike paths, lanes or routes and improving the general safety conditions for commuter bicyclists for the benefit of commuter bicycling.

Eligible project types and funding for each are identified in the following table:

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program

The Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program is a federal program that provides a flexible funding source for transportation projects and programs that help improve air quality and reduce congestion. MCAG receives about $3 million a year in CMAQ apportioned funding. The Governing Board approves the programming of these CMAQ funds to eligible projects sponsored by the local agencies.

In the past, MCAG had programmed CMAQ funds for a variety of purposes, including bicycle and pedestrian projects.

DISCUSSION

The City of Los Banos has expressed interest in coordinating with MCAG to update its Bike Plan. Since several jurisdictions’ plans are outdated, there is an opportunity for MCAG to help update those plans over time.

Below for your review and comment is a Bike Plan Adoption Schedule which reflects the status of each jurisdiction’s Bike Plan.

Adopted by Adoption/ Status Jurisdiction Renewal Due

City of Atwater Jan 14, 2004 2008/2009 Past Due City of Dos Palos Sept 16, 2008 2013/2014 Past Due City of Gustine Oct 21, 2008 2013/2014 Past Due City of Livingston Nov 15, 2005 2009/2010 Past Due City of Los Banos Oct 18, 2006 2010/2011 Past Due City of Merced Sept 16, 2013 2017/2018 Current Merced County Oct 21, 2008 2012/2013 Past Due Regional

REQUESTED ACTION

For information only.

Merced County Associaon of Governments 369 W. 18th Street, Merced CA 95340 (209)723‐3153

www.mcagov.org

AUGUST 2016 MCAG C L P S M C P‐B‐M R C C Merced County Associaon of Governments Caltrans, along with 5,000 volunteers across California, (MCAG) acng as the Service Authority for Free‐ launched a nine‐month pilot program last week to test out a way Emergencies (SAFE), held a public meeng on pay‐by‐the mile model to possibly replace the gas tax. Rather July 19,2016 at the Los Banos Community Center than charging drivers at the pump for gasoline they use, the to solicit public input on the proposed removal of pilot is exploring the opon of instead charging for the miles call boxes in Merced County. The call box program that they actually drive. is a joint project of MCAG, Caltrans, and the A year aer being directed per Senate Bill 1077 to study a California Highway Patrol in which MCAG manages “road charge,” the state is taking the next steps with this pilot a network of 88 call boxes on Interstate 5 and to explore how a road charge can work in California. The pilot State Routes 99 and 152. The call box program was is part of a broader effort to address opons for stemming the implemented in 2000 to provide motorists in need loss of dwindling gas tax funds, which have been falling over with a 24‐hour direct link to the California Highway Patrol. the past decade as fuel efficiency standards increase and as This program is funded through the collecon of a $1 per year more and more people switch to hybrid or electric vehicles. vehicle registraon fee in Merced County. The dwindling funds leave $5.7 billion of necessary annual “With the prevalence of cell phones today, the call box maintenance to California’s state highway system unfunded. program has become nearly obsolete” said Marjie Kirn, The pilot involves 5,000 volunteer parcipants tesng various Execuve Director of MCAG. “As such, we are proposing that all road charging reporng methods to compare how the perfor‐ call boxes in the county be removed and alternate uses for the mance of each concept measures against an established set of funding as allowed under exisng law, be explored in order to criteria. This trial will inform the state Legislature’s decision on provide our communies with a greater benefit.” whether and how to move forward with a full‐scale A recent amendment to exisng SAFE law authorizes the use of permanent road charge program. the collected fees beyond motorist aid call box systems to At www.californiaroadchargepilot.com you can learn more include traveler informaon systems, intelligent Transportaon about the pilot, opons available to volunteers to measure system architecture and infrastructure, and other transporta‐ their mileage, and how Caltrans is working to gain insight into on demand management services, and safety‐related hazard whether a road charge program is a viable way to generate and obstrucon removal. revenue to support California’s aging transportaon Merced County residents who are interested in providing input infrastructure. on this proposal are encouraged to contact Stacie Dabbs at [email protected] or (209)723‐3153 x 308. For more informaon, please visit www.mcagov.org/101/Services.

T B C 20 A! The Bus celebrated 20 years of consolidated transit service in Merced County on Friday, July 1, 2016 with a community celebra‐ on at the City of Merced Transportaon and Welcome Center that was free and open to the public. The celebratory event brought buses full of community members to the Center where more than a dozen public and non‐profit agency vendors were available with giveaways and informaon for passengers. The Bus staff was on hand to talk about the new routes and schedules, which will take effect August 1st. To mark the occasion, The Bus also provided free service all day on all fixed routes throughout the county. Eddie Lucero of Assembly Member Adam Gray’s office (le) and Frank Quintero with the City of Merced (right) present cerficates to Transit “It was a great opportunity for us to not only celebrate 20 years of Manager Rich Green (center).—July 1, 2016. consolidated transit service, but also to reach out to our passengers and provide informaon about the upcoming changes to routes and schedules ” said Rich Green, Transit Manager. The transit staff would like to extend their appreciaon to all public and non‐profit agencies who aended and made this event such a huge success. For more informaon about The Bus, call (209)723‐3100 or visit www.mercedthebus.com.

Merced County Association of Governments 369 W. 18th Street, Merced CA 95340 (209)723-3153

www.mcagov.org

SEPTEMBER 2016 Draft Public Participation Plan available for review and comment MCAG’s 2016 draft Public Participation Plan (Plan) is available for public review and comment through September 6, 2016. The Plan is a guide to meeting the federal and state Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) requirements for The Bus adds security at the transpo the engagement of stakeholders and the general public in transportation planning activities. It is intended to provide The Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County direction for MCAG’s public outreach efforts and contains the (Authority) has added full time security patrol at the Down- requirements, procedures, strategies and techniques used by town Merced Transpo Center and other bus stops through- MCAG to communicate with the public and appropriate out the countywide transit system. affected agencies throughout the transportation planning process. The private security detail is being provided by Sacramento -based National Security Industries. This security is the This update reflects new requirements and approaches to latest demonstration of The Bus’ commitment to providing addressing public engagement and outreach as identified in riders with a safe and secure public transit experience. The the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act which patrol compliments a network of safety measures and was passed by Congress in December 2015. It also includes an update to the requirements related to Sustainable investments made by the Authority in previous years Communities Strategies as required by SB 375. including the installation of surveillance cameras on every bus and the 24-hour video surveillance at the Transpo The draft document is available for review at the MCAG Center. office, located at 369 W 18th Street, Merced and can also be found on the MCAG website at www.mcagov.org. “The safety and security of our passengers is always our top priority and we believe this additional layer of protec- The 45-day public review and comment period will conclude tion was an important and necessary step to take,” said at 5:00pm on September 6, 2016. Public comments may be Rich Green, Transit Manager. “Luckily, we have not had submitted in writing at the address above, or to [email protected]. All comments received will be any specific threats or major concerns—we put the addi- reviewed and addressed as appropriate prior the Plan being tional security in place to help riders feel safe and to considered for adoption by the MCAG Governing Board at provide them with the best experience possible.” the September 15, 2016 meeting. The new security patrol coincides with The Bus’ hours of For more information, please contact Stacie Dabbs at operation which can be found at www.mercedthebus.com [email protected] or (209) 723-3153 x 308. or by calling The Bus at (209) 723-3100.

DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: Daron McDaniel Director Daron McDaniel currently serves as Merced County Supervisor for District 3. He moved to Merced County 33 years ago when his father was a part of the management team that opened Merced Color Press. He graduated from Merced High School before going on to attend Merced College and California State University, Stanislaus. While raising their family in Atwater, Director McDaniel and his wife Buffy started a charitable foundation that has supported athletic programs throughout the region. The McDaniel's believe deeply in giving back to their community and most recently supported the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Celebration at the Bloss House in Atwater. In addition to running his small business, Director McDaniel has also served on the Peggy Heller and McSwain School Site Councils and as a District Representative for Congressman Jeff Denham. He continues to utilize his broad network of partners and contacts at the state and federal levels to better serve Merced County.

YARTS to begin winter service The California Road Charge Pilot Program schedule October 1st A volunteer’s perspective By: Cindy Kelly The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) will transition to a winter sched- The State of California initiated a nine-month statewide pilot program ule on October 1, 2016 which will conclude to explore road charging as a potential long-term replacement for the summer service from Mammoth Lakes, Sonora, gas tax. Road charging is a funding mechanism where drivers pay to and Fresno for the season. Year-round service maintain the roads based on the miles they drive, rather than the from Merced and Mariposa along Highway 140 amount of gasoline they consume. will continue with a new winter schedule. Summer service from Sonora and Fresno will In June, I was selected as one of the two volunteers to represent resume May 15, 2017. Service from Mammoth Merced County in the California Road Charge pilot program. There are Lakes will begin the first weekend in June. a total of 5,000 volunteers throughout the state of California who are using one of four methods to report vehicle use: YARTS is a regional public transit service that 1. Complete and send in a monthly report provides a year-round alternative to driving to 2. Use your car’s navigation system Yosemite from Merced and Mariposa along High- 3. Use an app for Android or IOS or way 140, and from Highways 120, 395 and 41 4. Use Azuga a Mileage Meter (MM) plug in device. during summer months. YARTS schedules make connections with all intercity transportation I chose the fourth option primarily because I felt it was the most accu- providers in Merced: Amtrak, Greyhound and rate and best suited my needs. Sending in a monthly report seemed Boutique Air at the Merced Airport, and also like too much work, my car doesn't have a navigation system, and connects to transit providers in Mono, Tuolumne using the app wouldn’t be accurate, as it was tied to my phone’s and Fresno Counties during summer operations. location, not my vehicle. The best part of the project is the guidelines For more information about YARTS or the are simple - - -drive your car. seasonal schedules, please visit www.yarts.com or call (877)989-2787. Each week, Azuga sends me a weekly usage summary that shows how much money is left in my “account” (not real money), how many miles I’ve driven, my trip locations, my engine and battery health, my driving score and any events that may have occurred such as idling, hard breaking and speeding.

Over the past three months, I’ve learned several facts about my vehicle usage: my average monthly road charge under this program is about $20.00 (based on miles I’ve driven — fees are calculated at $0.17 cents per mile), I probably drive faster than I should on certain trips and that I can definitely cut down on my idling time. Even though this pilot was initiated to evaluate the feasibility of road usage charge versus a gas tax charge, it provides more valuable information on my vehicle usage and lets me make decisions based on the data my vehicles sends back to Azuga. I can evaluate my trips and look at MCAG SEPTEMBER MEETINGS alternate transportation options. In some cases, there were simple trips where I could’ve walked instead of driving. For longer trips that Citizen’s Advisory Committee - Sept 2, 2016 weren't too far away, I could have taken public transit. Having the Labor Day/Office Closed - September 5, 2016 data in hand helps me make better choices. Technical Review Board meeting - Sept 21, 2016 Governing Board Meeting - September 22, 2016 I still have six months to go as a volunteer in this pilot project and I’m hopeful that my participation will assist in the state’s decision to look STAY CONNECTED! at alternative funding options for California’s growing transportation needs. To receive notifications from MCAG regarding news flashes, bid postings, jobs available and/or For more information on the California Road Charge Pilot Program meeting notices, sign up for customized email or please visit the Caltrans webpage at: text messages from MCAG. Visit www.mcagov.org www.californiaroadchargepilot.com and click on the “Notify Me” icon.

PH: 209.723.3153 FAX: 209.723.0322 www.mcagov.org 369 W. 18th Street Merced, Ca. 95340

August 25, 2016

Gregory G. Nadeau Administrator, Federal Highway Administration United Stated Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

Carolyn Flowers Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration United States Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590

RE: Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform Proposed Rulemaking - Docket No. FHWA-2016-0016

Dear Administrator Nadeau and Acting Administrator Flowers,

Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) strongly opposes the Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform proposed rulemaking (Docket No. FHWA-2016-0016) as jointly released by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). While we agree that Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in neighboring communities should coordinate, the proposed rule radically changes the relationship between these MPOs and will arguably disrupt and complicate progress in areas that have a demonstrated history of successful collaboration. As a result, should this proposed rule move forward despite our objections, we propose a fourth implementation option be added to allow the Governor to grant an exemption to neighboring MPOs who can demonstrate a history of collaboration and an absence of conflict.

MCAG will be affected by this proposed rule as we share the Turlock urbanized area (UZA) with Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG). Not only have MCAG and StanCOG demonstrated the ability and willingness to collaborate and coordinate to solve regional problems as part of the San Joaquin Regional Policy Council, but also more specifically in regards to the shared Turlock UZA since its creation 16 years ago.

For the past decade, San Joaquin Valley MPOs (San Joaquin Council of Governments, Stanislaus Council of Governments, Merced County Association of Governments, Madera County Transportation Commission, Fresno Council of Governments, Kings County Association of Governments, Tulare County Association of Governments and Kern Council of Governments) have met regularly to solve problems through coordinated valleywide collaboration.

Partnering for Regional Solutions

Together, the valley MPOs have successfully tackled regional issues making it a strong collaborative partner, not only within the region but also for California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

With ten years of collaborative history, the valley MPOs can boast an impressive number of planning, funding and policy achievements for itself and partner agencies in the areas of air quality, goods movement, regional rail, legislative advocacy and many others. The eight valley MPO executive directors meet monthly to share information and coordinate regional activities, and several staff committees involving the eight MPOs meet regularly to discuss regional challenges and opportunities around modeling, federal and state legislation, air quality conformity, greenhouse gas emissions reduction target setting and the alignment of schedules for Regional Transportation Plans and other key planning documents. Our region is benefiting greatly from an open, voluntary structure for collaboration that is grounded in the motivation to achieve more for everyone by working together. This model has brought the valley MPOs lasting success and has greatly benefited the San Joaquin Valley’s communities both large and small.

More specifically, and beyond the broader regional collaboration that exists across the eight valley MPOs, MCAG and StanCOG enjoy a productive relationship involving a number of key issues including how to best serve the Turlock UZA. A small portion of rural northern Merced County was included in the Turlock UZA for the first time in 2000. Following that action, MCAG and StanCOG entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the coordination of ongoing transit planning and programming of federal transit funds for the Turlock UZA. This agreement established a cooperative relationship that has fostered comprehensive regional transit planning including open and productive communication over the last 16 years.

Not only does our cooperative history between the MPOs reflect a commitment to working together to best serve the shared urbanized area and our region as a whole, but the current collaborative structure is arguably more appropriate for the size, geographic location and rural nature of the shared UZA than any of the three implementation options included in the proposed rule. Unlike many other areas across the country where multiple MPOs represent a single large metropolitan urbanized area, our shared UZA includes several small, rural agricultural communities that span county lines and does not include the largest urbanized area within the MPO boundaries (Merced/Atwater UZA in Merced County and Modesto UZA in Stanislaus County). As California MPOs, both MCAG and StanCOG’s boundaries are consistent with Merced County and Stanislaus County boundaries, respectively. As such, the portion of the shared Turlock UZA that lies within Merced County represents less than 10% of Merced County’s population and is separated from the rest of the shared UZA within Stanislaus County by seven miles of rural agricultural land. The idea of forcing MCAG to merge with StanCOG, or to require one unified transportation planning document in attempt to promote stronger collaborative efforts for less than 10% of Merced County’s population is irresponsible. Additionally, requiring a change in MCAG’s boundary to remove these communities from the county-based MPO structure is equally nonsensical. MCAG and StanCOG can demonstrate a comprehensive history of collaboration including an existing memorandum of understanding for the Turlock UZA that has resulted in a productive, conflict-free partnership over the last 16 years.

We recognize that there are many MPOs across the country that do not enjoy the cooperative spirit and commitment to collaboration that we have in the San Joaquin Valley. Our region has demonstrated how effective communication between MPOs can improve collaboration, policy implementation, technology use, and performance management across regional partners. As a result, we have benefited greatly from the improved decision-making and time and money savings through shared resources that comes with voluntary regional collaboration. However, this proposed rulemaking aimed at improving MPO coordination through forced collaboration would radically change the nature of the relationship between MCAG and StanCOG and would threaten to destroy and reverse the long history of coordination efforts in the region. The two MPOs have an efficient and productive relationship regarding the Turlock UZA and enjoy a regional partnership with the other six MPOs in the valley. Changing this dynamic by 1) modifying the MPO boundaries, 2) requiring unified planning documents, or 3) merging the two MPOs into one would not only fail to better serve the shared urbanized area, but would arguably work against the existing collaborative structure that has proven to be successful and has produced many great benefits across the region. In short, any of these changes would artificially create the types of conflict and issues that the proposed rulemaking is attempting to address but simply do not exist in our region under the current collaborative structure.

MCAG opposes the approach of universally forcing a change in institutional relationships between MPOs with shared urbanized areas. However, if the approach as outlined in the proposed rule moves forward, we strongly encourage you to not punish those areas that have been voluntarily working together for years and can demonstrate the numerous benefits of regional collaboration. This can be achieved by offering of a fourth option for implementation which would allow the Governor to grant an exemption to those MPOs with a shared urbanized area who have existing cooperative agreements in place and have a history of voluntary collaboration.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this proposed rule as it will have significant and far reaching impacts in our region and to our continued efforts to serve the communities of Merced County. We strongly encourage you to recognize that implementing a universal framework of forced collaboration across the country will not only destroy voluntary partnerships that have proven to be successful in areas like ours, but will create problems where they simply do not exist.

Sincerely,

Marjie Kirn Executive Director Merced County Association of Governments

On behalf of the MCAG Governing Board:

Deidre Kelsey, Merced County Supervisor John Pedrozo, Merced County Supervisor Jerry O’Banion, Merced County Supervisor Hub Walsh, Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel, Merced County Supervisor Mike McGlynn, Dos Palos City Council Mike Villalta, City of Los Banos, Mayor Joe Oliveira, Gustine City Council Stan Thurston, City of Merced, Mayor Jim Price, City of Atwater, Mayor

Cc: Senator Dianne Feinstein Senator Barbara Boxer Congressman Jim Costa Congressman Jeff Denham State Senator Anthony Cannella Assembly Member Adam Gray

CALTRANS SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT PROGRAM

FY 2017-2018

Grant Application Guide STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES

Application Deadline November 4th at 5:00 PM

California Department of Transportation

Division of Transportation Planning

Table of Contents

Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program….…...……………………………..…... 1

Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Summary Chart…….……………………….….. 5

General Information and Requirements……………………………………………………...... 6

Grant Program Overview……………………………………………………...... 10

Application Preparation….…………………………………………..………………...... 16

 Application Submittal Instructions……………………………………………………... 17

 Tips and Pointers for Writing a Successful Grant Application...... 18

 Grant Application Checklist and Sample………………...………..………………….... 19

 Scope of Work Checklist and Sample………………………..………………………… 27

 Project Timeline Checklist and Sample………………………..…………………...... 33

 Third Party In-Kind Valuation Plan Checklist and Sample…..…………………...... 35

 Local Resolution Checklist and Sample……………………………………………...... 37

Caltrans District and Regional Agency Boundaries Map…………………...... 39

Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant District Contact List…..………...... 40

ADA Notice: For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document is available in alternate formats. For information call (916) 654-6410 or TDD (916) 654-3880 or write Records and Forms Management, 1120 N Street, MS-89, Sacramento, CA 95814.

[Intentionally left blank]

Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program was created to support the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans’) Mission: Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.

Current significant efforts were also considered during Grant Program development, such as:  California Transportation Infrastructure Priorities Vision and Core Concepts;  State Smart Transportation Initiative Assessment and Recommendations;  Caltrans Program Review Major Actions;  California Transportation Plan (CTP) 2040 Vision and Goals; and,  Smart Mobility 2010 Principles.

The Grant Programs Overarching Objectives were also identified to ensure consideration of these major efforts in transportation planning, including: Sustainability, Preservation, Mobility, Safety, Innovation, Economy, Health, and Equity.

In addition, grant administration processes have been further streamlined and made consistent to benefit our partners and District grant managers. Most notable is the earlier release date of this Grant Application Guide, the earlier application deadline, and an earlier grant award announcement date. With this advanced process, grant recipients can anticipate starting project activities early in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017-2018, pending State Budget approval.

The intent and amount of funding available for the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program remains unchanged from previous years. Caltrans still provides transportation planning grants to promote a balanced, comprehensive multimodal transportation system that promotes sustainability and these grants may still be used for a wide range of transportation planning purposes that address local, regional, and interregional transportation needs and issues. The implementation of these grants should ultimately lead to the adoption, initiation, and programming of transportation improvements.

The Caltrans Division of Transportation Planning provides the following transportation planning grants:

 Strategic Partnerships  Sustainable Communities for MPOs & RTPAs  Sustainable Communities for Cities, Counties, Transit Agencies, and Tribal Governments

Integrating Goals and Objectives All grant applications must align with the Caltrans Mission, Grant Program Overarching Objectives, and the CTP 2040 Vision. The State and Federal goals provide the framework for the Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Communities grants. A competitive grant application addresses and articulates how the project relates to the Caltrans Mission, Grant Program Overarching Objectives, CTP 2040 Vision, and multiple State and Federal goals. The Grant Specific Objectives on Page 14 indicate the specific purpose of each grant, and should also be considered when preparing an application. Overall, successful grant applications clearly demonstrate how the proposed project integrates the State and Federal goals and the Grant Program Overarching objectives.

State Transportation Planning Goals1 1. Improve Multimodal Mobility and Accessibility for All People: Expand the system and enhance modal choices and connectivity to meet the State’s future transportation demands. 2. Preserve the Multimodal Transportation System: Maintain, manage, and efficiently utilize California’s existing transportation system. 3. Support a Vibrant Economy: Maintain, manage, and enhance the movement of goods and people to spur the economic development and growth, job creation, and trade. 4. Improve Public Safety and Security: Ensure the safety and security of people, goods, services, and information in all modes of transportation. 5. Foster Livable and Healthy Communities and Promote Social Equity: Find transportation solutions that balance and integrate community values with transportation safety and performance, and encourage public involvement in transportation decisions. 6. Practice Environmental Stewardship: Plan and provide transportation services while protecting our environment, wildlife, historical, and cultural assets.

Federal Transportation Planning Goals2 1. Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency. 2. Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 3. Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users. 4. Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight. 5. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth and economic development patterns. 6. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight. 7. Promote efficient system management and operation. 8. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system. 9. Improve the resiliency and reliability of the transportation system and reduce or mitigate stormwater impacts of surface transportation. 10. Enhance travel and tourism.

California Transportation Plan 2040 Vision California’s transportation system is safe, sustainable, and globally competitive. It provides reliable and efficient mobility and accessibility for people, goods, and services while meeting our greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and preserving the unique character of California’s communities.. This integrated, connected, and resilient multimodal system supports a thriving economy, human and environmental health, and social equity.

1 Source: California Transportation Plan 2040

2 Source: Title 23, United States Code, Section 134

Promoting Sustainable Communities in California Caltrans supports Senate Bill 375 (SB 375, 2008) Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) efforts. Applications should complement SCS efforts, if they exist in the geographical region. The SCS is a tool that is intended to help communities reduce transportation related greenhouse gas emissions and assist local and regional governments in creating sustainable communities for residents throughout the State. Information on SCS efforts can be found at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sb375/sb375.htm.

Although most rural areas of the State are not subjected to SB 375/SCS requirements, Caltrans still promotes the development of sustainable communities in these areas of the State. Eligible rural agencies are strongly encouraged to apply for Sustainable Communities grants.

Addressing Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities3,4 Caltrans strives for environmental justice in all of its activities. In the past, low-income and minority communities bore many of the negative impacts of transportation projects. It is the goal of environmental justice to ensure that when transportation decisions are made, low-income and minority communities have a full opportunity to participate in the decision-making process, and they receive an equitable distribution of benefits and not a disproportionate share of burdens. Caltrans encourages eligible applicants to apply for Sustainable Communities grants to address transportation needs and deficiencies in disadvantaged communities. CalEnviroScreen Version 2.0 is used to verify the disadvantaged communities that will benefit from awarded grant projects. Information about environmental justice and disadvantaged communities can be found at:

CalEnviroScreen Version 2.0: http://oehha.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Viewer/index.html?appid=dae2fb1e42674c12a04a2b302a080 598

Desk Guide – Environmental Justice in Transportation Planning Investments: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/documents/ej_titlevi_files/EnvironmentalJusticeDesk GuideJan2003.pdf

Community Primer on Environmental Justice & Transportation Planning: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/documents/ej_titlevi_files/EJ_Primer_4_10_WEB.pdf

Complete Streets and Smart Mobility Framework Caltrans also supports complete streets and the Smart Mobility Framework (SMF). If applicable, Caltrans encourages applicants to consider the tools and techniques contained in the SMF as well as typical components of complete streets. Specifically, this might include how the project addresses components of community design, regional accessibility, place types, and priority activities to achieve smart mobility outcomes, community transition, and associated multimodal performance measures for the appropriate context of the problem. Information on these efforts can be found at:

Complete Streets: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/complete_streets.html

SMF: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/ocp/smf.html

3 Source: Desk Guide – Environmental Justice in Transportation Planning Investments (2003) 4 Source: Community Primer on Environmental Justice & Transportation Planning (2008) 3

Climate-Ready Transportation California’s six key climate change strategy pillars provides a framework for reducing California’s greenhouse gases emissions and increasing resiliency to the anticipated effects of global warming: (1) reducing today’s petroleum use in cars and trucks by up to 50 percent; (2) increasing to 50 percent our electricity derived from renewable sources; (3)doubling the efficiency savings achieved at existing buildings and making heating fuels cleaner; (4) reducing the release of short-lived climate pollutants; (5) managing farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon; and, (6) updating the Safeguarding California Plan - California’s climate adaptation strategy. Climate change poses many threats to our communities’ health, well-being, environment, and property. Extreme weather, rising sea levels, shifting snowpack, among other impacts will touch every part of peoples’ lives in the next century. Planning key actions now will help lessen impacts and cope with changes. Government, at every level, must work together to safeguard our state by taking steps to reduce our own impacts and increase our resilience in the future.

Executive Order B-30-15 specifically addresses the need for all of the state’s planning and investments to consider the exposures and risks from a changing climate, anticipating current and future impacts and disruptions that are likely to occur. The order establishes a California greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, directs state government to take climate change into account in all planning and investment decisions, and employ full life-cycle cost accounting to evaluate and compare infrastructure investments and alternatives. It describes four guiding principles when making planning and investment decisions:  Priority should be given to actions that both build climate preparedness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;  Where possible, flexible and adaptive approaches should be taken to prepare for uncertain climate impacts;  Actions should protect the state's most vulnerable populations; and  Natural infrastructure solutions should be prioritized.

Safeguarding California – http://resources.ca.gov/climate/safeguarding/ California Climate Adaptation Planning Guide – http://resources.ca.gov/climate/safeguarding/adaptation_policy_guide/

Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Summary Chart

GRANT FUND SOURCE PURPOSE WHO MAY APPLY LOCAL MATCH

The following are eligible to apply as a primary applicant: Federal Highway  Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Administration— Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (MPOs/RTPAs) 20% minimum (in non- State Planning and federal funds or an in- Research, Part 1 Funds transportation The following are eligible to apply as a kind* contribution). The sub-applicant: Strategic Budget planning studies of entire minimum 20%  MPOs/RTPAs Partnerships Federal funds interregional and local match may be in the $1,500,000 statewide significance,  Transit Agencies form of an eligible in- in partnership with kind contribution.  Universities and Community Colleges Grant Min Caltrans. Additional local funds $100,000  Native American Tribal Governments above the minimum local Grant Max  Cities and Counties match are desired. MPOs $1,000,000,  Community-Based Organizations All others $500,000  Non-Profit Organizations (501.C.3)  Other Public Entities**

The following are eligible to apply as a Federal Transit primary applicant: Administration  (FTA), Section MPOs/RTPAs 5304  Transit Agencies; Cities and Counties; Funds studies of Native American Tribal Governments & multimodal 11.47% minimum (in transportation issues The following are eligible to apply as a State Highway cash or an in-kind* having statewide, sub-applicant: Sustainable Account (SHA) contribution). The entire interregional, regional  Communities MPOs/RTPAs minimum 11.47% local Budget or local significance to  Transit Agencies match may be in the form Federal/State funds assist in achieving the of an eligible in-kind $7,800,000 Caltrans Mission and  Universities and Community Colleges contribution. overarching  Grant Min Native American Tribal Governments objectives. $50,000  Cities and Counties Grant Max  Community-Based Organizations MPOs $1,000,000,  Non-Profit Organizations (501.C.3) All others $500,000  Other Public Entities**

* For in-kind contribution requirements, refer to Page 13 of this Guide. ** Public entities include state agencies, the Regents of the University of California, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the State (Government Code Section 811.2). 5

General Information and Requirements This section provides a brief overview of the financial, subcontracting, and legal requirements pertaining to all grant programs. The content of this section should be notably considered in the development of grant applications as it lays the foundation for what to expect when applying for these grant funds. Upon award, grantees will receive more specific guidelines including administrative and reporting requirements.

Accounting Requirements Grantees are required to maintain an accounting and record system that properly accumulates and segregates incurred project costs and matching funds by line item. The accounting system of the grantee, including its sub-applicants and subcontractors, must conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles that enable the determination of incurred costs at interim points of completion and provides support for reimbursement payment vouchers or invoices sent to or paid by Caltrans. Allowable project costs must comply with 2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 200. It is the grantee’s responsibility, in conjunction with Caltrans District staff, to monitor work and expenses to ensure the project is completed according to the contracted Scope of Work and Project Timeline. Grantees must monitor work and costs to ensure invoices are submitted on a regular and timely basis (monthly or quarterly as milestones are completed). Grantees must communicate with their local Caltrans District Office to ensure any issues are addressed early during the project period.

Indirect and Direct Costs Indirect costs require an Indirect Cost Allocation Plan (ICAP). For example, reproduction costs, computer rental and office supplies are considered indirect costs. However, if these costs are tied to a specific task or activity, they are considered direct costs.

If a grantee, including sub-recipients and third party contractors/consultants, are seeking reimbursement of indirect costs, they must annually submit an ICAP or an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal (ICRP) to Caltrans Audits and Investigations for review and approval prior to reimbursement. An ICAP or ICRP must be prepared and submitted in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200. For more information visit the following website:

Indirect Cost Allocation Plan: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/audits/icap_icrp.html

Due to the competitive nature of the grant award process, applications must include any indirect costs in the Project Timeline. Indirect costs can only be reimbursed if they are identified in the Project Timeline submitted with the initial application.

Eligible Activities and Expenses Direct costs must be used only for transportation planning-related activities. Please consult with Caltrans District staff for more information on whether costs are eligible for funding. Some examples of eligible costs include:  Data gathering and analysis  Planning consultants  Conceptual drawings and design  Community surveys, meetings, charrettes, focus groups  Bilingual services for interpreting and/or translation services for meetings

Travel Expenses Grantees may be eligible to claim travel expenses if they have been approved in the Scope of Work and Project Timeline. Travel expenses and per diem rates are not to exceed the rate specified by the State of California Department of Personnel Administration for similar employees (i.e. non- represented employees). For more information on eligible travel expenses, visit the following website:

Caltrans Travel Guide: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/asc/travel/

Ineligible Activities and Expenses Some activities, tasks, project components, etc. are not eligible under these grant programs, regardless of funding source. If an application has any of the following elements, it will be disqualified. Ineligible activities and expenses include:  Environmental studies, plans, or documents normally required for project development under the National Environmental Policy Act or the California Environmental Quality Act  Engineering plans and design specification work  Project Initiation Documents (PIDs)  Regional Transportation Plans (RTP) or updates to the RTP  Economic development plans or studies  Land use plans or studies  General Plans or updates to elements  Construction projects, such as the building of a facility, or maintenance  Purchasing of office furniture, or other capital expenditures  Decorations  Acquisition of vehicles or shuttle programs  Organizational membership fees  Unreasonable incentives such as prizes for public participation  Charges passed on to sub-recipient for oversight of awarded grant funds  Other items unrelated to the project

Third Party Contracts The agreements between a grantee and a sub-recipient, consultant, or sub-consultant are often referred to as “third party contracts.” An eligible sub-applicant will be identified by an eligible applicant on the onset of the application. If a grantee or a sub-recipient is going to hire a consultant to perform work during the project, then proper procurement procedures must always be used.

Grantees may use their agency’s procurement procedures as long as they comply with 2 CFR, Part 200 and Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 10. In addition, work can only be contracted if it has been stated in the applicant’s Scope of Work and Project Timeline. A grantee is fully responsible for all work performed by its sub-recipient, consultant, or sub-consultant. Caltrans solely enters into a contract directly with the grantee; therefore the grantee is responsible to ensure that all third parties adhere to the same provisions included in the contractual agreement between Caltrans and the grantee.

All government funded consultant procurement transactions must be conducted using a fair and competitive procurement process that is consistent with 2 CFR, Part 200 and Local Assistance Procedures Manual, Chapter 10.

All documentation of third party contract procurements must be retained and copies of all agreements must be submitted to Caltrans. For more information on third party contracting, visit the following links:

2 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 200 - http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text- idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title02/2cfr200_main_02.tpl

Local Assistance Procedures Manual: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/lam/lapm.htm

Title VI Non-Discrimination Requirement Title VI of the U.S. Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Specifically Title VI provides the following:

No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from the Federal government.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) each have requirements that recipients must demonstrate continued compliance with Title VI. Compliance with Title VI includes conducting meetings in a fair and reasonable manner that are open to all members of a community. Compliance reflects not only the law, but is also a good policy that builds the kind of trust and information sharing upon which successful planning is done. Even where a city or county may not be receiving federal funding for transportation, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 also obligates that a city or county comply with Title VI, if it receives any other federal funding for any program.

Caltrans is responsible for complying with Civil Rights requirements and for monitoring funding compliance of any sub-applicants. Grant recipients of federal funds, primarily Metropolitan Planning

Organizations (MPOs) and Regional Transportation Planning Agencies (RTPAs), are required to comply with FTA Circular 4702.1B, and must submit a copy of the agency’s governing board- approved Title VI Program. Caltrans staff will contact grantees to ensure this requirement is satisfied.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Reporting Grant recipients of federal funds, primarily MPOs and RTPAs, are required to report any Strategic Partnerships and/or Sustainable Communities contracting opportunities that may involve Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation. DBE reporting is required twice a year: st st April 1 and October 1 .

For details about DBE requirements, visit the Office of Regional Planning (ORP) DBE website at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/orip/DBE/DBE.html.

Pre-Award Audit The Strategic Partnerships and Sustainable Communities grants are available in amounts up to $500,000 ($1 million for MPOs). However, any awarded grant in excess of $250,000 may require a pre-award audit. The pre-award audit is to ensure that recipients of state and federal funds maintain adequate financial management systems prior to receiving the funds. Pre-award audits may be required of new grantees, agencies that have not recently been audited, agencies that have undergone prior audits with significant weaknesses or deficiencies in their financial management systems, or those determined to be a higher risk to Caltrans.

If a pre-award audit is needed, the local Caltrans District Office will contact the grantee to facilitate the appropriate action. This has the potential to delay the start of the project and applicants are encouraged to determine if the delay will hinder their ability to complete the project by the terms specified in the agreement.

Additional Performance Considerations Previous grantee performance will be considered during the evaluation process. Applicants with a history of inadequate performance such as poor grant project management, failure to achieve grant project milestones, untimely invoice submittals, or an overall poor quality of the final grant product may be at a competitive disadvantage in the application review process. Grant funds may not be awarded to prior grant recipients with unresolved past grant performance issues. Additionally, applicants that have an excessive balance of or consistently relinquish any transportation funds administered by Caltrans Planning and/or have unresolved audit issues or findings will also be at a competitive disadvantage in the application review process. Applicants that have also failed to satisfy the required state and federal planning requirements, including submittal and administration of the Overall Work Program, Regional Transportation Plans, and Transportation Improvement Program, may not be awarded grants.

Award Terms Caltrans is committed to being an active partner. If awarded a grant, the applicant should include Caltrans District staff when planning both technical advisory and community meetings. In addition, Caltrans District staff will help to ensure that the approved Scope of Work, Project Timeline, and project funding will be maintained throughout the life of the contract. Applicants are also recommended to engage Caltrans District Staff throughout the entire grant life, when applicable.

If an agency does not demonstrate adequate performance and timely use of funds, Caltrans may take appropriate actions, which can include termination of the grant. As stated in the previous section, inadequate performance by grantees, sub-recipients, or consultants may hinder the grantee’s ability to leverage future grant awards.

Ownership Any technologies or inventions that may result from the use of these grants are in the public domain and may not be copyrighted, sold, or used exclusively by any business, organization, or agency. Caltrans reserves a royalty-free, non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use and to authorize others to use for public purposes.

Grant Program Overview The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program is both state and federally funded. The role of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) is to facilitate a fair and open competitive application and outreach process. For an MPO or RTPA to influence the applicant pool either formally or informally by pre-screening applications is contrary to both state and federal administration of these grant programs.

Sub-applicants are encouraged to work far in advance of the application deadline with the appropriate MPO or RTPA to coordinate application development. It is also beneficial for sub-applicants to be informed of the appropriate MPO or RTPA process and schedule, as they may differ slightly from those of Caltrans. RTPAs residing within MPO boundaries should also coordinate application development with the MPO, as it is critical to ensure that proposed studies align with the RTP/SCS for the entire MPO region and do not duplicate efforts being applied for or already awarded to the MPO.

Who May Apply – Strategic Partnerships Only MPOs and RTPAs that have a current Master Fund Transfer Agreement (MFTA) with ORP may apply directly for the Strategic Partnerships grants. Eligible sub-applicants include: MPOs and RTPAs, universities and community colleges, Native American Tribal Governments, cities and counties, community-based organizations, non-profit organizations (501.c.3), and public entities.

Who May Apply – Sustainable Communities Eligible primary applicants for the Sustainable Communities grants include: MPOs and RTPAs; transit agencies; cities and counties, and Native American Tribal Governments. Eligible sub- applicants include: MPOs and RTPAs, universities and community colleges, Native American Tribal Governments, cities and counties, community-based organizations, non-profit organizations (501.c.3), and public entities.

For awarded grantees that do not have a current MFTA with ORP (i.e. cities, counties, transit agencies, Tribal Governments), Caltrans will contract directly with the primary grant recipients through the Restricted Grant Agreement (RGA) process.

Project Start Dates All awarded grant funds must be programmed during the first fiscal year after the State Budget is approved. The project start date depends on the method of contracting with Caltrans. For MPOs and RTPAs with a current MFTA, work may begin as early as July 2017. For other grant recipients that will undergo the RGA contracting process, work may begin as early as October 2017, assuming the grantee has received a fully executed contract and has been notified by Caltrans District Staff to begin work. It is important for applicants to reflect the estimated project start date in the Scope of Work and Project Timeline. The next page provides the project timeline constraints for both methods of contracting with Caltrans.

Restricted Grant Agreement Project Timeline Consider these dates when developing the Scope of Work and Project Timeline:

October 2017  Anticipated start date, pending State Budget approval February 28, 2020  Contract expires (no time extensions will be granted)  Reimbursable work must be completed April 28, 2020  All final invoices must be submitted to Caltrans for approval and reimbursement. This allows Caltrans sufficient time to comply with the State Controller’s Office payment requirements.

Master Fund Transfer Agreement Project Timeline (MPOs/RTPAs Only) Consider these dates when developing the Scope of Work and Project Timeline:

July 2017  Anticipated start date, pending State Budget approval June 30, 2020  Project end date  Reimbursable work must be completed Final Request for Reimbursement  A Final Request for Reimbursement must be filed no later than 60 days after the end of the fiscal year to coincide with the submission of the Overall Work Program (OWP) Final Expenditure Report. 11

Overall Work Program (for MPOs/RTPAs Only) All MPOs and RTPAs must have the entire grant award and local match programmed in the Fiscal Year 2017-18 OWP no later than May 1, 2018. Approved grant projects must be identified as individual Work Elements in the current OWP and in future OWPs until the project is completed.

Requests for Reimbursements Grant payments are made only as reimbursements. Invoices or Requests for Reimbursements (RFR) need to be submitted no more frequently than monthly or at a minimum quarterly. Grantees must pay sub-recipients and subcontractors prior to submitting a RFR to Caltrans. A one-time, lump sum RFR for the entire grant is not allowed. Local match (cash and third party in-kind contributions) must be expended on a proportional basis coinciding with each grant Work Element (MPOs/RTPAs only) and/or tasks in each RFR. The proportional expenditure of local match must be clearly identified in the Project Timeline. The minimum required local match (i.e., 11.47% or 20%) must be rendered during the invoicing period to which the matching requirement applies. The minimum required local match must also be satisfied with each RFR.

Local Match Contribution All grants require a local match. Revenue sources for a local match can include local sales tax, special bond measures, private donations, private foundations, etc. The Strategic Partnerships grants require the applicant to provide a minimum 20 percent non-federal local match. The Sustainable Communities grants require the applicant to provide a minimum 11.47 percent local match—federal fund grant recipients, primarily MPOs, must provide a non-federal local match and other grantees may use any source of funds for the local match. The minimum local match is a percentage of the total project cost (i.e., minimum local match amount plus the grant amount). The local match can be all cash, all third party in-kind contributions, or a combination of the two.

To better assist applicants, the Local Match Calculator can be found at : http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/offices/orip/Grants/2015/Match_Calculator.xlsx

Third Party In-Kind Contributions

Third party in-kind contributions are typically goods and services donated from outside the primary grantee’s agency. Examples of third party in-kind contributions include donated printing, facilities, interpreters, equipment, advertising, time and effort, staff time, and other goods and services. The value of third party in-kind contributions must be directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the project. Third party in-kind contribution information must be identified on the Grant Application Cover Sheet, the Project Timeline, and the project specific Work Element in the OWP (if applicable).

If third party in-kind contributions are used to satisfy the local match requirements, a third party in-kind valuation plan must also be submitted to Caltrans for approval as a condition of grant acceptance. The third party in-kind valuation plan is an itemized breakdown by task and serves as documentation for the goods and/or services to be rendered. The Third Party In-Kind Valuation Plan Checklist and Sample are provided on Pages 35-36.

Quarterly Reporting For MPOs and RTPAs, the progress of each awarded grant project must be included as part of the OWP Quarterly Progress and Expenditure Report. If this method of reporting is not adequately satisfied, Caltrans staff will require separate quarterly reports for each awarded grant project.

All other primary grant recipients shall submit progress reports every quarter for each awarded grant project. Caltrans District staff will provide the brief report form and due dates.

Final Product All final reports funded through the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program shall credit the FTA, FHWA, or Caltrans’ financial participation on the cover or title page. An electronic copy of all final reports shall be forwarded to the Caltrans District Office responsible for the administration and oversight of the grant.

Review Process All applications submitted to the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program go through multiple levels of review including reviews by Caltrans District and HQ staff, and State and Federal interagency review committees. District staff reviews all applications for content, submission of proper documentation, and overall relationship to regional and local planning efforts. The District rates each application and provides comments to inform the interagency review committee. The grant review committees evaluate applications for content, completeness, meeting technical requirements, overall relationship to statewide planning efforts, and compliance with state and federal planning requirements. Once the grant review committees evaluate, rank, and select the best applications for grant funding, final recommendations are presented to Caltrans management for approval.

Strategic Partnerships

Funding The Strategic Partnerships grants are funded by the FHWA (State Planning and Research, Part I). Approximately $1.5 million will be available for the Fiscal Year 2017-18 grant cycle. For the Strategic Partnerships grant, the minimum grant award is $100,000 and the maximum grant award cannot exceed $500,000. MPOs may apply for a grant maximum of $1 million.

Grant Specific Objective The objective of the Strategic Partnership grant program is to: achieve the Caltrans Mission and Grant Program Overarching Objectives on Page 1. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed effort will:

1. encourage regional agencies to partner with Caltrans to identify and address statewide/interregional transportation deficiencies in the state highway system, 2. strengthen government-to-government relationships, 3. and result in programmed system improvements.

Example Strategic Partnerships Project Types

 Studies that identify interregional, inter-county, and/or statewide mobility and access needs  Corridor studies and corridor performance/preservation studies  Studies that evaluate transportation issues involving ground access to international borders, seaports, airports, intermodal facilities, freight hubs, and recreational sites  Development of planning activities intended to result in investment in sustainable transportation projects  Enhanced tools to capture Green House Gas benefits of Operation and System Management type of projects  Modeling requirements necessary for the development or implementation of SCS’  Integration of transportation and economic development,  Planning for sustainable freight.  Planning for transportation safety  Studies for relinquishment of state routes  Statewide research or modeling tools  Transportation demand management plans  System investment prioritization plans  Assessment and integration of new technology

Sustainable Communities

Funding The Sustainable Communities grants are funded by the FTA (Section 5304) and the State Highway Account (SHA). . Funding distribution will depend on the quality and number of applications in each applicant pool (i.e., MPOs, RTPAs, cities and counties, transit agencies, and Native American Tribal Governments).

Approximately $7.8 million will be available for the Fiscal Year 2017-18 grant cycle. Of the estimated $7.8 million available, the MPO/RTPA pool will consist of an estimated $2.8 million in FTA 5304 funding. The remaining $5.0 million will be funded from the SHA and cities, counties, transit agencies, and Tribal Governments will be eligible to apply. For the Sustainable Communities Grant, the minimum grant award is $50,000 and the maximum grant award cannot exceed $500,000. MPOs may apply for a grant maximum of $1 million.

Grant Specific Objective The objective of the Sustainable Communities grant program is to: achieve the Caltrans Mission and Grant Program Overarching Objectives on Page 1. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposed effort will:

1. identify and address mobility deficiencies in the multimodal transportation system including the mobility needs of environmental justice and disadvantaged communities, 2. encourage stakeholder collaboration, 3. involve active public engagement, 4. integrate Smart Mobility 2010 concepts, 5. and ultimately result in programmed system improvements.

Student Internships Student internships provide students with the opportunity to gain work experience in transit planning at public transportation agencies. The intent is to foster the education of university and community college students with an interest in the field of transit planning. Internships are for students only. The objective of these internships is to:

1. expose students to the skills, knowledge and abilities associated with incorporating transit and transportation issues and priorities into planning for rural sustainable communities, 2. assist transit authorities and transportation agencies in building capacity in sustainability issues, and 3. develop interest and creativity to respond to difficulties and challenges faced by rural areas dealing with poverty, public health, isolation and social justice issues.

The application, including the Scope of Work and Project Timeline, should include administration of the internship program (i.e., recruitment, orientation, performance evaluation, etc.) and the specific intern assignments to be completed. However, the administrative costs should be limited, with the larger portion of costs allocated to intern wages and activities.

Only rural transit agencies may apply for student internships.

Example Sustainable Communities Grant Project Types  Studies that advance a community’s effort to reduce transportation related greenhouse gases  Studies that assist transportation agencies in creating sustainable communities  Community to school studies or safe routes to school plans  Studies that advance a community’s effort to address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise  Jobs and affordable housing proximity studies  Context-sensitive streetscapes or town center plans  Complete street plans  Bike and pedestrian safety enhancement plans  Traffic calming and safety enhancement plans  Corridor enhancement studies  Health equity transportation studies  Climate change adaptation plans for transportation facilities  Transit plans, surveys, and research  Identification of policies, strategies, and programs to preserve transit facilities and optimize transit infrastructure  Studies that evaluate accessibility and connectivity of the multimodal transportation network  Short range transit development plans  Transit marketing plans  Social service improvement studies  Student Internships (Only for Rural Transit Agencies)  Studies that address environmental justice issues in a transportation related context  Station area planning 15

 First Mile/Last Mile project development planning  Planning for zero or near zero emission vehicles  Integration of transportation and environmental planning

Application Preparation The Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program is highly competitive. This section provides applicants with supplemental information as well as details on required documents that must accompany an application at the time of submittal. All applicants are strongly encouraged to adhere to these requirements in order to score competitively during the application evaluation process.

Required Documents Use the samples and checklists provided for the following required documents:  Application  Scope of Work  Project Timeline

A map of the project area is also required to clearly identify the boundaries of the project area and to provide a sense of the context of the project.

Additional Documents The following documents are not required, but enhance the overall application and typically result in a more competitive application during the evaluation process.  Letters of Support o If submitted, letters of support must be included with the application package. Letters received separate from the application package may not be considered. The letters should be addressed to the applicant. Such letters can come from community-based organizations, local governments, Native American Tribal governments, service agencies, and elected officials.  Photographs o Photographs of the proposed project area convey existing conditions and help to further explain the need for the grant.

 Safety Data o Statistical data such as pedestrian-vehicle injuries/crashes or fatalities resulting from lack of safe infrastructure, unsafe pedestrian behavior, vehicle and driver factors or other road conditions that contribute to possible injuries. This information may be obtained from police reports, transit agencies, National Highway Traffic Administration or the Governor’s Highway Safety Association.

Application Submittal Instructions An applicant may submit more than one application. However, any application can only be submitted to either the Strategic Partnerships or Sustainable Communities Grants. Caltrans Headquarters staff checks all applications between grant programs for duplication.

All grant application packages are required to be submitted via e-mail. An agency may only submit one application package per e-mail. The Caltrans District Office contact must be copied (refer to the District Contact List on Page 38) and the subject line needs to identify the district number, grant program, and brief project title (e.g., D1, SP, City of Can Do Planning Project). The required items outlined on the Grant Application Checklist on Page 17 must be attached to the e-mail as separate documents.

Please submit your application package to: [email protected]

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA E-MAIL NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016 BY 5:00 PM

HARD COPIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED & LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED

The Grant Application Guide and application form are available at the following website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/grants.html

Anticipated award announcements: Spring 2017 (all awards are contingent upon approval of the State Budget)

Download the latest version of Adobe Reader DC ® to complete the application form. This version of Adobe is available free of charge.

Caltrans District Office staff is a valuable resource and will be available during the application period to answer questions and help interested groups complete their applications. Refer to the District Contact List on Page 38 for contact information. Tips and Pointers for Writing a Successful Grant Application

Tips and Pointers for Writing a Successful Grant Application

 Consult with your District representative for technical assistance before the application deadline.

 Use the Samples and Checklists provided for the Application, Scope of Work, and Project Timeline.

 Include Caltrans as an active partner in the study.

 Provide letters of support and project area photographs to enhance the application.

 Overall Grant Application: Clearly demonstrate how the project promotes State and Federal Transportation Planning Goals, without stating the goals verbatim. Also demonstrate how the project fits the appropriate Grant Specific Objective.

 Project Summary: Concisely describe the project in less than 100 words. Explain the “Who, what, when, where, and why.”

 Project Justification: Clearly define and explain the transportation problem or deficiency that the project will attempt to address. Why is it critical to address the problem now? Make the case for a critical need that the project will address and support it with verifiable data, if available.

 Scope of Work: Identify the project area demographics, public participation, and project implementation..

 Project Timeline: Identify the current indirect cost rate if indirect costs will be sought for reimbursement. Since indirect cost rates will not be approved until fiscal year 2017- 2018, the rate will be an estimate based on the currently approved rate.

 Keep administrative project tasks below 5 percent of the grant amount requested.

 Ensure the appropriate minimum local match amount, calculated as a percentage of the total project cost (grant plus local match), is provided.

GRANT APPLICATION CHECKLIST

The following documents are required and must be submitted via e-mail as separate attachments. Please keep file names brief, as files become corrupted when the names are too long. Refer to the Grant Application Guide for additional information and/or samples. Failure to include any of the required documents will result in a reduced application score.

 Application* (Complete the PDF form provided online at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/grants.html.)  Application Signature Page (print, sign, and scan this page in PDF format)  Scope of Work (Microsoft Word format)  Project Timeline (Microsoft Excel format)  Map of Project Area

Supplemental Information:  Digital Photographs of Project Area (when applicable)  Letter(s) of Support  Safety Data

*Scanned or hard copies of the application will not be accepted.

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

Check One Grant Program: Strategic Partnerships Sustainable Communities

PROJECT TITLE PROJECT LOCATION (city and county) APPLICANT SUB-APPLICANT SUB-APPLICANT

Organization

Mailing Address

City Zip Code Executive Mr. Ms. Mrs. Mr. Ms. Mrs. Mr. Ms. Mrs. Director/designee and title

E-mail Address

Mr. Ms. Mrs. Mr. Ms. Mrs. Mr. Ms. Mrs. Contact Person and title

Contact E-mail

Address Phone Number

FUNDING INFORMATION Use the Match Calculator to complete this section. Match Calculator

Grant Funds Requested Local Match - Cash Local Match - In-Kind Total Project Cost $ $ $ $ Specific Source of Local Cash Match (i.e. local transportation funds, local sales tax, special bond measures, etc.)

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION Information in this section must directly be tied to the applicant’s address. All legislative members in the project area do not need to be listed. State Senator(s) Assembly Member(s) Name(s) District Name(s) District

*Use the following link to determine the legislators. http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/ (search by address)

Grant applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed transportation planning project promotes State and Federal Transportation Planning Goals. Select all that apply.

STATE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GOALS

Improve Multimodal Mobility and Accessibility for All People: Expand the system and enhance modal choices and connectivity to meet the state’s future transportation demands.

Please explain how:______

Preserve the Multimodal Transportation System: Maintain, manage, and efficiently utilize California’s existing transportation system.

Please explain how:______

Support a Vibrant Economy: Maintain, manage, and enhance the movement of goods and people to spur the economic development and growth, job creation, and trade.

Please explain how:______

Improve Public Safety and Security: Ensure the safety and security of people, goods, services, and information in all modes of transportation.

Please explain how:______

Foster Livable and Healthy Communities and Promote Social Equity: Find transportation solutions that balance and integrate community values with transportation safety and performance, and encourage public involvement in transportation decisions.

Please explain how:______

Practice Environmental Stewardship: Plan and provide transportation services while protecting our environment, wildlife, historical, and cultural assets.

Please explain how:______

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

FEDERAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GOALS

Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency.

Please explain how:______

Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users.

Please explain how:______

Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users.

Please explain how:______

Increase accessibility and mobility of people and freight.

Please explain how:______

Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and State and local planned growth and economic development patterns.

Please explain how:______

Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight.

Please explain how:______

Promote efficient system management and operation.

Please explain how:______

Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.

Please explain how:______

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

1. Project Description (100 words maximum) (25 points): Briefly summarize project.

A good project description is one that can summarize the project in a clear and concise manner, including any

connections to state or regional planning efforts.

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

2. Project Justification (Do not exceed the space provided.) (25 points): Describe the problems or deficiencies the project is attempting to address, as well as how the project will address the identified problems or deficiencies. Additionally, list the ramifications of not funding this project.

This section needs to clearly define the existing issues surrounding the project (e.g., transportation issues, inadequate transit services, impacts of heavy trucking on local streets, air pollution, etc). Competitive applications support the need for the project with empirical data, describe how this project addresses issues raised, and describe the impact of not funding the project.

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

3. Project Management (50 points) A. Scope of Work in required Microsoft Word format (25 points) B. Project Timeline in required Microsoft Excel format (25 points)

See Scope of Work and Project Timeline samples and checklists for requirements.

Fiscal Year 2017-18 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION

Application Signature Page

If selected for funding, the information contained in this application will become the foundation of the contract with Caltrans. To the best of my knowledge, all information contained in this application is true and correct. If awarded a grant with Caltrans, I agree that I will adhere to the program guidelines.

Signature of Authorized Official (Applicant) Print Name

Title Date

Signature of Authorized Official (Sub-Applicant) Print Name

Title Date

SCOPE OF WORK CHECKLIST

The scope of work is the official description of the work that is to be completed during the contract. The scope of work must be consistent with the project timeline.

The scope of work must:

 Be completed using the Fiscal Year 2017-18 template provided and in Microsoft Word format.

 List all tasks and sub-tasks using the same title as stated in the project timeline.

 Have task and sub-task numbers in accurate and proper sequencing; consistent with the project timeline.

 List the responsible party for each task and subtask and ensure that it is consistent with the project timeline (i.e. applicant, sub-applicant, or consultant).

 Have a thorough Introduction to describe the project and project area demographics.

 Have a thorough and accurate narrative description of each task and sub-task.

 Include a task for a kick-off meeting with Caltrans at the start of the grant.

 Include a task for procurement of consultants, if consultants are needed.

 Include a task for invoicing.

 Include a task for quarterly reporting to Caltrans.

 Include public participation and services to diverse communities.

 Include project implementation/next steps.

 NOT include environmental, complex design, engineering work, and other ineligible activities.

 List the project deliverable for each task in a table following each task and ensure that it is consistent with the project timeline.

NOTE: Applications with missing components will be at a competitive disadvantage. Please use this checklist to make sure your scope of work is complete.

SAMPLE SCOPE OF WORK: City of Can Do Complete Street Plan

The City of Can Do Complete Street Plan will provide a conceptual multi-modal planning foundation for the City’s downtown main street corridor. The Plan will be used to evaluate how different complete street features enhance or detract from the vision of the community. The city intends to gather public input through interactive community workshops which will be the driving factor of the planning process. The City of Can Do Complete Street Plan will contain conceptual design only. It is the City of Can Do’s intent that once this plan is complete, it will lead to implementation and development.

The scope of work shown below reflects the anticipated process and deliverables for the City of Can Do Complete Street Plan.

RESPONSIBLE PARTIES The City of Can Do with the assistance of a consulting firm will perform this work. The City has not yet selected a consulting firm and the proper procurement procedures will be used through a competitive RFP process. City staff anticipates these figures will not differ substantially and will not exceed the grant request amount.

OVERALL PROJECT OBJECTIVES  Reduce street crown and replace surface with enhanced and/or porous street pavers.  Sidewalk widening and fully accessible ramp improvements at intersections.  Add and improve bicycle lanes.  Installation of street trees with grates and tree grates for existing trees that can be preserved.  Installation of pedestrian-scale street lighting at intersections.  Installation of street furniture and other design features.  Application of “green street” concepts, such as storm water planter boxes and porous pavement where possible.  Conceptual designs for underground utilities.  Conceptual designs to improve drainage conveyance.

1. Project Initiation Task 1.1: Project Kick-off Meeting  The City will hold a kick-off meeting with Caltrans staff to discuss grant procedures and project expectations including invoicing, quarterly reporting, and all other relevant project information. Meeting summary will be documented.  Responsible Party: The City

Task 1.2: Staff Coordination  Monthly face-to-face project team meetings with consultants to ensure good communication on upcoming tasks and to make sure the project remains on time and within budget. Caltrans staff will be invited to the project team meetings.  Responsible Party: The City

Task 1.3: RFP for Consultant Services  Complete an RFP process for selection of a consultant using the proper procurement procedures.  Responsible Party: The City

Task 1.4: Identify Existing Conditions  Gather existing conditions and background data by identifying opportunities and constraints as well as standards that should be used to guide preparation of the plan such as existing and planned land uses, population characteristics, and travel projections within the City.  Inventory and evaluate existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task Deliverable 1.1 Meeting Notes 1.2 Monthly Meetings Notes Copy of Procurement Procedures and 1.3 Executed Consultant Contract 1.4 Existing Conditions Report

2. Public Outreach Note: All meetings will be publically noticed to ensure maximum attendance. All public notices will be in English and Spanish. Spanish translators and sign language interpreters will be present at all workshops.

Task 2.1: Community Workshop #1  Walking tour and workshop. This workshop will introduce the project to the public, define project parameters, inform the community of project opportunities and constraints, and solicit opinions from the community to shape Task 3.1, Develop Streetscape Concept.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 2.2: Community Workshop #2  An interactive workshop that will use clicker technology, modeling tools, and maps to present the streetscape design concept alternatives. Community will decide on preferred alternatives. Continue to solicit feedback from the community to shape Task 3.3, Draft Complete Street Plan.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 2.3: Community Workshop #3  Present Draft Design Concept and Report and continue to solicit feedback for public comments to shape Task 3.3, Draft Complete Street Plan and Task 3.6, Final Complete Street Plan.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task Deliverable PowerPoint Presentation, Workshop Summary, 2.1 Photos PowerPoint Presentation, Workshop Summary, 2.2 Photos PowerPoint Presentation, Workshop Summary, 2.3 Photos

3. Streetscape Plan Task 3.1: Develop Streetscape Concept  Based on the existing conditions report and the community input from Workshop #1, a streetscape concept will be developed. Streetscape conceptual design will incorporate complete streets concepts and will include plans, sketches, and photos.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 3.2: Develop Conceptual Design Concept Alternatives  Up to three complete street conceptual design alternatives will be developed. Illustrations will be made in plan view, as street cross sections, and as sketches. A model simulation will be developed for each alternative. The alternatives will be prepared and presented at Community Workshop #2.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 3.3: Draft Complete Street Plan  Based on the preferred design alternative chosen in Workshop #2, a draft report will be prepared. The draft report will be presented at Workshop #3 for public comment.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 3.4: Identify Potential Funding Sources  Review and identify potential funding sources for future implementation of the preferred alternative.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 3.5: Joint Planning/Parking and Safety/Bicycle Advisory Commission Meeting  Coordinate a joint session among the three commissions to review the draft report and conceptual design alternative. Solicit feedback, respond to any questions, and resolve any critical issues.  Responsible Party: The City/Consultant

Task 3.6: Final Complete Street Plan  Complete the final report that addresses the comments given from Workshop #3 and the Joint Commission Meeting. Four hard-copies and four electronic copies of the final report will be submitted to Caltrans. Credit of the financial contribution of the grant program will be credited on the cover of the report.  Responsible Party: Consultant

Task 3.7: City Council Adoption  Present the final Complete Street Plan at the City Council meeting. Resolve any critical issues. Adopt final City of Can Do Complete Street Plan.  Responsible Party: The City/Consultant

Task Deliverable 3.1 Sketches, illustrations 3.2 Sketches, illustrations 3.3 Draft Report 3.4 Funding Source Report 3.5 PowerPoint Presentation, Workshop Summary, Photos 3.6 Final Report 3.7 Meeting Notes

4. Fiscal Management Task 4.1: Invoicing  Submit complete invoice packages to Caltrans District staff based on milestone completion—at least quarterly, but no more frequently than monthly.  Responsible Party: The City

Task 4.2: Quarterly Reports  Submit quarterly reports to Caltrans District staff providing a summary of project progress and grant/local match expenditures.  Responsible Party: The City

Task Deliverable 4.1 Invoice Packages 4.2 Quarterly Reports

PROJECT TIMELINE CHECKLIST

The project timeline is the official documentation of the budget and time frame of the project. The project timeline must be consistent with the scope of work. The project timeline must:  Be completed using the Fiscal Year 2017-18 template provided (do not alter the template) and submitted in Microsoft Excel format.  List all tasks and sub-tasks with the same title as stated in the scope of work.  Have task and sub-task numbers in proper sequencing, consistent with the scope of work.  Include a task for a kick-off meeting with Caltrans at the start of the grant.  Include a task for procurement of consultants, if consultants are needed.  Include a task for quarterly reporting to Caltrans.  Include a task for invoicing.  List the responsible party for each task and sub-task, and ensure that it is consistent with the scope of work (i.e. applicant, sub-applicant, or consultant).  Complete all budget columns as appropriate: Total Cost, Grant Amount, Local Cash Match, and if applicable, Local In-Kind Match.  State a realistic total cost for each task based on the work that will be completed. Project management/administration costs should not exceed 5% of the grant amount requested.  Include a proportional spread of local match amongst each task. The match amount must be at least the minimum amount required by the grant program.  Identify the indirect cost rate if indirect costs will be reimbursed.  Have a best estimate of the amount of time needed to complete each task.  Have the timeframe start at the beginning of the grant period (July 2017 for MPO/RTPAs; October 2017 for non-MPO/RTPAs).  Have the timeframe extend all the way to the end of the grant period (June 2020 for MPO/RTPAs or February 2020 for non-MPO/RTPAs).  List the deliverable for each task as stated in the scope of work.

NOTE: Applications with missing components will be at a competitive disadvantage.

THIRD PARTY IN-KIND VALUATION PLAN CHECKLIST

The third party in-kind valuation plan is an itemized breakdown by task and sub- task and serves as documentation for the goods and/or services to be donated. The third party in-kind valuation plan must be consistent with the information provided on the Project Timeline and Grant Application Cover Sheet.

This document is required upon grant award as a condition of grant acceptance.

The third party in-kind valuation plan must:

 Be completed using the Fiscal Year 2017-18 template provided (do not alter the format).

 Name the third party in-kind local match provider.

 Describe how the third party in-kind local match will be tracked and documented for accounting purposes.

 Describe the fair market value of third party in-kind contributions and how the values were determined.

 Include an itemized breakdown by task and sub-task consistent with the project timeline.

 Be consistent with the in-kind local match amount reflected on the grant application cover sheet.

LOCAL RESOLUTION (Not Applicable to MPO/RTPAs)

A local resolution is NOT required at the grant application stage; however, it is required upon award, as a condition of grant acceptance.

The local resolution must:

1. State the title of the project.

2. State the job title of the person authorized to enter into a contract with Caltrans on behalf of the applicant.

3. Be no more than a year old or will not be accepted.

4. Be signed by the governing board of the grant applicant.

SAMPLE LOCAL RESOLUTION

CITY OF CAN DO RESOLUTION NO. 009-2012

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF CAN DO AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CITY OF CAN DO COMPLETE STREET 1 PLAN

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the City of Can Do is eligible to receive Federal and/or State funding for certain transportation planning related plans, through the California Department of Transportation; and

WHEREAS, a Restricted Grant Agreement is needed to be executed with the California Department of Transportation before such funds can be claimed through the Transportation Planning Grant Programs; and

WHEREAS, the City of Can Do wishes to delegate authorization to execute these agreements and any amendments thereto;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the City 2 of Can Do, authorize the Executive Director, or designee, to execute all Restricted Grant Agreements and any amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation.

APPROVED AND PASSED this 4th day of August, 2015. 3

John Doe, Chair

ATTEST:

Eileen Wright, Executive Director

Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant District Contact List DISTRICT CONTACT MPO/RTPA Mendocino and Lake Counties— Rex Jackman (707) 445‐6412 DISTRICT 1  Del Norte LTC Email: [email protected] 1656 Union Street  Humboldt CAOG

P.O. Box 3700  Lake CCAPC Del Norte and Humboldt Counties— Eureka, CA 95502  Mendocino COG Kevin Tucker (707) 441‐5770 Email: [email protected] Kathy Grah (530) 229‐0517  Lassen CTC Email: [email protected]  Tehama CTC DISTRICT 2  Modoc LTC 1657 Riverside Drive  Trinity CTC Redding, CA 96001  Plumas CTC  Siskiyou CLTC  Shasta RTA Beatriz Gonzalez (530) 741‐5173  Butte CAG Email: [email protected]  Sierra LTC  Colusa CTC DISTRICT 3  Glenn CTC 703 B Street  El Dorado CTC Marysville, CA 95901  Nevada CTC  Placer CTPA  Sacramento Area COG  Tahoe MPO Sustainable Communities— Becky Frank (510) 286‐5536 Email: [email protected] DISTRICT 4 111 Grand Avenue Blesilda Gebreyesus (510) 286‐5575  Metropolitan Transportation P.O. Box 23660 Email: [email protected] Commission Oakland, CA 94623‐0660 Strategic Partnerships— Cameron Oakes (510) 622‐5758 Email: [email protected]  Monterey TAMC  Santa Cruz CCRTC DISTRICT 5  San Benito COG 50 Higuera Street Hana Mengsteab (805) 549‐3130  Association of Monterey County San Luis Obispo, CA Email: [email protected] Bay Area Governments 93401‐5415  Santa Barbara CAG  San Luis Obispo COG

42 Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant District Contact List

DISTRICT CONTACT MPO/RTPA Paul Marquez (559) 445‐5867  Fresno COG DISTRICT 6 Email: [email protected]  Tulare CAG 1352 W. Olive Avenue  Kern COG P.O. Box 12616 Alec Kimmel (559) 488‐4325  Kings CAG Fresno, CA 93778‐2616 Email: [email protected]  Madera CTC

DISTRICT 7 Charles Lau (213) 897‐0197  Southern California 100 S. Main Street Email: [email protected] Association of Governments Los Angeles, CA 90012

DISTRICT 8 464 W. 4th Street Rebecca Forbes (909) 388‐7139  Southern California Mail Station 722 Email: [email protected] Association of Governments San Bernardino, CA 92401

DISTRICT 9  Inyo LTC Brandon Fitt (760) 872‐0724 500 S. Main Street  Mono LTC Email: [email protected] Bishop, CA 93514  Eastern Kern (COG)

Mountain Counties—  Alpine CTC Carl Baker (209) 948‐7325  Amador CTC DISTRICT 10 Email: [email protected]  Calaveras COG 1976 E. Dr. Martin Luther  Mariposa LTC King Boulevard Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus  Merced CAG P.O. Box 2048 Counties—  Tuolumne CCAPC Stockton, CA 95201 Tom Dumas (209) 941‐1921  San Joaquin COG Email: [email protected]  Stanislaus COG

DISTRICT 11  San Diego Association of 4050 Taylor Street Barby Valentine (619) 688‐6003 Governments Mail Station 240 Email: [email protected]  Southern California San Diego, CA 92110 Association of Governments

Yatman Kwan (949) 724‐2731 DISTRICT 12 Email: [email protected] 3347 Michelson Drive  Southern California

Suite 100 Association of Governments Marlon Regisford (949) 724‐2241 Irvine, CA 92612‐0661 Email: [email protected]

CivicSpark: A Year in Review Rebecca True CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow, ‘15-’16 CivicSpark AmeriCorps Assistance Program

• Governor’s initiative with mission to build capacity for local governments in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation throughout California • AmeriCorps program sponsored by the Local Government Commission • Position: Working in collaboration with MCAG and member jurisdictions to meet state goals My projects

1. Gustine greenhouse gas inventory

2. AHSC grant technical assistance

3. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure

4. Sustainability internship framework 1) Greenhouse Gas Inventory, City of Gustine

 Created community-scale emissions inventory with SEEC ClearPath SEEC ClearPath platform 2) Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Grant

What it is Best practices  Annual funding from  Focus on reducing GGRF for increased greenhouse gas alternative emissions transportation access  Have project in areas of need supported by local  Managed by Strategic policy groups Growth Council  TOD, ICP, or RIPA GreenTRIP Connect 3) Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

SJV Air District Charge eVgo Make-Ready Up! Incentive Stubs Program  $5000 towards Level  Install 10-40 “stubs” 2 single-port charger per site, cap of $3000  $25,000 towards per stub Level 3 DC fast  Open to businesses, charger public agencies,  Public access for multi-unit dwellings, minimum of 30 and schools hours/week  EV-ready Public fleet incentives

 SJV Air District’s Public Benefit Grant Program for New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Purchase - $20,000 per vehicle with cap of $100,000 per agency per year.  Air Resources Board’s Increased Incentives for Public Fleets in Pollution- Burdened Communities – $15,000 per vehicle 4) Sustaining Efforts in Merced County Questions and Feedback Rebecca True CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellow civicspark.lgc.org

ITEM 15

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: TY PHIMMASONE, PLANNER

RE: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN AMENDMENT 1

PRIOR APPROVAL BY MCAG BOARD IN MAY 2016

At the May 2016 meeting, the MCAG Governing Board adopted the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan / Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) Amendment 1 and the Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis. The Minute Order, which reflects the prior Board adoption, is attached.

Staff had neglected to include a Board Resolution, which is required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the federal reviewing agency.

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt Resolution 2016/09-22-06, which corresponds to the May 2016 adoption of the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 and the Corresponding Air Quality Conformity Analysis.

Attachments: Resolution No. 2016/09-22-06 Minute Order for May 19, 2016, Board Adoption of 2014 RTP Amendment 1

RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-06

RESOLUTION OF THE MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS ADOPTING AMENDMENT 1 TO THE 2014 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN/ SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY STRATEGY, AND THE CORRESPONDING CONFORMITY ANALYSIS

WHEREAS, the Merced County Association of Governments is a Regional Transportation Planning Agency and a Metropolitan Planning Organization, pursuant to State and Federal designation; and

WHEREAS, federal planning regulations require Metropolitan Planning Organizations to prepare and adopt a long range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for their region; and

WHEREAS, Senate Bill (SB) 375 (Steinberg, 2008) requires that Metropolitan Planning Organizations prepare a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) as part of the 2014 RTP that demonstrates how the region will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from automobiles and light trucks to achieve, if there is a feasible way to do so, the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets approved by the California Air Resources Board (ARB), and

WHEREAS, pursuant to SB 375, ARB set the per capita GHG emission reduction targets for the San Joaquin Valley region at 5% below 2005 per capita emissions levels by 2020 and 10% below 2005 per capita emissions levels by 2035; and

WHEREAS, a 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 has been prepared in full compliance with federal guidance; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 has been prepared in accordance with state guidelines adopted by the California Transportation Commission and;

WHEREAS, a 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 meets all applicable transportation planning requirements per 23 CFR 450; and

WHEREAS, the MPO must demonstrate conformity per 40 CFR Part 93 for the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 includes a new Conformity Analysis; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 conforms to the applicable SIPs; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 does not interfere with the timely implementation of the Transportation Control Measures; and

WHEREAS, the documents have been widely circulated and reviewed by the Merced County Association of Governments advisory committees representing the technical and management staffs of the member agencies; representatives of other governmental agencies, including State and Federal; representatives of special interest groups; representatives of the private business sector; and residents of Merced County consistent with the public participation process adopted by the Merced County Association of Governments; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 and Corresponding Conformity Analysis were released for public review and comment from November 12, 2015 through January 7, 2016, and there were three public hearings that were held in November and December 2015;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Merced County Association of Governments adopts the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 with scenario C, and the Corresponding Conformity Analysis reflecting scenario C.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Merced County Association of Governments finds that the 2014 RTP/SCS Amendment 1 is in conformity with the requirements of the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments and applicable State Implementation Plans for air quality.

The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Merced County Association of Governments this 22nd day of September, 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

______Marjorie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Governing Board Chair Merced County Association of Governments Merced County Association of Governments

ITEM 16

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: TY PHIMMASONE, PLANNER

RE: ADDING HIGHWAY 33 TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

Caltrans District 10 has requested that MCAG and Merced County support the District’s effort to include Highway / State Route 33 (SR 33), from Interstate 5 to State Route 152, in the National Highway System (NHS).

SR 33 is currently on the Freeway and Expressway System (FES), from I-5/SR 33 interchange to SR 152/SR 33. This segment is about 3.7 miles long and features a combination of continuous two-way left turn lanes and restricted left turn lane. On August 5, 2016, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the request to change the Federal Functional Classification of SR 33 (SR152 to SR 140) from a Minor Arterial to a Principal Arterial. The 2016 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volume is approximately 10,500. Approximately 30% of that AADT is heavy truck traffic, with most being heavy 5-axle trucks. SR 33 facilitates truck-based, agricultural goods movement.

Future traffic volume increases will create more roadway degradation and may necessitate highway expansion and operational improvements. Being in the NHS will make this portion of SR 33 eligible for additional funds for maintenance and for freight movement improvements in and out of this area in the future.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please call Ty Phimmasone at 723.3153 x 309 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Adopt a resolution requesting amending the National Highway System to include State Route 33, from Interstate 5 to State Route 152.

Attachments: Resolution No. 2016/09-22-07 State Route 33 Subject Segment Map

RESOLUTION NO. 2016/09-22-07

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING AMENDING NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM

WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working in consultation and coordination with regional transportation planning agencies, counties, and cities along the State Route (SR) 33 corridor; and,

WHEREAS, functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes according to the character of service they are intended to provide, and functional classification is used in determining federal funding eligibility for roadway improvements; and,

WHEREAS, Caltrans periodically reviews the system of highways under its jurisdiction for appropriate changes to classification of the various segments of the system; and,

WHEREAS, a recent review of SR 33, which runs north-south and traverses across Merced County within the California Department of Transportation District 10, has revealed the need for the changes to the Federal Functional Classification and National Highway System (NHS) classification of SR 33; and,

WHEREAS, SR 33, from SR 140 to SR 152, meets the Average Daily Traffic, Truck Volume and Population-Served criteria that provides justification for the Principal Arterial classification; and,

WHEREAS, on August 5, 2016, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the request to change the Federal Functional Classification of SR 33 (SR 140 to SR152) from a Minor Arterial to a Principal Arterial.

WHEREAS, MCAG recommends that SR 33, from Interstate 5 to SR 152, meets the criteria to be included in the NHS, and requests that it be included in the National Highway Performance Program (NHPP) in order for it to be eligible for NHPP funding to help meet statewide NHS performance measures for roadway condition, safety, mobility, and freight movement; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that MCAG hereby request the change to the National Highway System as presented and attached.

PASSED and APPROVED this 22nd day of September, 2016.

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

______Marjorie Kirn, Executive Director Deidre Kelsey, Governing Board Chair Merced County Association of Governments Merced County Association of Governments End of Study Location PM 16.9

Existing NHS Routes

Begin of Study Location PM R13.24

Study Segment Map SR 33 ( at Santa Nella) From PM R13.24 to PM 16.9 ITEM 17

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: STACIE DABBS, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

RE: 2017 ONE VOICE PROGRAM

BACKGROUND

One Voice is a legislative advocacy program for the Merced County region that promotes issues of regional significance to federal legislators and agencies through an annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. The purpose of the program is to advocate for increased funding and/or new or amended legislation. The program began in 2004 as a state and federal initiative, however, the state program concluded in 2010.

Merced County Association of Governments currently contracts with Townsend Public Affairs for $25,000 to support the planning process, coordinate the trip itinerary and assist with post- meeting action items.

2016 PROGRAM DEBRIEF

Following the completion of the 2016 program, the delegation met to brainstorm what went well and how we could improve the program moving forward. Among those suggestions included continuing with the “strike team” format where smaller groups were organized around the major issue areas: transportation, economic development, water, homelessness and education, and concurrent itineraries were developed to allow for the smaller groups to have more focused and targeted meetings with relevant agencies. Another key debrief suggestion was to engage the business community in the program with the goal of having additional private sector delegates on the trip. Ultimately, the delegation unanimously agreed that the program remains a worthwhile effort, with many delegates expressing their intent to participate again in 2017.

2017 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Program Goals:

• Engage more representatives from the private sector • Make clearer connections to current legislation related to our major issue areas • Encourage Merced Irrigation District and Congressman Costa’s office to send a delegate on the trip • Have fewer planning meetings • Require delegates to be active participants in the program development process • Hold at least one practice session for speakers prior to the trip Program Development Process and Schedule:

September 9, 2016 Call for Projects - Staff sent an email invitation to prior participants and other key partners to the 2017 kick-off meeting to be held October 13, 2016. This email also encouraged interested parties to bring projects/issues to the first meeting for discussion.

October 13, 2016 Kick Off Meeting – 3pm @ MCAG

November 3, 2016 Planning Meeting – 3pm @ MCAG

December 15, 2016 MCAG Governing Board item to adopt the legislative platform – 3pm @ Merced County

March 30, 2017 Planning Meeting – 3pm @ MCAG

April 13, 2017 Planning Meeting (speaker practice run) – 3pm @ MCAG

April 27, 2017 Final Planning Meeting – 3pm @ MCAG

2017 One Voice Trip May 2-5, 2017 – Washington, DC

May 11, 2017 Debrief Meeting – 3pm MCAG

LOGISTICS

The 2017 One Voice trip is scheduled for May 2-5, 2017 with May 2nd and 5th serving as travel days. A contract has been secured with the Holiday Inn, Capitol Hill for a reduced group rate of $274 per night. Individuals who are interested in participating in the 2017 trip to Washington, DC will be asked to confirm their participation by March 30, 2017.

NEXT STEPS

Staff is currently requesting projects and issues from jurisdictions and partners with the goal of finalizing the legislative platform by November 3, 2016. In addition, staff is beginning outreach efforts in attempt to attract new participants from the community, particularly from the private sector.

Staff will provide regular updates to the CAC, TRB and Governing Board throughout this planning process. If you have any questions about the One Voice program or are interested in participating in the 2017 program, please contact Stacie Dabbs 209.723.3153 x 308 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

For information only.

Attachment: 2016 One Voice Brochure May 11-12, 2016 WATER

EDUCATION

TRANSPORTATION

HOMELESSNESS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

One Voice

May 11, 2016

Dear Sir or Madam, Thank you for taking the time to meet with the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) One Voice delegation. We appreciate the demands on your schedule and are grateful for the time you have provided to learn about our region’s priorities and projects, and to speak with us about the critical work you and your colleagues are doing in Washington, D.C. Merced County, California, is home to a diverse population of 267,000 people and is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley—the world’s most productive agricultural area. Nine of the nation’s top ten agricultural- producing counties are in California, with seven located in the San Joaquin Valley including Merced County. Our county is also home to the University of California, Merced, the 10th campus in the UC system, and the first American research university of the 21st Century. Having opened its doors to students in 2005, the student population today exceeds 6,500 with nearly one-third coming from the San Joaquin Valley. The campus also leads the UC system in the percentage of students from underrepresented ethnic groups, low-income families and families whose parents did not attend college. One Voice is a federal advocacy program comprised of local representatives, elected officials and staff who travel to Washington, D.C. annually to meet with legislators and agency staff to advocate for projects and issues of regional significance. The goals of the program are to: • Communicate the region’s legislative priorities clearly and succinctly; • Obtain more federal funding for local projects; • Advocate for legislation or policy changes that will benefit Merced County; • Support our legislators by meeting with their peers and garnering wider support for projects and issues relevant to the Merced County region. These advocacy trips are important to us as they give us the opportunity to share information about our local challenges, initiatives and projects and to build relationships and partnerships with policymakers and staff that will benefit the work we are doing to improve the quality of life in Merced County. Thank you again for your time. We look forward to working with you on these priorities. Sincerely,

Marjie Kirn Executive Director Merced County Association of Governments 2016 ONE VOICE DELEGATION

CITY OF GUSTINE Adam Cox, Board Member (209)384-7092 [email protected] Dennis Brazil, Mayor (209)854 -6471 [email protected] Jessica Kazakos, Board Member (209)385-6640 [email protected] Pat Nagy, Council Member (209)854-6471 [email protected] MERCED COMMUNITY CITY OF LIVINGSTON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Gurpal Samra, Council Member Daniel Kazakos, Chief Executive Officer (209)394-5544 [email protected] (209)500-7773 [email protected] Alex McCabe, Council Member MERCED IRRIGATION DISTRICT (209)394-5544 [email protected] Mike Jensen, Public and Government CITY OF MERCED Relations Officer (209)722-5761 [email protected] Joshua Pedrozo, Mayor Pro Tempore (209)385-6834 [email protected] UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Mike Murphy, Council Member MERCED (209)385-6834 [email protected] Cori Lucero, Executive Director, Steve Carrigan, City Manager Governmental and Community Relations (209)385-6834 [email protected] (209)228-4440 [email protected]

MERCED COUNTY MERCED COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF Daron McDaniel, Supervisor, District 3 GOVERNMENTS (MCAG) (209)385-7366 [email protected] Marjie Kirn, Executive Director Mike North, Management Analyst (209)723-3153 x 306 [email protected] (209)726-2744 [email protected] Stacie Dabbs, Public Information Officer (209)723-3153 x 308 [email protected] MAPE’S RANCH/LYONS’ INVESTMENTS TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Bill Lyons, Jr. Christopher Townsend, President (209)522-1762 [email protected] (949)399-9050 [email protected] Richard Harmon, Central California Director MERCED BOOSTERS CLUB (916)447-4086 [email protected] President David Melin, James Peterson, Federal/Southern (209)726-9182 [email protected] California Director (949)399-9050 [email protected] MERCED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT RoseMary Parga Duran, Superintendent (209)385-6640 [email protected] TRANSPORTATION

Our region appreciates the passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act last year as it provides long-term certainty and stability of funding sources which are critical to planning and implementing investments in a multi-modal regional transportation system. The FAST Act includes several key transportation grant programs that could provide key investments in our region’s transportation infrastructure which would spur economic development, job creation and the overall improvement to the quality of life in the region. Transportation Investment Generating CAMPUS PARKWAY Economic Recovery (TIGER) $33 million The TIGER grant program continues to be among the Campus Parkway is a three phase most competitive transportation funding grant project that involves the construction programs in the country. The fact that each year the of 4.5 miles of new expressway from demand far outweighs funding availability reflects its State Route 99, connecting State importance in shaping regional transportation Route 140 and extending to Yosemite systems. Toward that end, our region has once again Avenue in Merced. Design and right- submitted an application to fund the construction of of-way are fully funded for the entire segment 2 of the Campus Parkway project. This project and the first of the three project will provide access to employment and segments has been constructed. educational centers including the University of Segment 2 will continue the California, Merced campus, and will cater to bicyclist and ridesharing travelers. This project is located in a expressway to State Route 140 and is rural disadvantaged community and is a local and projected to cost $33 million. regional priority project. The completion of this project will create new middle-class jobs in an Fostering Advancements in Shipping economically distressed area with an and Transportation for the Long-Term unemployment rate consistently Achievement of National Efficiencies among the nation’s highest. It will provide an efficient connection to the (FASTLANE) University of California’s newest As provided through the FAST Act, this new program campus from two state highways (99 is an exciting new opportunity for Merced County, and 140). The project will spur particularly with 25% reserved for rural projects. planned development, including a Under the program eligibility, any proposed project in new retail distribution center and a Merced County is considered rural. With this regional major commercial center – opportunity including the requirement to fund shovel- creating 5,800 jobs, increasing ready projects, our region has submitted an regional gross domestic product and application for the Campus Parkway project. Segment 2 of the Campus Parkway project is shovel- employment by 10%, and connecting ready with the design and right-of-way acquisition disadvantaged populations to job complete for all future phases. opportunities.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Merced County is a rural region of nearly two-thousand square miles and 267,000 residents. It is challenged with inadequate and deteriorating infrastructure, a largely unskilled workforce, and insufficient resources following the dissolution of state redevelopment agencies and other key programs in recent years. However, the region is ripe with opportunity for business attraction, retention and expansion, particularly in regard to the reuse of the former Castle Air Force Base facility.

Support Business Creation, Retention and Expansion o Expand HUBZone Boundary The Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program was designed to promote economic development opportunities and employment growth in distressed areas by providing access to more federal contracting opportunities. The Merced-Atwater region is a highly distressed area with record unemployment. A handful of properties with higher-than- average real estate values lend to a false representation of a more affluent area rather than reflect the reality of high unemployment and lack of quality jobs. The inclusion of several nearby businesses in the HUBZone designation would promote considerable job growth and significant improvement to quality of life in a highly distressed area. An area of notable opportunity is the Castle Business Park which was formerly Castle Airforce Base – a Base Closure Area. HUBZone inclusiveness would certainly attract businesses to this complex, creating quality jobs and spurring economic activity in the region.

2 o Fund Industrial Park Feasibility Studies ($300,000) With State Route 99 and Interstate 5 running through the east and west sides of Merced County, respectively, the region is well-positioned to serve as the epicenter for industrial activity and distribution of goods throughout California and the Western United States. With several sites for potential development greater than 1200 acres throughout the region, funding to conduct feasibility studies for industrial parks is needed. Specifically, there is interest in exploring opportunities for a feasibility study for a joint industrial park owned and overseen by the County and respective cities.

o Fund Study to Identify Best Available Technologies for Wastewater Pre-Treatment for Food and Dairy Processors ($300,000) In addition to being one of the state’s leading ag production counties, Merced County is one of California’s largest dairy producers and supports a burgeoning food processing industry. Funding is needed to study the best available technology for the pre-treatment of wastewater that is generated by food and dairy processors. The City of Merced is currently ineligible for USDA funding due to exceeding the population limit. However, project benefits to the nearby agricultural and rural communities can be demonstrated.

Invest in the Revitalization of Rural Communities

Merced County is comprised of a number of small rural communities founded and driven by a local agriculture economy. Collectively, these communities and others throughout the San Joaquin Valley, make the region a powerhouse for ag-production and economic activity. However, as individual jurisdictions they are often unable to make the much-needed investments in their aged infrastructure to be ADA compliant, provide safe pedestrian access to shopping and schools, and attract and retain businesses to their downtowns and commercial areas. These communities are small, rural and the heart of our nation’s agricultural economy. They deserve the attention and investment of special programs designed to address their unique needs.

o Revitalize Downtown Gustine ($8 million) The Gustine Downtown Revitalization Project is intended to provide much needed infrastructure upgrades to Gustine’s main street to improve downtown commercial occupancy rates, improve walkability and ADA accommodations, and enhance the functionality and aesthetic of the heart of the community.

WATER

Water is the lifeblood of the San Joaquin Valley – one of the most agriculturally rich regions in the nation. An adequate, diverse water supply is critical to all aspects of life in the region, in order to support our regional ag economy, provide for future economic growth, and to maintain a reliable source for our urban and rural communities.

The Problem: Despite the relief provided by recent storms, the current supply of available water in California remains inadequate. Further, climate change is expected to significantly alter snowpack and runoff in the coming years. The state has been severely impacted by the multi-year drought and subsequent reductions to its water supplies used for both municipal and agricultural farming operations. Without precipitation, surface water is rapidly depleting and groundwater is being pulled from the ground faster than it is recharging.

The Impact: The multi-year drought has left Merced County reeling. Agriculture is Merced County’s top industry, generating about $3 billion in raw-product value annually. As its largest employer production agriculture employs about a fifth of the county’s residents, with more than 30% in ag-related jobs. Without water, the region faces job loss and the fallowing of prime ag land. These impacts are felt beyond California as production declines, the price of commodities increase in markets across the country. Without an adequate supply of surface water, groundwater is being pumped from the San Joaquin Valley at an unsustainable rate causing significant subsidence in several locations. In some areas, land dropped more than 21 inches in just two years and continues to sink at a rate of nearly 1 foot per year. Known as subsidence, this trend is an alarming threat to economically vital infrastructure like canals, roads, dams, railroads, pipes and bridges. This is especially concerning due to permanent damage caused to the aquifer when subsidence occurs.

The Solution: Responding to the current water crisis requires action and leadership at the federal, state and local levels. In addition to conservation efforts, a successful approach must include additional storage as the failure to increase water supplies in California will jeopardize America’s breadbasket and the state’s trillion-dollar economy.

• What is the State of California doing? Recognizing that water is a pressing issue for all Californians, voters approved Proposition 1B in 2014. Currently, Governor Brown and the State Legislature are working together to expedite bond funding for conservation efforts. Additionally, the Governor has called for 25% reduction in potable urban water use. Curtailments to agriculture use have been occurring for several years.

4 • What are we doing locally? Merced County continues to explore and implement measures to conserve and manage surface and groundwater supplies through innovative strategies and program adjustments. Last year, the Merced County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance to manage groundwater supplies through a permitting process. In 2014, the state enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, placing the burden of managing groundwater sustainability on local agencies. Under the law, local agencies are required to adopt a Groundwater Management Plan by 2020. In addition, each jurisdiction in Merced County has instituted local mandatory conservation measures as required by the State of California and Governor Jerry Brown. This generally includes reduced landscape watering as well as outreach to the community on residential and business water conservation techniques.

• What can the federal government do? Federal authority and resources are key elements to successfully addressing the existing water crisis in California, and to prevent similar crises in future years. A comprehensive solution that addresses the immediate need for increased water supplies and provides for additional water storage for future years, is paramount to the future of the San Joaquin Valley, the state of California and the nation. Pass Bi-Partisan Drought Relief Legislation that provides long-term and short-term provisions to help cope with the historic drought. It is critical that leaders in both houses of Congress come together to develop bi-partisan legislation that addresses the development of new storage projects and provides assistance to communities with inadequate or unsafe drinking water. Increase current water supplies by relieving operational constraints that severely limit water supply movement through both state and federal pumping stations. In addition, funding is needed to develop much needed water treatment infrastructure in rural communities. Increase water storage capacity by continuing to support the Lake McClure Spillway modification, which would help carry over storage from wet years to dry years. Also, water storage capacity needs to be increased by constructing additional water supply reliability projects that would enhance regional water conveyance, improve ground water storage and reduce groundwater over drafting. Additionally, the federal government should support the efforts of the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority in their regional efforts to obtain state and federal funding to construct the Temperance Flat Reservoir. Support forest thinning and restoration efforts. Current forest management practices have increased the density of trees from 80 per acre to 250 per acres in the Central Sierra Nevada mountain range. Forest restoration – or forest “thinning” – has tremendous benefits, including decreasing risk of catastrophic wildfire and increasing water yield from snowpack runoff.

LOCAL PROJECTS Lake McClure Storage Enhancement: Increase available storage through improvements to operating requirements for diverting and storing inflow to the lake, and/or physically modifying New Exchequer Dam’s gated spillway.

Black Rascal Creek Flood Control Project: Urge the Army Corps of Engineers to fund a flood control system along Black Rascal Creek that would include the construction of a floodwater detention basin to thwart the chronic local flooding to the area.

EDUCATION

The Merced City School District faces unique challenges in its efforts to serve 10,800 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students at 18 campuses. Statistics for the 2015-2016 school year show more than 82% of our students are either English Learners or from low income families. The District, in partnership with the community, is striving to provide the necessary resources to help all of our students succeed by improving the safety and health of our children while providing cutting edge technology to prepare them for bright futures. Educational Center for Community Advancement in Rural Merced - ($7.3 million) The Franklin Beachwood community north of Merced is an unincorporated area with high rates of poverty, violence and gang activity with low educational attainment rates. It is home to two schools with higher than average populations of English Learners. With that said, there is a growing collaboration of families and community members joining together to garner support and resources to provide their children with a quality education, safe environment and improved quality of life for the residents of the area. The Franklin Beachwood Project is a proposed project for this community that consists of a multi-agency partnership to provide: • Joint-use gymnasium and community center at Stefani Elementary School • Health resource center (medical and dental) • Safe routes to both local elementary schools • Joint-use playground

Full STEAM Ahead - ($4.9 million) Merced is home to the University of California’s newest campus with an emphasis in the fields of science and engineering but is located in a region that has historically been challenged with higher than average poverty, unemployment and large minority student populations of English Learners and lower than average achievement scores. The Full STEAM Ahead project consists of developing a state-of-the-art STEAM Center at one elementary campus along with supporting sites and Maker- Spaces to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics at a college and career preparation level to all students. This STEAM Center would better prepare our students for a lifetime of success. It would also be used to train hundreds of teachers so they can learn the best methods for educating our youth in these critical areas.

HOMELESSNESS

The Merced County region continues to struggle to address the needs of its homeless population. While there was a significant decrease in the number of homeless persons between 2015 and 2016, additional resources and collaborative effort is needed between the local, state and federal governments to address the needs of the individuals and the communities impacted. Support the Merced City and County Continuum of Care According to the Merced County 2016 Homeless Count and Survey, 519 persons are homeless in the county region on any given day. Of this population, 163 are in shelters or transitional housing programs and 356 were unsheltered. The Merced City and County Continuum of Care has made a tremendous impact on reducing the numbers of homeless individuals in our communities through the associated funding provided by the U.S. Total Number of Department of Housing and Urban Development Year Homeless Variance (HUD). The collaborative effort of the continuum Persons # % has undoubtedly resulted in the considerable decrease in the number of homeless individuals over 2015 899 - - the last year as many homeless service providers 2016 519 380 42.3 reported many who exited homelessness through their resources and community partnerships. Support the HUD VASH Voucher Program The Housing and Urban Development Agency’s VASH Voucher program provides subsidized housing for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Merced County has only received 55 vouchers to date since the program was initiated as noted in the table below. In 2015, the Merced County Point-in-Time Homeless Count noted that 88 veterans were homeless. The 2016 Point-in-Time Homeless Count noted 25 homeless veterans which represents a decrease of 63 veterans or 71.5%. Understanding there is a formula that is used to determine the number of vouchers that a county will receive, Merced is requesting no fewer than 25 vouchers be allocated in 2016.

Year of Award # of Vouchers Help Us House Homeless Veterans In order to finish the job of ending homelessness 2008 0 among veterans, the Merced City and County 2009 0 Continuum of Care created the Merced County 2010 0 Task Force to End Homelessness among Veterans 2011 0 by the end of 2016. The task force is made up of a 2012 25 wide-range of representatives from public and 2013 0 private organizations who will continue to 2014 15 implement a Housing First approach that will 2015 15 permanently house homeless veterans as quickly Total: 55 as possible in permanent housing, including permanent supportive housing, and provide on- site and off-site case management services. Twenty-five HUD-VASH vouchers will ensure that a Housing First approach is used to end the homelessness experiences of veterans in Merced County and in particular chronically homeless veterans. The 2016 Point-in-Time count revealed that 56% or 14 of the veterans counted were chronically homeless.

MERCED COUNTY, California

UC Merced Merced County Association of Governments 369 W. 18th Street Merced, CA 95340 (209)723-3153 www.mcagov.org

ITEM 18

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: STACIE DABBS, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

RE: 2018 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN / SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES STRATEGY PUBLIC OUTREACH PLAN

BACKGROUND

MCAG is required to adopt a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every four years. This plan specifies the policies, projects, and programs necessary to maintain, manage and improve the region’s transportation system over a 25-year period. In addition, state law requires the RTP to include a Sustainable Communities Strategy which shows how regional greenhouse has reduction targets – set by the California Air Resources Board – could be achieved by implementing a feasible development pattern and set of transportation investments. The last RTP/SCS was adopted in 2014 with an amendment adopted in May 2016.

The RTP/SCS is a long-range visioning plan that balances future mobility and housing needs with economic, environmental and public health goals. It embodies a collective vision for the region’s future and is developed with input from local governments, community organizations, businesses, residents and other stakeholders from throughout Merced County. How these stakeholders are engaged and how their input helps share the RTP/SCS is the foundation for the development of the RTP/SCS Public Outreach Plan.

SUMMARY

Staff is currently preparing to launch the 2018 RTP/SCS planning process in the fall 2017. At this time, staff is requesting input from the CAC, TRB, MCAG Governing Board and other key stakeholders about what techniques, approaches, and tools can be incorporated into the Public Outreach Plan to maximize public engagement in the 2018 RTP/SCS development process. In addition, suggestions regarding key community groups, events or other outreach opportunities are encouraged and welcomed.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please call Stacie Dabbs at (209)723-3153 x 308 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

For information only.

ITEM 19

MEMORANDUM

DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

TO: MCAG GOVERNING BOARD

FROM: STACIE DABBS, PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

RE: SHORT RANGE TRANSIT PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE

BACKGROUND

Last year, MCAG received a $125,000 transportation planning grant from Caltrans to prepare a Short Range Transit Plan. This plan was approved in the 2016-2017 OWP under element 123. On May 5, 2016 staff released a request for proposals for consultant services and in June, the Governing Board authorized the Executive Director to negotiate and enter into a contract. On July 22, 2016 MCAG executed a contract with LSC Transportation Consultants, Inc to prepare the plan. The projected time of completion for the plan is June 2017.

SUMMARY

The Short Range Transit Plan is the primary planning document for administering public transit and paratransit services in Merced County. The updated plan will: • Provide policy guidance to the Transit Joint Powers Authority Governing Board; • Identify capital and operating needs based on data and public outreach; • Identify service efficiencies and opportunities for expansion; • Provide an up-to-date marketing plan for increasing ridership; • Help reduce travel by single-occupant vehicle and reduce air pollution.

The development of the Short Range Transit Plan requires input and feedback from a broad range of stakeholders which can be achieved through a subcommittee framework. The intended purpose of the subcommittee is to provide a working group comprised of representatives from the Governing Board, the Technical Review Board, the Technical Planning Committee, and the Citizens Advisory Committee, that can be engaged in the plan development process to provide the needed input and feedback on behalf of the community.

This subcommittee will not meet regularly. According to the scope of work, the consultant will be conducting two rounds of outreach meetings – one in October 2016 and another in February 2017 – that will help them gain a comprehensive understanding of the current transit system and the community it serves. The subcommittee will be called upon on both occasions to meet with the consultants at the MCAG office to provide feedback on the activities and findings to date, as well as, ideas for improvements moving forward. Additional public outreach meetings and meetings with the Social Services Transportation Advisory Committee will be held separately from the subcommittee meetings.

If you have any questions regarding this staff report please contact Stacie Dabbs at (209)723- 3153 x 308 or [email protected].

REQUESTED ACTION

Nominate one or more Directors from the MCAG Governing Board to participate in the Short Range Transit Plan subcommittee.