Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the USDOT’s Safe Streets for All Discretionary Grant Program for Systemwide Transportation Safety Improvements in Ann Arbor
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes an implementation grant application to the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program for a suite of projects intended to improve transportation safety across the City of Ann Arbor. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the Department’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.
In order to qualify for an implementation grant, a community must have an adopted safety action plan. With Council’s adoption of the “Moving Together Towards Vision Zero” Transportation Master Plan, the City of Ann Arbor qualifies to pursue these implementation dollars.
The program supports activities such as: applying low-cost roadway safety treatments; transforming a roadway corridor; installing pedestrian safety enhancements and closing network gaps; supporting the development of bikeway networks; carrying out speed management strategies; promoting the adoption of innovative technologies or strategies to promote safety; evaluating and improving the safety of intersections; among others as detailed on the grant website (<https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A>). Ann Arbor’s proposed grant includes the following elements (subject to change as the grant writing process unfolds):
• Sidewalks
• Accessible pedestrian signals
• Crosswalk upgrades, including streetlights
• Eisenhower Park path connector
• Pedestrian signal performance measures
• Bike parking
• Protected bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, and other bike network safety improvements
• Citywide speed reduction
• Education campaign
• Signal upgrades and near miss analytics
• Traffic calming
• Quick build projects
• Micro-mobility enhancements
• Program support and management
Applications to the SS4A program are for funds up to 80% of eligible transportation safety projects - though overmatching has historically been viewed favorably in federal discretionary programs such as these. Matching grant funds will be provided by leveraging existing programs that are aligned with and can augment this effort. Specifically, the neighborhood traffic calming program, the sidewalk gap filling program, the crosswalk enhancement and streetlight program, the accessible pedestrian signal upgrades, and the transportation safety campaign are all programs that have historically been and are expected to be funded in the future. As these are existing non-federal programs with established funding sources, leveraging these programs negates the need to find “new” local money to match the grant.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The action to approve submittal of this grant comes with no fiscal impact currently. If the grant is awarded in whole or in part, staff will bring back a grant acceptance agreement which would then establish the City’s commitment to the local match and acceptance of federal funds and grant parameters. As currently written, the grant proposes a total project cost of $22,220,000.00 ($16,700,000 or 75% Federal / $5,520,000.00 or 25% Local) over a period of at least three years (subject to change as the grant writing process unfolds).
Staff
Prepared by: Raymond Hess, Transportation Manager
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Interim Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City committed to a balanced transportation network for all users when it adopted R-11-088 “Resolution Proclaiming the City of Ann Arbor’s Commitment to Complete Streets” on March 7, 2011;
Whereas, The City committed to eliminating serious and incapacitating crashes on Ann Arbor roadways when it adopted R-17-422 “Resolution Supporting Vision Zero Implementation, Including Near- and Long-Term Roadway Safety Measures at Huron High School and Citywide” on November 9, 2017;
Whereas, The City further demonstrated its commitment to transportation safety with the adoption of R-21-211 “Resolution to Adopt the Ann Arbor Moving Together Towards Vision Zero - the City of Ann Arbor Comprehensive Transportation Plan” on June 7, 2021;
Whereas, The City is actively working to operationalize and institutionalize the “Moving Together Towards Vision Zero” Transportation Plan with an ongoing implementation strategy supported by a Vision Zero Implementation Committee; and
Whereas, A Safe Streets For All grant would propel the City of Ann Arbor towards achieving its Vision Zero goal by 2025;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a grant application to the USDOT’s Safe Streets For All grant for systemwide transportation safety improvements in Ann Arbor; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution, including execution of required documents and agreements.