Title
Authorization to Apply, Accept and Disburse Funding, and if Awarded, Enter into Agreements for Transportation Safety Projects in Fiscal Year 2020 (Ordinance S-46293)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for, accept, and if awarded, enter into agreements for disbursement of federal transportation funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Further request an exemption from the indemnification prohibition set forth in the Phoenix City Code section 42-18 for a governmental entity pursuant to Phoenix City Code section 42-20 if funding is received. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, the funds, if awarded. The individual awards are anticipated to range from $250,000 up to $500,000 in federal funding depending on the amount requested and the complexity of the project.
Report
Summary
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Nov. 14, 2019, for $3 million in transportation safety grants in fiscal year 2020 which provides federal funding to address roadway safety problems. The individual awards are anticipated to range from $250,000 up to $500,000 in federal funding depending on the amount requested and the complexity of the project. USDOT created this funding opportunity to develop, refine, and implement safety tools that address a specific roadway safety problem and support practitioner policy and decision making.
The Street Transportation Department aims to pursue all funding opportunities whenever solicitations are presented that align with the City’s transportation goals and objectives. This recent NOFO is an avenue to leverage City dollars, while increasing the City’s ability to complete more transportation-related projects that enhance safety in the community. Staff is working on an application submittal to develop a comprehensive safety analysis tool that will help make more informed decisions about implementing safety countermeasures. Between now and the application due date of Jan. 17, 2020, staff will continue to refine the scope and costs of the grant submittal to be competitive with other local and regional submittals. Staff anticipates the application submittal will request $500,000 in federal funding.
Financial Impact
The USDOT funding is a reimbursable grant based on completed deliverable(s). The initial 75 percent of the overall funding amount will be reimbursed upon completion of the safety analysis tool and the final 25 percent will be reimbursed upon completion of a final report. Funding for this project is available in the Street Transportation Capital Improvement Program.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Street Transportation Department.