Title
Request Retroactive Authorization to Submit Federal Transit Administration’s American Rescue Plan Route Planning Restoration Grant Application and Enter into Grant Agreement (Ordinance S-48124)
Description
Request to retroactively authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to submit an application to the Federal Transit Administration for grant assistance from the Route Planning Restoration Program under the American Rescue Plan Act. Further request to authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute an agreement with FTA for the purpose of accepting the grant if awarded, and to enter into an agreement with Valley Metro for receiving its pass-through share of the awarded grant funds. Additionally request to authorize the City Treasurer to receive, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item in accordance with the terms of the aforementioned grant and agreements. The total of all grant funds in the application is $945,000.
Report
Summary
Phoenix is the designated recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funds for the Phoenix-Mesa Urbanized Area. As such, Phoenix submits FTA grant applications on behalf of all local governments and agencies in the region.
In partnership with Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix is requesting funding for the study of high-capacity transit (HCT) options in West Phoenix, an area with existing high transit ridership. The area to be studied is roughly between Central and 91st avenues, and McDowell and Camelback roads.
This study would build on past planning efforts in West Phoenix, as well as incorporate new developments like the Phoenix Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Program, to identify an alternatives analysis, looking to identify the most productive corridors as well as an HCT mode (light rail and/or BRT).
Throughout the study, community outreach will be conducted and paired with data analysis to identify a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA). This study may also include an examination of the bus network in the area to recommended changes to build-up transit service in advance of implementing HCT.
The application deadline is Nov. 15, 2021. Due to the timing of the grant application deadline, staff will need to submit the grant application prior to the Council's action. If the Council does not approve this request, staff would withdraw the application.
Financial Impact
Grant funds in the application total $945,000. No City of Phoenix or local funds are included in the application as this grant has no local match requirement.
Location
Council Districts: 4, 5 and 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Transit Department.