All items on the consent agenda are considered to be routine and non-controversial by COG staff and will be approved by one motion if no member of the Committee or public wishes to comment or ask questions.  If comment or discussion is desired by anyone, the item will be removed from the consent agenda and will be considered in the listed sequence with an opportunity for any member of the public to address the Committee concerning the item before action is taken.

Summary: Fresno COG will administer $2,137,815 in Measure “C” funds in 2021-22 for the Senior Scrip, Agriculture Vanpool and Rideshare programs. In accordance with Transportation Authority procedures, Resolution 2021-01 adopts claims for ADA/Seniors/Paratransit ($689,336), Agriculture Vanpools ($506,095), Rideshare ($506,095) and administration/planning ($436,289).

Action:  Adopt Resolution 2021-33 approving Measure "C" Claims for the ADA/Seniors/Paratransit, Agriculture Vanpools and Rideshare programs, as well as administration/planning.

Action: Approve Resolution 2021-34 adopting the City of Kingsburg's 2021-22 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $636,431.

Action: Approve Resolution 2021-35 adopting the City of Selma's 2021-22 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $1,191,764.

Approve Resolution 2021-36 adopting the City of Huron's 2021-22 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $360,164.

Approve Resolution 2021-37 adopting the City of Kerman's 2021-22 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $784,175.

Approve Resolution 2021-30 adopting the County of Fresno's 2020-21 Transportation Development Act claims totaling $7,699,255.

Summary: On June 24, Fresno COG's Policy Board voted to open the 2021-22 Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program/Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) call-for-projects. The CMAQ/STBG call-for-projects workshop will be held virtually via Zoom from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, July 15. This workshop will be hosted by Fresno COG staff and will help answer any questions applicants may have about CMAQ and STBG program applications. Fresno COG staff will review nuances in the CMAQ and STBG applications, cover technical details such as how to calculate emissions reductions or cost-benefit ratios, as well as the call-for-projects process.

The approved CMAQ and STBG guidelines and application packet are available through the respective program websites below:

https://www.fresnocog.org/project/congestion-mitigation-air-quality-cmaq-program/

https://www.fresnocog.org/project/surface-transportation-block-grant-program/

For further information on CMAQ-eligible projects or application submittals, please contact Braden Duran at 559-233-4148 ext. 217 or bduran@fresnocog.org.

For further information on STBG-eligible projects or application submittals, please contact Jennifer Soliz at 559-233-4148 ext. 223 or jsoliz@fresnocog.org.

Action: Information. The Committee may provide further direction at its discretion.

Summary: Fresno COG has contracted with Rincon Consultants and subconsultants Collins & Schoettler and VSCE to provide services under the Circuit Planner and Engineer Program since 2019. The Circuit Planner and Engineer Program provides technical assistance to the small cities in Fresno County for efforts that further Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy goals. Such assistance may include but is not limited to planning studies, project deliveries, grant applications, environmental documents, engineering services (i.e., conceptual design or preliminary engineering), permitting needs assessments, and quality (QA/QC) reviews, as needed.

Rincon has prepared an end-of-the-year summary report for work completed in 2020-2021, which is attached to this agenda item.

The contract with Rincon has been extended into 2021-2022. To discuss how the circuit planner can assist your city, please contact Meg Prince at mprince@fresnocog.org.

Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion. 

Summary: Each year the Fresno region must meet obligation authority (OA) delivery targets for federal funding streams and comply with AB 1012's “use it or lose it” provisions, which gives local jurisdictions three years to obligate Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds. The OA target for 2020/21 is $22,123,092, and as of May 31, $11,806,688 or 53.4 percent of federal CMAQ and STBG funding has been obligated. The attached quarterly report reflects the 20/21 programmed projects.

The federal fiscal year ends Sept. 30; however, as of May 1, unobligated funds become available to the rest of the state on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects not submitted to Caltrans for authorization by May 1 are at risk of being delayed. It is the state’s goal to exceed the OA target and, in August, receive additional federal funds redistributed from other states to projects pending authorization. The deadline for Local agencies to submit Request for Authorization (RFA) packages to District 6 to obtain E-76s for federal projects this fiscal year is July 23, 2021. Fresno COG encourages all agencies to continue submitting their requests for authorization as soon as possible to get in the queue for available funds. If projects do not receive authorization approval after August, they will be delayed until October 2022, the next federal fiscal year. 

Please keep Fresno COG staff updated on any changes that could impact the region’s project delivery plan. Contact Jennifer Soliz at 559-233-4148 ext. 223 or jsoliz@fresnocog.org with any questions regarding fiscal year deadlines or the process of obligating project funds.  

Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary: The San Joaquin Valley Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) Committee is conducting a major study of housing trends, barriers, and best practices in the Valley. This effort is intended to assist San Joaquin Valley cities and counties with updating their housing elements for the sixth cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment, and increase housing supply and affordability.

As a part of that effort, Fresno COG is asking city and county staff to complete a short online survey to illustrate your community's needs related to your housing element update. Staff is hoping to understand your successes and impediments (or expect), and what assistance would be most helpful for you and your community.

Please take a few minutes to help us understand your needs, successes, and concerns related to increasing housing supply and affordability.  The SJV REAP Committee and SJV COG Directors will use this information to better channel housing resources to you, and to approach HCD and the Legislature as a unified region to promote ideas, actions, and funding that more effectively addresses housing issues in your community.

Online REAP Housing Survey (open until July 27):  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJVREAP1

Questions about the survey should be directed to Rick Rust, rick@mintierharnish.com. For more information on the San Joaquin Valley REAP Program: http://sjvcogs.org/reap/

Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion. 

Summary: The state Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) has established and adopted the Prohousing Designation Program in partnership with stakeholders and other state agencies as emergency regulations in response to calls for immediate action to address the state housing crisis. Jurisdictions that adopt local policies to facilitate housing planning, approval, and construction beyond state law can apply to receive the prohousing designation.

Prohousing jurisdictions are awarded additional points or preference when they apply for the following programs that further state housing, equity, and climate goals:

• Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC)
• Transformative Climate Communities (TCC)
• Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG)

Prohousing Webinar

3-4 p.m. July 29

Register

HCD will immediately deploy comprehensive statewide technical assistance to support jurisdictions in applying for the prohousing designation. The program will go through a more extensive public process to become a non-emergency regulation over the next year.

To learn more visit https://hcd.ca.gov/community-development/prohousing/ or to request technical assistance, please email ProhousingPolicies@hcd.ca.gov.

Action: Information. The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

1.

Environmental Justice Equity Indicator and Low Income Threshold (Trai Her-Cole) [ACTION]

2.

Draft Regional Transportation Plan Action Element Outline (Jennifer Soliz/Meg Prince) [ACTION]

3.

Sustainable Communities Strategy Scenarios Community Engagement (Brenda Veenendaal) [INFORMATION]

Summary: Fresno COG, in partnership with Madera County Transportation Commission (MCTC), conducted a study to determine State Route 41's future transportation needs in the City of Fresno as well as the southern segment in Madera County. In addition, the study analyzed future transportation needs along the Avenue 9 corridor in Madera County between SR 41 and SR 99. This project began in July 2020. Fresno COG and MCTC chose the consulting team of IBI Group, BluePoint Planning, and RSG to lead the study.

The study is recommending sustainable improvements to address residents' transportation needs in both counties for issues such as: mobility, access, safety, and connectivity for all modes of travel, including: automobiles, transit, walking, and rolling/cycling. A bi-county travel model, built on Fresno COG's activity based model (ABM) platform guided the project by providing travel demand forecasting. Fresno COG staff  notes that the study's recommendations are advisory. Each appropriate agency would have to institute the recommended improvements.

A steering committee helped identify challenges and solutions to both corridors. The steering committee included representatives from: Fresno COG, MCTC, City of Fresno, County of Madera, County of Fresno, Caltrans, Fresno Area Express, California Highway Patrol, Building Industry Association of Fresno and Madera, Valley Children’s Hospital, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, and local stakeholders such as active transportation groups and business organizations.

Due to COVID-19, outreach efforts were conducted using innovative online techniques, including a public workshop/open house, interactive activities and surveys, and a mass social media campaign that included  a digital information center. These efforts were intended to be inclusive and maximize diverse community and stakeholder participation. Outreach materials were available in various languages and via an “offline” option.

The study was circulated for a public review and comment period that began June 11, with the project team then incorporating received comments into the final draft. The final draft is available to view here: https://www.fresnocog.org/project/fresno-madera-state-route-41-and-avenue-9-sustainable-corridors-study/

Action: Staff requests TTC and PAC recommend the Policy Board accept the Fresno-Madera State Route 41 and Avenue 9 Sustainable Corridors Study.

Summary: In 2018, Fresno COG, in partnership with City of Fresno and the County, received a Caltrans grant to study industrial growth impacts in the area formerly known as the "Reverse Triangle." The study area is bounded by SR 41 to the west, SR 99 to the east, Church Avenue at the north and Adams Avenue to the south. The project develops a transportation plan that provides recommendations for mitigating potential impacts created by industrial growth. 

The project team worked with a steering committee that comprised staff from: Fresno COG, City of Fresno, County of Fresno, Caltrans, the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, FCRTA, FAX, Malaga Community Water District, and other stakeholders. The study area is a disadvantaged and low-income community, according to CalEviroScreen and AB 1550.

The challenges include but are not limited to: increases in pollution, congestion and safety issues associated with increased truck traffic and in-commute trips, limited transit service and multi-modal infrastructure, lack of safe routes to school, etc. Four outreach workshops gathered input and feedback. The project team proposed a comprehensive package of strategies to address current and potential issues. The recommended strategies include: multimodal facilities along roadways and at intersections to improve connectivity and safety; transit and transportation demand management strategies to support mobility needs; capacity and operational improvements to address deficiencies; Safe Routes to School programs, etc.

While the Reverse Triangle Transportation Area Plan (RTTAP) was being developed, there were also multiple planning efforts underway, such as the Fresno South Central Specific Plan and the AB 617 Truck Re-route study. The RTTAP deferred truck issues and potential land use revisions in the area to these planning efforts. 

The draft plan was posted on the project website, as well as Fresno COG's website for a month for comment. Comments have been incorporated into the final draft. The final draft plan is available at: https://www.fresnoreversetriplan.com/.

It should be noted that recommendations in the RTTAP are advisory. Implementing the recommended improvements rests with the local governments.

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend that the Policy Board accept the RTTAP final report. 

Summary:  The 2021-22 Fresno Council of Governments Overall Work Program Amendment No. 1 increases the budget $575,000, primarily through new grant sources. 

Work Element 164 – California Inland Port Study - Phase Two.  This project is part of a larger, multi-phase planning endeavor to be funded with future grant funds. The amendment increases local funds $90,000 to be used in preparing federal applications for future phases. 

Work Element 165 – San Joaquin Valley Household Travel Survey. This $1.5 million study was carried in the budget by programming a combination of FHWA PL transfer funds from Kings County, SJV Regional Early Action Planning and potential Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds from the SJV COGs.  The project was awarded $692,149 in Caltrans Sustainable Communities Grant funding, supplanting the need for Valley COGs to transfer RMRA funds. The amendment only swaps funds. The net effect on the work element is zero.

Work Element 168 – California Inland Port Feasibility Study – Phase Three.  FCOG also received a $388,000 Caltrans Strategic Planning Grant to perform Phase Three of the California Inland Port study.  SJV COGs will provide $80,000 in matching funds with FCOG or California Forward providing $17,000 of the $485,000 project.

Action:  Staff requests that the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2021-38, approving 2021-22 Fresno Council of Governments' Overall Work Program Amendment No. 1.

Summary: On June 28, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced that they have recertified Fresno COG's planning process and federal funding streams for another four years, through March 2025. The announcement and detailed report followed a three-day operations audit in April that included a careful review of Fresno COG's cooperative, continuous and comprehensive planning process across all federally required documents, such as the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and Public Involvement Policies and Procedures (PIP).

Specifically, Fresno COG received four commendations of note under two broad categories. For public engagement, data visualization and general public outreach efforts supporting RTP development; the mini-grant program engaging community-based organizations and; excellence in "public-facing" documents were called out among best practices that the federal agencies will be citing for other metropolitan planning organizations in future certification reviews.  In addition, the review team also commended Fresno COG's environmental justice subcommittee and the role it plays in representing traditionally disadvantaged populations and communities during the long-range transportation planning process.

As anticipated, FHWA and FTA also issued two "corrective actions" as part of the certification process. The first involves a requirement to "band" or group projects in the RTP Financial Plan by time periods that collectively span the planning horizon, which, in the case of the 2022 RTP will be through 2046. Staff is engaged in this process now, with the 2023 FTIP covering the first four years of the new RTP and then "banded" projects for each 10 years after that.

The second corrective action directs Fresno COG to eliminate its long-held practice of providing any direct suballocations of Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) and Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) program funds to its member agencies no later than October 2022.  Practically speaking, this means that the process for distributing these federal funds will have to become 100 percent competitive, with guidelines that clearly establish the perimeters for those programs.  Staff has previously discussed this directive with the Programming Subcommittee in a general sense; however, the certification review report has now clarified a deadline.

Given that the most recent call-for-projects for both programs opened prior to the certification review process, staff does not necessarily anticipate immediate changes in this programming cycle; however, it is likely the Programming Subcommittee will need to hold mid-cycle meetings to establish new guidelines for what a 100 percent competitive program will look like prior the next cycle in 2023.

Action: Information and discussion.  The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Committee on items within its jurisdiction but not on this agenda.  Note:  Prior to action by the Committee on any item on this agenda, the public may comment on that item.  Unscheduled comments may be limited to three minutes.