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.

1.

City of Huron FY 2023-24 TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ACTION]

2.

City of Fresno FY 2023-24 TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ACTION]

City of San Joaquin 2022-23 TDA Claim (Les Beshears) [ACTION]

Summary: Caltrans, in cooperation with the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), sets the statewide safety targets for five safety measures every year, known as Safety Performance Management Targets (SPMTs). This is pursuant to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The safety performance measures are- 

• Number of fatalities
• Rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
• Number of serious injuries
• Rate of serious injuries per 100 million VMT
• Number of non-motorized fatalities and serious injuries

MPOs can either choose to support the statewide target or set a separate regional target. Except the first round in 2018 when Fresno COG set its own targets, it has been simply supporting the statewide targets after that. This year, Caltrans set the statewide safety targets consistent with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)'s new requirement that would reflect constant targets between 2021 and 2026 five-year rolling average. This was acheived by setting the 2026 rolling average target equal to that of 2021, and using the average annual change to calculate the annual projection between 2021-2024. Based on this methodology, 2.8% and 3.7% are the annual reduction targets for number of fatalities and serious injuries respectively. Similarly, the annual reduction targets for rate of fatalities and rate of serious injuries are 4.6% and 3.7% respectively. The white paper for Caltrans’ PM1 2024 Safety Performance Management Target-Setting is attached.

Each year, Fresno COG analyzes the historical crash datasets for Fresno County region and proposes different target- setting options to discuss with the safety committee. The safety committee comprises technical staff and safety planners from multiple member jurisdictions in Fresno County. The committee convened on December 21,2023 to discuss the appropriate methodology/option. Fresno COG presented two options to the commitee: first, the state targets being applied to the Fresno County region and second, the best fit curve using the historical trendline. The committee unanimously selected the statewide targets again this year as it was more reasonable and achievable. 

Action: Staff requests that the TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board support the statewide targets for all five safety performance measures for 2024.

Summary: Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG) in partnership with Fresno Area Express (FAX), Clovis Transit, and Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA), requested proposals from consultants to develop the first countywide, origin-destination, transit on-board survey for the Fresno County. The survey will represent all the fixed transit routes within the county, operated by the three transit providers.

The survey will include transit trips' origins and destinations, transfers, rider demographics, customer trip/travel characteristics, customer satisfaction, customer preferences for receiving communications and other transit trip information. The survey's main purpose is to update the transit components of Fresno COG’s activity-based model (ABM) and improve its transit ridership forecasting capability. The survey will also be used to assist transit agencies in planning future service improvements, and to reveal changes in transit riders' travel behaviors after the COVID pandemic.

Staff received two proposals for this project. On Dec. 7, 2023, the scoring committee representing Fresno COG, FAX, Clovis Transit, and FCRTA concluded consultant interviews and selected RSG to conduct the survey.   

RSG in coooperation with ETC Institute and Anik Inc. will be conducting the on-board transit survey and developing the final reports in 2024. The RSG Team’s experience with transit origin-destination (OD) surveys and activity-based modeling makes that firm a unique fit for this study. ETC Institute pioneered the methods, which  the Federal Transit Administration considers OD best practices. RSG developed Fresno COG's ABM and has recently conducted the Central California Travel Survey for the eight-county San Joaquin Valley. RSG has worked with Fresno COG, as well as other agencies across the country, to develop ABM and understands the importance of a high-quality transit dataset. 

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve RSG for the Fresno County Regional Transit On-Board Survey and authorize the executive director to enter into a contract with RSG for an amount not to exceed $229,769.

Summary:  A roundup of Federal and State grant funding opportunities now open or soon to be available.

Federal Bridge Investment Program (BIP) (FY 23 to FY 26)

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) opened applications for planning and bridge projects under the Bridge Investment Program (BIP). The program supports replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection of bridges on the National Bridge Inventory. The notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) makes funding available for Fiscal Years (FY) 2023 to 2026, with separate application deadlines for each fiscal year.

Grants for bridge projects are available with total eligible costs less than $100 million. There is up to $9.62 billion in total funding available for FY 2023 to FY 2026. The application deadline for FY 2023 and FY 2024 funding is March 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for FY 2025 funding is Nov. 1, 2024. The deadline to submit applications for FY 2026 funding is Nov. 1, 2025.

Additionally, planning grants are available to support bridge project planning, feasibility analysis, and revenue forecasting . There is up to $20 million available for FY 2023 to FY 2026. The application deadline for FY 2023 and FY 2024 funding is Feb. 19, 2024. The deadline to apply for FY 2025 funding is October 1, 2024. The deadline to submit applications for FY 2026 funding is October 1, 2025.

Future BIP Applications (Large Bridge)

Aug 1, 2024   Applications due to USDOT (FY 25 funds)

Aug 1, 2025   Applications due to USDOT (FY 26 funds)

Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program – FY 2024 

Sep. 26, 2023  Call for nominations & partnership requests (CLOSED)

Dec 29, 2023  LOS & partnership (final opportunity) - requests due via Smartsheet

Feb 28     Program end date for FY 2024

Future RAISE Applications

Jan 13, 2025 Applications due to USDOT (FY 25 funds)  

Jan 13, 2026 Applications due to USDOT (FY 26 funds) 

SB 1 SCCP & TCEP - Cycle 4

Nov 21  Round 1 - Intent to Nominate due to HQ

Jan 12   Round 2A – Project Location Data due to HQ

Feb 21   Round 2B – Additional Data due to HQ

Nov/Dec 2024 Applications due to CTC

Active Transportation Program (ATP) - Cycle 7 

Oct. 12, 2023  Caltrans Internal Webinar & Call for Nominations

Jan. 31  Project Nominations due to HQ

Mar. 21  CTC Call for Projects

Jun. 17  Applications due to CTC

Advanced Transportation and Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Program

Nov. 20   NOFO released

Dec. 22  Project nominations due to HQ

Feb. 2    Program end date

LOS 1R- HQ concurrence required. 

SME Contact: Traffic Operations Headquarters Division

Congestion Relief Program (CRP) – NOFO COMING SOON

LOS 1 – Delegated to District Director; No HQ concurrence required.

SME Contact: Office of Safety & System Management

Upcoming

• Fall/Winter  Railroad Crossing Elimination Program, Culverts, BIP Planning/Bridge, AT Infrastructure Investment Program
• Early 2024 PROTECT, MPDG, & RCN Award

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

Summary: Consistent with federal legislative guidance, Fresno COG staff has completed the Fresno County Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan.

The Plan identifies resources in use for public transit, surveys needs and user expectations, and identifies strategies to close gaps in perceived service levels. It will be used in part to prioritize projects eligible for federal funding to close the gaps in public transit service levels.  The Fresno County Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan was developed in close cooperation with public transit and human services providers and other stakeholders.

Please contact Jeff Long with any questions or comments at jeff.long@fresno.gov or at 559 621-1436.

Action: Staff and SSTAC request the TTC/PAC recommend that the Policy Board adopt Resolution 2024-02, approving the Fresno County Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan.

Summary: Fresno Council of Governments staff will be submitting two grant applications for the Caltrans FY 2024-25 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, which are due Jan. 18. Staff will submit one application to conduct a Fresno County Regional Rail Feasibility Study and one Climate Adaptation Planning Grant application to develop a Fresno County Extreme Heat Analysis and Shade Adaptation Plan.

Fresno COG, in partnership with FCRTA, will be requesting $300,000 in grant funding for the Fresno County Regional Rail Feasibility Study. Fresno COG and FCRTA will contribute $50,000 in matching funds toward the study, which will analyze the potential for a zero-emissions regional rail network in Fresno County that aims to better connect the County’s disadvantaged and underserved rural communities to the future downtown Fresno high-speed rail station. The study will primarily focus on a regional rail network on the existing but underused San Joaquin Valley railroad corridor that runs east-west within Fresno County.

In addition, Fresno COG will be requesting $221,325 in grant funding for the Fresno County Extreme Heat Analysis and Shade Adaptation Plan, with a $28,675 match contribution. The Plan will identify which communities in Fresno County are the most vulnerable to extreme heat, identify corridors for tree canopy and vegetative cover projects, and develop a list of native and drought-tolerant tree canopy and vegetative cover projects. The plan aims to provide data for extreme heat vulnerability and incorporate shade as a mitigation measure to prevent health risks from extreme heat.

Fresno COG is requesting letters of support for the grant applications before the Jan. 18 deadline.

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

Summary: Beginning early this year with a robust public outreach process, Fresno COG staff will start developing its 2026 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). Given the number of new planners in the office who have never been through the RTP/SCS process, Fresno COG is seeking to enter into a sole-source or non-competitive procurement contract LSA Associates, a consultant firm capable of providing detailed modeling and other technical support for new staff members.

Specifically, the proposal is to work with Fresno COG’s former deputy director – now LSA’s Director of Mobility – Kristine Cai. Over the course of three previous RTP/SCS cycles, she gained vast experience in transportation and regional planning, with a specialization in travel demand modeling. The recommendation is to establish a not-to-exceed budget of $30,000 that would be billed on an on-call basis. 

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board authorize the executive director to execute a contract with LSA for an amount not to exceed $30,000.  The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary: Measure C's Transit-Oriented Infrastructure for Infill Development (TOD) program was established as part of the Measure C 2006 Extension Plan. It was designed to boost transit ridership through transit supportive land uses such as compact development and mix uses, and other transit complementary infrastructure development and planning activities. It was intended to provide seed money for transit-oriented development in Fresno County and promote livable, sustainable and healthy communities that are walkable, bikeable and transit friendly.  

There are three subprograms under the TOD program: 

1. Capital Improvement Program: This program funds capital improvement projects that support transit and encourage walking and biking. 

2. Planning Program: This program provides funding for planning activities such as transit station-area planning, transit corridor plans, etc., that will enhance transit and promote transit-oriented development. 

3. Housing Infill Incentive Program: This program rewards local governments for encouraging higher-density development with TOD characteristics. Funding may also be used to offset development impact fees or on a capital infrastructure project that would support TOD. 

The TOD program is estimated to generate around $16.9 million over its 20-year lifespan and accrues around $850,000 annually. The 12^th cycle has approximately $1,502,300 available.

The call for projects for the 12^th funding cycle opens Jan. 12, and applications are due Feb. 27. The TOD Program policies and guidelines are available at: https://www.fresnocog.org/measure-c-transit-oriented-development/. The application package is attached with this agenda. 

Please contact Simran Jhutti at jhutti@fresnocog.org for any questions regarding this program. 

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

Summary: Overall Work Program and budget amendment No. 3 increases the budget $1,655,262 to $57,873,188, fully programming:

• Work Element 111 – Regional Transportation Modeling --  FCOG subscribes to the modeling software for the Valley COGs. During the renewal process the vendor made adjustments to the cost structure and various COGs requested additional licenses. The net cost increase was $28,015 covered by the Valley COGs.
• Work Element 170 Regional Transportation Plan --  While this is an off year for the quadriennial Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) process, staff needs to begin the process  to get the public involved at an early stage.  This amendment transfers $5,605 in staff time from WE 179, increases public outreach $136,242 and reserves $30,000 for an on-call contract with LSA  for technical advice to assist training new staff members as they gain experience in the RTP process.
• Work Element 175 Inland Port Phase RIA -  This amendment increases the work element budget $1,392,005 for a Federal RIA grant awarded to Fresno COG.
• Work Element 179 Complete Streets Planning - $5,605 in staff was transferred to WE 170 to balance the annual Complete Streets planning apportionment.
• Work Element 910 – FCOG Administration - $69,000 is budgeted to upgrade the public address system in the Sequoia Room and $50,000 is budgeted to computer supplies to renew security subscriptions protecting the FCOG network.

Recommendation: Staff requests TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve Resolution 2024-04 authorizing Overall Work Program and Budget Amendment No. 3.

Summary: Fresno COG staff proposes to archive 2022/2023 Central California Household Survey data at the Transportation Secure Data Center (TSDC).  It will provide free, web-based access to the survey data while preserving the privacy of survey participants.

The TSDC is maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The TSDC’s two-level access approach enables data availability for legitimate research while maintaining the anonymity of survey participants:

     1. Cleansed data, with sensitive information suppressed, are readily available for download from the website. These publicly available data sets include high-level summary statistics, vehicle and participant demographic information, second-by-second speed profiles (with latitude/longitude detail removed), and NREL processing results.

     2. Detailed spatial data are made available online through a secure virtual desktop. After completing a simple application and obtaining approval, users may work with full data sets using a variety of provided tools and reference data (and may bring in additional tools/reference data, if needed).

Action: Staff requests the TTC/PAC recommend that the Policy Board direct Fresno COG staff to archive 2022/2023 Central California Household Survey data at the Transportation Secure Data Center (TSDC).

Summary: The Regional Early Action Planning Grant (REAP) 2.0 is a program that seeks to accelerate progress towards our state housing goals and climate commitments. The program is a partnership between the state, its regions, and local entities. The goal of REAP 2.0 funds is to accelerate infill housing development, reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), increase housing supply, and affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). Additionally, the program seeks to facilitate the implementation of adopted regional and local plans to achieve these goals. The program is administered by California HCD in partnership with the Governor’s office of planning and research, the strategic growth council, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Fresno COG received $13.6 million in funding for projects in the region that meet REAP 2.0 objectives. As part of the selection process, Fresno COG worked with Southwest Strategies Consultants to develop an application & scoring rubric as well as provide outreach to stakeholders. Fresno COG issued a call for projects and received 8 applications. A scoring committee consisting of representatives from various agencies will be responsible for reviewing and scoring the projects on January 17, 2024

Please contact Juan Ramirez with any questions.

Email: jramirez@fresnocog.org Phone: (559)-724-9217

Action: Information. The committee may provide additional directon at its discretion. 

Summary: On June 29, 2023, Fresno COG's Policy Board issued a formal call-for-projects for the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) regional bid program, with $33.4 million in available funding for this cycle. Staff received 41 applications by the Oct. 6, 2023 deadline, requesting over $61 million in funding. 

The Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) scoring committee convened on Dec. 5, 2023, to deliberate on the recommended program of projects.  The scoring committee comprised representatives from: urban city (Clovis), county, east side, west side, Caltrans, Fresno COG, and transit. The scoring committee project recommendations are included as an enclosure along with the contingency list, regional bid results by agency, and the total funding distribution results.

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the scoring committee’s project recommendations for the 2023-24 Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program.  The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary: On Dec. 6, 2023, a regional scoring committee comprising eight representatives from various agencies -- including an urban representative (Clovis), east side, west side, transit and others -- prioritized Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program project applications received in September.  From the call for projects, Fresno COG received 36 applications from member jurisdictions totaling $56,027,809 in requests against $30,014,382 in available funding. Of the 36 applications, 20 projects were recommended for funding (attached).

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the scoring committee’s project recommendations for the 2023-24 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program.  The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary: On Dec. 7, 2023, representatives from various agencies evaluated and scored projects for funding for the newly established Carbon Reduction Program under the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (IIJA) Act. The committee received 10 applications for a total request of $4,414,296. Out of the 10 applications, eight received funding under the first two years of the program totaling $3,268,211. Two of the projects were funded through the CMAQ scoring committee and were not considered for funding under CRP.

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the scoring committee’s project recommendations for the 2023-24 Carbon Reduction Program (CRP). The Committee may provide additional direction at its discretion.

Summary:  On Sept. 5, 2023, Caltrans issued its latest implementation memo to local agencies regarding construction contract standards for off-highway projects.  The now-annual update includes standard specifications, plans and bid items that local agencies must use to receive approvals, allocations, obligations and/or authorizations for the construction phase after Oct. 31, 2023.

Previously, Caltrans issued new contract standards approximately every three years with an allowance for local agencies to adopt when appropriate.  Now, standards are changing annually and deadlines for adoption are imposed.  On Dec. 8, the cities of Fresno and Clovis, along with the County of Fresno, issued a joint letter opposing the requrements as an infeasible mandate and will impact dozens of critically needed infrastructure improvements.  The letter argues that the standards and implementation deadline run counter to Caltrans' Division of Local Assistance mission to provide a helping hand to local agencies in completeing their projects.

Fresno COG received two requests from the City and County of Fresno to issue a similar letter on behalf of all local jurisdictions in the region.  As this is most likely a multi-jurisdictional concern, Fresno COG has drafted a letter for the Policy Board chair's signature.

Action:  Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board approve the Chairwoman to sign a letter to Caltrans' Division of Local Assistance opposing the 2023 Construction Contract Standards for local public agencies.

Summary: In August 2023, Fresno COG staff began working with urban and rural school districts to initiate a regional planning process to identify an inventory of Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) needs in Fresno County.

The intent is for the school districts' SRTS planning processes to work in conjunction with Fresno COG member agencies’ Active Transportation Plan (ATP) planning processes by developing a SRTS inventory that will be included in Fresno COG's Regional ATP Plan update and the next Measure C renewal effort.

Fresno COG staff began reaching out to school districts in August 2023 for an initial meeting to discuss the SRTS/ATP planning process. Outreach includes emails, letters, and phone calls.

Since the start of outreach in August, Fresno COG has met with 26 of 32 school districts in the county. Of the 26 districts, 16 have submitted an inventory of needs to Fresno COG. The table below illustrates with which school districts FCOG staff has met, those that have submitted inventory, and in which member jurisdiction the district is located. In addition, Fresno COG has been meeting with member agencies whose school districts have submitted inventory.

The timing is right for a Fresno COG SRTS Subcommittee comprising, initially, Policy Board members who will facilitate an SRTS inventory by working closely with school districts' staff. This subcommittee is expected to grow to include school district staff and other interested stakeholders who will help establish a thoroughly vetted project list for the Regional ATP Plan update. 

This project and the SRTS Subcommittee come in response to the Measure C renewal process. Voters who were opposed to the measure felt that Measure C has not adequately supported safe routes to schools within the region. Staff's goal is that this cross-jurisdictional (transportation-education) regional planning process and subcomittee will advance safe routes to schools through a project inventory and collaborative discussions of SRTS.

*have not met with Fresno COG staff

Action: Staff requests that TTC/PAC recommend the Policy Board appoint a Fresno COG Safe Routes to Schools Subcommittee initially comprising Policy Board members.

Summary: The Measure C Regional Transportation Program includes major highway infrastructure projects approved by the voters when Measure C was extended in 2007.  Total anticipated revenues across all sources increased $271,099,000 to $1,505,394,000 from the 2020 adopted plan. Actual project cost and internal borrowing cost increased $151,129,000 to $1,663,349,000.

Revenues

Sales Tax expectations for 2023 were adjusted upward 10.2% to reflect the above trend effects of the current inflation, raising sales tax projections $57,020,000 to $614,816,000. 

The regional component of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds dedicated to the South Fresno Interchanges of North/Cedar and American Ave. increased $54,353,000.

The state component of the STIP, the Interregional Improvement (IITIP) increased $31,000,000 for SR 41 – Excelsior to Kings County. 

The Local Partnership Program (LPP) increased $7,272,000 for the Golden State Corridor Project.

The High Speed Rail Authority completed the $61,373,000 Herndon @ UPPR in Fresno.

The state SHOPP program contributed $14,000,000 to SR 41 – Excelsior to Kings County. 

Local contributions increased $26,661,000 on the Herndon undercrossing @ SR 99.

Interest earnings increased $9,250,000.

The Urban Program

The Urban program has an estimated $876,403,000 in revenues, $845,113,000 in expenses and a net surplus of $31,250,000 to provide a contingency for $222,883,000 in projects that are expected to be bid in the next four years.

Net project cost increased $47,165,000, primarily for the North Cedar Interchange ($25,400,000), California – Fruit to Ventura ($13,727,000), Peach Ave. – Church to Jensen ($4,216,000) and Peach – SR 180 to McKinley ($5,777,000).

The North Cedar Interchange is presently programmed for $45,345,000 in STIP funding. Caltrans proposes to begin Right of Way subsequent to signing the freeway agreement scheduled for adoption in December and the project is proposed for construction in 2025-26.

The California – Fruit to Ventura project ($25,011,000) is proposed for construction in 2024/25.  The Peach projects ($9,993,000) are scheduled in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The Rural Program

The Rural program has an estimated $628,991,000 in revenues, $818,236,000 in expenses and a net deficit of $189,245,000 associated with the SR180 - I5 Connection.

Net project cost increased $103,944,000, primarily on Golden State ($16,696,000), SR 99 American Interchange (14,000,000) and for the addition of SR41, Excelsior to Kings County ($70,800,000).

The first phase of Golden State is under construction. Discussion continues on the best way to deliver phase II in light of significant cost increase proposed by the Union Pacific Railroad.

The American Avenue phase of South Fresno Interchange was approved for $42,353,000 in 2024 STIP funding and is proposed for construction in 2024/25 in sync with the North/Cedar Interchange.

Caltrans is completing preliminary studies to explore improvements along the SR 180 West connection to I5 with the intent of developing a financeable improvement during the life of the current measure that could extend into a proposed  third measure.  

Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2024-05 Updating the Measure C Regional Transportation Plan.  The updated plan will be forwarded to the Transportation Authority for consideration.

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.