FROM:
Engineering
SUBJECT:
Title
Accept a Grant, and Approve and Authorize City Manager to Execute the Grant Agreement Under the Fiscal Year 2023 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program in the amount of $2,000,000 for the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility Project
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. Authorize and approve the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement Under the Fiscal Year 2023 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program for the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility.
2. Accept Grant funding in the amount of $2,000,000 for the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) for the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility.
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COUNCIL GOALS:
• To improve public safety by increasing operational efficiency, visibility and availability.
• To improve public safety by implementing traffic safety programs.
• To operate in a businesslike manner by improving services through the effective use of technology.
• To practice sound fiscal management by pursing grant opportunities.
• To concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by advocating Fontana's position in regional, state, and federal organizations.
• To enhance the local environment for future generations and create a healthy economic and environmental future by creating neighborhoods that are attractive, safe and convenient for walkers and bicyclists.
• To enhance the local environment for future generations and create a healthy economic and environmental future by promoting programs that encourage reducing Green House Gas emissions.
• To invest in the City’s infrastructure (streets, sewers, parks, etc.) by providing for the development of new infrastructure.
• To invest in the City’s infrastructure (streets, sewers, parks, etc.) by focusing on relief of traffic congestion.
DISCUSSION:
On October 10, 2023, the City of Fontana submitted an application for the Fiscal Year 2023 Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program for the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility Project (“Project”) that would be deployed along several corridors in the City such as Baseline, Foothill, Sierra, and Jurupa. The project will use advanced technologies such as adaptive signal systems and digital infrastructure to reduce congestion, minimize idling, and enhance safety. The technological and systems improvements will be deployed over the next two years, with constant performance monitoring and adjustments along the way. This initiative aligns with the City’s commitment to balancing economic development with public health and safety. This project will not only benefit the residents of the City, but will help demonstrate the successful use of cutting-edge technology in the industry and keep Fontana’s infrastructure state-of-the-art.
In March 2024, the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced 34 projects selected nationwide for the SMART grant in Fiscal Year 2023. The City of Fontana was one of six agencies in California to be selected, receiving an award in the amount of $2,000,000. Since then, staff have been working with USDOT to finalize the grant agreement.
The grant agreement spells out terms and conditions required by the USDOT and the City, including the deadline of December 14, 2025, for full expenditure of funds. The grant does not require a City’s local match; however, staff time committed to this project will be tracked and used to leverage additional grants in the future. For this reimbursement-based grant, the City will create an appropriate grant funding account for fiscal year 2024-25 to expend funds and receive reimbursements for those expended funds from the USDOT.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact associated with the approval of this item is an increase in revenues and appropriations of $2,000,000 for the Leveraging Advanced Adaptive Signal Timing for Freight to Improve Safety, Climate, and Mobility Project. Once approved, the agreement will be fully executed, and all necessary budget adjustments will be included in the next 2024-25 quarterly budget report.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.