TC - Item 2B - Federal Safe Routes To Schools Funding Program - Cycle 3 FY 2011-12ROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
FROM: CHRIS MARCARELLO, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: JUNE 2, 2011
SUBJECT: FEDERAL SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS FUNDING PROGRAM —
CYCLE 3 FISCAL YEAR 2011/12
SUMMARY
The purpose_ of the Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is to increase the number of
children who walk or bicycle to school by funding projects that remove the barriers that
currently prevent them from doing so. Those barriers include lack of infrastructure, unsafe
infrastructure, lack of programs that promote walking and bicycling through
education /encouragement programs aimed at children, parents, and the community. Staff
is working on a grant application for the vicinity of Emma W. Shuey and Mildred B. Janson
Elementary Schools in northwest Rosemead and is requesting input and support from the
Traffic Commission.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Traffic Commission:
1. Provide input on proposed pedestrian /traffic safety measures to be included
in the SRTS grant application; and
2. Authorize the Traffic Commission Chair to sign a letter of support for the grant
application on behalf of the entire Commission.
ANALYSIS
April 15, 2011, Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Cycle 3 Call for Projects ( "Call') was
announced. The Call is for $42 million statewide (about $17 million for Southern California)
in projects for a two -year cycle of funds. Eligible projects can be either capital
improvements or non - infrastructure programs. Capital projects include improvement of
pedestrian facilities, installation of traffic calming measures, installation of traffic control
devices and construction of bicycle facilities.
Over the last two years, the City has been successful at receiving State Safe Routes to
School (SR2S) grant funds to make safety improvements adjacent to local schools.
However, there are still several areas of safety improvements that are adjacent to or nearby
to schools that are in need of safety upgrades. If successful with the Federal SRTS grant
Traffic Commission Meeting
June 2, 2011
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application, the City will be able to leverage local funds to make these safety
improvements. The maximum grant request per project application through the Federal
SRTS program is $1,000,000 with no match contribution.
Grant applications are due on July 15, 2011 and will include a full review of traffic statistics,
accident history, and proposed safety improvements. Tentatively, the project includes the
following improvements:
Walnut Grove Avenue (between 1 -10 Freeway and Mission Drive)
• Installation of traffic safety medians and pedestrian lighting to improve pedestrian
and vehicular safety along Walnut Grove Avenue; and
• Installation of traffic signal upgrades along Walnut Grove Avenue at the intersections
of Marshall Street, Valley Boulevard, Edmonds Drive and Mission Drive (countdown
pedestrian signals, larger traffic signal heads, high visibility pedestrian crossing
striping, improved pedestrian lighting, and larger, high visibility safety signage).
Emma W. Shuey and Mildred B. Janson Elementary Schools
Installation of high visibility pedestrian /school zone signage, high visibility
crosswalk /traffic striping and speed feedback signs adjacent to both elementary
schools.
Prior to submitting the grant application, staff would like further input from the Commission
and members of the public related to traffic /pedestrian concerns adjacent to these
locations. Additionally, in order to strengthen the City's application, staff is requesting that
the Commission authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for the proposed safety
improvements.
Public Notice
This agenda item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
CHRIS MARCARELLO
Public Works Director