Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Application with the United States Department of Transportation for a Vision Zero Plan
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Overview
Overview
The Federal Department of Transportation recently released a call for grant applications for Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) projects. The Transportation Commission’s work plan includes an item to determine what elements should be included in a future Vision Zero Study. Staff is recommending applying for SS4A funds to fund a future Vision Zero Study in 2023. SS4A grant funds cover up to 80% of the costs of the study.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The SS4A funds would cover 80% of the cost of the work. Minimum amounts for grant applications are $200,000 which should be sufficient for developing the Vision Zero plan. Should the Village receive the grant funds, the Village’s share of the work will be approximately $40,000 based on the grant application. Should the Village receive the SS4A funds for developing a Vision Zero plan, the proposed FY2023 Budget will need to include the $40,000 local match for the Vision Zero Plan.
Background
As part of the adopted Village Board goals, the Village Board recommended exploring a Vision Zero plan for improved pedestrian safety. While there are many versions of Vision Zero, most Vision Zero plans are built around a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
The approved work plan for the Transportation Commission (TC) includes an item to recommend processes to develop the Vision Zero plan and elements that should be included in the plan. This work plan item is scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2022.
Once the TC determines which elements should be included in a proposed Vision Zero Plan, the framework and goals of this proposed Vision Zero Plan will be presented to the Village Board for approval. Pending Village Board concurrence, staff would start to develop a Vision Zero plan with the Transportation Commission and consultant support in 2023. If the grant is awarded these SS4A funds would be used to fund the creation of a Vision Zero Plan in 2023.
Applications are due September 15th. The Village previously applied for a Statewide Planning and Research Program (SPR) Grant for the Vision Zero plan in April of this year. Should the Village receive notice of award of the SPR grant before submitting the current SS4A grant application, staff will not submit the SS4A grant application since this obligates the Village to more funds than the SPR grant.
Alternatives
The alternative to this recommendation could be to delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
At the March 21, 2022, Village Board meeting, the Village Board approved the submission of a Statewide Planning and Research Program (SPR) Grant Application with the Illinois Department of Transportation for a Vision Zero Plan.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
Should the Village of Oak Park receive SS4A funds for this project, future year’s budgets will include funds for the design and construction of this project.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
None at this time.