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Date
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September 25, 2006
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Agenda
Item No. 29 Roll
Call No. 06- Communication No. 06-613 Submitted by: Jeb
E. Brewer, P.E. City Engineer |
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AGENDA HEADING:
Authorizing
“Safe Routes to School” (SRTS) Fund Applications to the Iowa Department of
Transportation.
SYNOPSIS:
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) administers an annual “Safe Routes
to Schools” (SRTS) program. This is the
first year of the program, and the deadline for local jurisdictions to apply
for funding is October 2, 2006. In
conjunction with the Des Moines School District, city staff has developed a
project that would enhance school crossings at signalized intersections. The estimated project cost is $250,000, all
of which would be requested from the SRTS program funding. Staff recommends approval and authorization
to submit an application to the IDOT for Safe Routes to School Funds for this
project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Amount: The project is eligible for 100% federal funding. No local match is required.
Funding Source: The project would be 100% federally
funded. Incidental costs would be paid
from the City’s operating budget.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The
2005 Federal Transportation Act (SAFETEA-LU:
Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation
Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) authorizes and
provides annual funding for a program entitled “Safe Routes to School”
(SRTS). The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) administers this program, which will
fund approximately $1 million annually for Iowa. This year’s project applications must be submitted to the Iowa
DOT by October 2, 2006 to be considered.
This new
program is intended to enable and encourage children, including those with
disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; to make walking and bicycling to
school safe and more appealing; and to facilitate the planning, development,
and implementation of projects that will provide safety, and reduce traffic,
fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.
In cooperation
with the Des Moines School District, staff has reviewed potential candidates
for funding for this program, and recommends that the following project be
submitted for this year’s funding cycle.
Enhanced School Crossings at Signalized
Intersections
This project
will provide a multi-faceted approach to improve safety for school children
crossing the city street system as they walk/bike to and from elementary and
middle schools. Traffic signals where
adult school crossing guards are assigned would be targeted by this
project. Phase 1 would include the
installation of enhanced pavement markings and pedestrian signals with
“count-down” timers. Phase 2 would
consist of an educational program within the schools that would provide
information to the schoolchildren and parents on safety at street
crossings. The estimated project cost
is $250,000, which would be requested from SRTS funds.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S):
NONE
BOARD/COMMISSION ACTION(S):
NONE
ANTICIPATED ACTIONS AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS:
Approval
of future project agreements with the Iowa Department of Transportation.