Subject:
Title
Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Application with the United States Department of Transportation for a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the Public Works Director of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Application with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan.
• Funding is for a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan identifying steps to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist crashes related to the influence of opioids and addiction.
• Requested grant funding is $2,500,000.00 for Fiscal Years 2024-2028, with a County match of $625,000.00 from current projects.
• County match funding is budgeted under project 005125A Traffic Safety Improvements, funded by Penny for Pinellas. Funding is programmed in FY26, FY27, and FY28.
• Deadline for Application submittal to DOT is July 10, 2023.
Total cost of Action Plan is approximately $3,125,000.00; anticipated grant funding of $2,500,000.00 (80%) with a $625,000.00 (20%) County match; Public Works Director to sign Grant application.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.5 Enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.4 Invest in infrastructure to meet current and future needs
4.5 Provide safe and effective transportation systems to support the efficient flow of motorists, commerce, and regional connectivity
Summary:
The SS4A Grant, if approved, will provide funds to be used for a Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan that will address the high rate of crashes and fatalities that occur on the County’s transportation system. County will apply to the SS4A category of Planning and Demonstration Grant.
In 2021, over 1,200 pedestrians and bicyclists were involved in vehicle crashes within the County of which 88 resulted in a fatality. In a review of toxicology reports, 67% of these deaths showed signs of impairment related to drugs and/or alcohol. This does not account for the more than two dozen deaths in which no toxicology reports were available. In addition, 74% of the deaths occurred within 500 feet of a crosswalk. The proposed Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan will identify steps to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist crashes related to opioid use and addiction. The plan includes targeted education, transportation assistance, and investing in infrastructure to create and direct pedestrians to safe crossings and to increase visibility. The Action Plan will take a data-driven approach to look beyond the stigma of substance abuse and addiction and develop a long-term strategy to eliminate the loss of life from pedestrian accidents caused by impairment.
Background/Explanation:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the SS4A discretionary program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over five years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy with the overall goal of zero roadway deaths.
Fiscal Impact:
Total cost of the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Action Plan is approximately $3,125,000.00; anticipated grant funding request is $2,500,000.00 (80%), with a $625,000.00 (20%) County match.
Per the Grant Application, $2,000,000.00 in grant funding will be used for the study. The grantor will provide $500,000.00 for construction. Pinellas County will provide a 20% match at $625,000.00 which will be used for the construction of Capital projects only (requirement of Penny funding).
The County match is budgeted under project 005125A Traffic Safety Improvements, funded by Penny for Pinellas, and programmed in FY26, FY27, and FY28.
The lump sum grant reimbursement is expected to impact FY 2024 - 2028.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the Public Works Director to approve and submit this grant application is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(3) and the Memorandum of Delegated Grant Authority dated March 28, 2016.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Honorable Senator Marco Rubio
Honorable Representative Berny Jacques
Honorable Representative Kathy Castor
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Pinellas County Opioid Task Force
Forward Pinellas
City of Clearwater
Attachments:
Grant Application
Grant Application Attachments
Letters of Support
OMB Approval to Apply
Notice of Funding Opportunity