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REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY RTPA

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Agency:

(1) Hold a public hearing and take testimony on the proposed amendment of the FTIP; and
(2) Adopt Resolution Nos. 02-07 and 02-08 approving Amendment No. 4 to the 2000 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP).

SUMMARY
An amendment is needed to the 2000 FTIP to reflect a changes in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) estimates for Section 5307 transit funds and two cost changes approved as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

DISCUSSION
In order to qualify for Federal funding, projects must be included in the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). The FTIP is a three-year programming document updated every two years. The FTIP is approved by the Shasta County RTPA as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the region. The MPO works directly with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and FTA in programming Federal funds. The current FTIP was adopted in July 2000 and runs through Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2003/04. FTIP amendments are needed periodically to reflect changes in Federal fund projections, grant approvals and changes to the STIP.

An amendment is needed to the 2000 FTIP to reflect the following three changes in Federal funding:

1. RABA increases to FTA Section 5307 funds for transit operations, transit vehicles, passenger loading improvements, and office equipment (see attached letter from RABA);
2. A cost increase of $597 thousand to underground utilities at Redding's "Cypress Avenue C" project near City Hall between Athens Avenue and Pine Street (PPNO 2074); and
3. Funding $152 thousand to begin the environmental phase for Redding's South Bonnyview Widening Project (PPNO 2306)approved as part of the 2002 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The amendment for RABA results in a Section 5307 total of $1,915,600 over the last two years of the FTIP (FFY 01/02 and 02/03) and represents a $629,600 increase over current programming in the FTIP. The increase is based on updated fund estimates issued by FTA. RABA determines how 5307 funds are used (i.e., operations, buses, etc.) and all uses are consistent with RABA's Short-and Long- Range Transit Master Plan Study adopted last year.

The "Cypress C" project amendment request is consistent with prior 2002 RTIP action by the Agency. The "Cypress C" cost increase is counted against Redding's base allocation share.

The Bonnyview project amendment request is also consistent with prior 2002 RTIP Agency action. Redding would like to begin the environmental phase for this project early this summer pending California Transportation Commission (CTC) authorization to advance funds from the third year (FY 04/05) of the STIP. Only this project is proposed for the FTIP at this time. A comprehensive FTIP update, due in July, will include all projects approved as part of the 2002 STIP.

ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decide not to amend the FTIP. This would result in denial of Federal funds for these projects.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
These amendments were requested by RABA and the City of Redding. They have been review by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which concurs with the staff recommendation.

FINANCING
FTA 5307 funds are allocated directly to RABA for transit purposes and are derived from Federal tax on fuel sales. A 20-percent non-federal match is required and will be provided with State Transportation Development Act (TDA) funds.

The RTPA provides oversight on the use STIP funds which typically contain a mix of State and Federal funds. Projects in the STIP must be included in the FTIP, unless designated for "state only" funds. The Federal portion of STIP funds are also derived from Federal tax on fuel sales.

________________________________
Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer

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Attachments:

1) Resolution No. 02-07
2) Resolution No. 02-08
3) FTA 5307 Request from RABA
4) Proposed FTIP Amendments (Unapproved inputs to California Transportation Improvement Program System(CTIPS))