REVIEW and PROVIDE FEEDBACK on the 2023 Regional Surface Transportation Program guidelines.

The Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (formerly "Regional Surface Transportation Program") is a federal program that provides states and local jurisdictions with funding for highway improvements, street rehabilitation and transportation enhancements. The Transportation Agency receives an annual apportionment of Regional Surface Transportation Program funding, passed through the State. Because Monterey County didn’t have an urbanized area with a population of greater than 200,000 in the 1990 census, it qualified for the state exchange program, whereby Caltrans keeps the federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program apportionments for a region and gives the regional agency an equivalent amount of state cash.

The Transportation Agency distributes Regional Surface Transportation Program funding in both fair-share and competitive programs. Monterey County and the cities receive fair-share Regional Surface Transportation Program funds based on a formula of 50% population and 50% centerline miles. The total fair share allocation over the next three years is $3.6 million.

Project proposals for the Competitive Program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria:

1. The proposed project will be implemented within 3 years.
2. The project is consistent with local and regional plans.
3. For intersection projects, an Intersection Control Evaluation has been or will be completed.
4. A pre-construction baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.

Section A - Project Information & Regional Significance (25 points total)

1. Traffic volumes in the corridor - 5 points
2. The project will mitigate safety hazards - 5 points
3. The project serves regional travel - 5 points
4. The project benefits Disadvantaged Communities - 5 points
5. The project benefits people with disabilities - 5 points

Section B - Complete Streets (25 points total)

1. Stakeholder outreach was conducted - 5 points
2. The project is expected to reduce bicycle level of traffic stress - 5 points
3. The project incorporates complete streets treatments - 5 points
4. The project improves bicycle, pedestrian or transit design features - 2.5 points
5. This is a maintenance project with complete street enhancements - 2.5 points
6. The project improves access and/or closes a gap for transportation disadvantaged communities - 5 points

Section C - Project Readiness & Cost Effectiveness (25 points total)

1. Project is ready to bid within three years - 5 points
2. Request for funding will fully-fund the project - 5 points
3. Project has completed the environmental phase - 5 points
4. Project has completed the design / right-of-way phase - 5 points
5. The project has a positive benefit / cost ratio - 5 points

Section D - Prior Project Delivery Performance (25 points total)

1. The jurisdiction is maximizing the use of fair-share RSTP - 10 points
2. The jurisdiction has delivered previously awarded competitive projects on time - 10 points
3. This funding request does not fund a cost-overrun - 5 points

Project proposals for the Quick-Build Project Pilot Program will be evaluated based on the following scoring rubric for a total of 100 points:

Screening Criteria:

1. The proposed project will be implemented within 2 years.
2. The project is consistent with one of the following design guides or local or regional plan:
   1. Monterey Bay Area Complete Streets Guidebook
   2. Safe Routes to Schools Plan
   3. Monterey County Active Transportation Plan
   4. NACTO's Urban Bikeway Design Guide
   5. NACTO's Urban Street Design Guide
   6. Other
3. A pre-construction baseline Before Study has been or will be completed.

Quick-Build Project Information & Narrative (50 points total)

1. The project will quickly address an urgent safety need or improve comfort for non-motorized users, including students, older adults, and disadvantaged communities - 0-10 points
2. Engaged the community in the identification and initial planning of the project - 0-5 points
3. Plans include continuous community engagement for the duration of the project - 0-5 points
4. The project scope is flexible and adjustable based on community feedback - 0-5 points
5. The quick-build project’s progress and performance will be measured - 0-10 points
6. The quick-build project provides a foundation for a potential permanent infrastructure project - 0-10 points
7. There is a maintenance strategy in place for the quick-build project - 0-5 points

Transportation Agency staff has updated its policies and procedures related to the Regional Surface Transportation Program, which will require each local jurisdiction to enter into a new three-year master funding agreement with the Transportation Agency in order to be eligible to receive funds.  Transportation Agency staff will provide an update at the Committee meeting on the guidelines, as well as review policies for the distribution of fair share allocations, the timely use of funds, use of interest, project eligibility, and discuss criteria and procedures for the grant cycle. Under the attached schedule, grant applications will be due to TAMC on June 1, 2023, and a final vote on the selected projects will take place at the August TAMC Board meeting.