DATE: July 9, 2019
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Plans and Specifications for E. Fig and W. North Avenues Reconstruction Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Acting as Responsible Agency pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), find that the environmental assessment associated with the E. Fig and W. North Avenues Reconstruction Project as shown in the Negative Declaration (State Clearinghouse No. 2013101076) prepared, adopted, and submitted by the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District, were reviewed and considered, and determined to be adequate pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15096.
2. Adopt plans and specifications for the E. Fig and W. North Avenues Reconstruction Project, related to the South Fresno Economic Development Project, Economic Development Administration Grant Project No. 07-01-07079, for which Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District is the Grant recipient.
REPORT
The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) and Fresno County have been award a grant through the Economic Development Administration (EDA) (Project Number 07-01-07079), which provides funding for the design and construction of drainage facilities and improvements to streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. FMFCD is the Lead Agency pursuant to CEQA and has prepared and adopted a Negative Declaration for the reconstruction project. Approval of the first recommended action finds that the Negative Declaration (Attachments A - C) prepared and adopted by FMFCD to be adequate pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15096. Approval of the second recommended action will adopt the Reconstruction Project (Project) plans and specifications related to the joint South Fresno Economic Development Project with the City of Fresno, Fresno Irrigation District (FID), and Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD). FMFCD will bid and award this joint project. This item pertains to a location in District 1.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the first recommended action is not approved, the road and pedestrian improvements may be delayed while the Board’s recommendations are implemented, resulting in additional costs and the potential inability to comply with the EDA grant construction deadline. If the second recommended action were not approved, Department of Public Works and Planning staff, as Engineer of Record for the design of the road improvements portion of this joint project, would be reliant on third-party liability protections.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The County’s final share of cost for the improvements, after EDA grant reimbursements, is estimated to be approximately $380,000. The County’s share of cost for the Project will be funded by a portion of the County’s Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 allocation. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department’s Road Org 4510 FY 2019-20 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of an EDA grant is to improve economic development opportunities through funding facility improvement projects in underserved areas.
The Project consists, in general, of reconstructing E. Fig Avenue, from W. North Avenue to 2,500 feet south of W. North Avenue, and W. North Avenue, from E. Fig Avenue to 1,400 feet west of E. Fig Avenue. The Project will include new asphalt shoulders, concrete sidewalk, curb and gutter, drain inlets, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps, and associated miscellaneous items. The Project is part of the South Fresno Storm Drain and Roadway Infrastructure Improvement Project, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of nearby irrigation and drainage facilities.
The Board authorized the County to participate as a co-applicant for the EDA grant on December 10, 2013. Resolution No. 13-461, adopted December 10, 2013, authorized the County’s Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning to execute the grant application, amendments, and any documents or agreements with other agencies related to the construction of the improvements. The EDA grant was executed August 21, 2014. The agreement between the County, FMFCD, FID, the City of Fresno was executed outlining the awardees’ responsibilities was on October 2, 2017.
Environmental Determination:
FMFCD, acting as Lead Agency pursuant to CEQA, prepared an Initial Study (IS) for the proposed Project consistent with the requirements of CEQA. The IS determined the Project would not have a significant impact on the environment and a Negative Declaration was adopted.
As a Responsible Agency pursuant to CEQA, your Board is required to review and consider FMFCD’s environmental document prior to taking action. Department of Public Works and Planning staff has reviewed the IS/Negative Declaration and has determined them to be adequate and compliant with CEQA.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #30, December 10, 2013
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Location Map
Attachments A - C
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa