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Humboldt County Association of Governments611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA, 95501www.hcaog.netAGENDA ITEM NO. 5bHCAOG TAC meetingof May 8, 2014DATE:May 1, 2014TO:HCAOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)FROM:Marcella Clem, Executive DirectorSUBJECT:Letters of Support for the Active Transportation ProgramSTAFF REPORTContents: Staff’s recommended TAC action Staff Summary Draft Letters of SupportStaff’s Recommended Action:Motion to be approved by consent:“The Technical Advisory Committee recommends that the HCAOG Board direct staffto submit letters of support for the following projects: Lafayette Elementary School, theWaterfront Trail, the Van Wycke Trail, Toddy Thomas Middle School/AmbrosiniElementary School, the Redwood Mobility Education Program, Red Cap Bikeway,Eagle Prairie Elementary/Monument Middle School, and the Bay Trail North ActiveTransportation Program applications.”Staff Summary:On September 26, 2013, Governor Brown signed legislation creating the Active TransportationProgram (ATP) in the Department of Transportation (Senate Bill 99, Chapter 359 and Assembly Bill101, Chapter 354). The ATP consolidates existing federal and State transportation programs,including the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA),and State Safe Routes to School (SR2S), into a single program with a focus to make California anational leader in active transportation. The ATP is administered by the Caltrans Division of LocalAssistance, Office of Active Transportation and Special Programs.The purpose of ATP is to encourage increased use of active modes of transportation byachieving the following goals: Increase the proportion of trips accomplished by biking and walking,Increase safety and mobility for nonmotorized users,Advance the active transportation efforts of regional agencies to achieve greenhousegas reduction goals,Enhance public health,Ensure that disadvantaged communities fully share in the benefits of the program, andProvide a broad spectrum of projects to benefit many types of active transportationusers.1
The County of Humboldt has requested letters of support for: the Lafayette Elementary Safe Routes to School applicationthe Waterfront Trail applicationthe Van Wycke Trail applicationthe Toddy Thomas Middle School/Ambrosini Elementary Safe Routes to School applicationthe Redwood Mobility Education Program applicationthe Red Cap Bikeway applicationthe Eagle Prairie Elementary/Monument Middle School Safe Routes to School applicationthe Bay Trail North applicationDraft letters are provided for review and consideration.HCAOG2TAC Item No. 5b – 5/8/2014
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Rrepresentative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), I am writing insupport of the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program application for Lafayette ElementarySchool.The application submitted by the Humboldt County Department of Public Works is the result of acoordinated effort involving community partners and agencies including the California HighwayPatrol, Humboldt County Public Health Department, the Lafayette Site Council, Eureka CitySchools, Redwood Community Action Agency, and the Lafayette Elementary School ParentTeacher Association. The goal of the project is to provide a safe environment and increaseparticipation of children in walking and bicycling to school by installing infrastructure andproviding education and activities to promote a healthy transportation choice.In 2012, HCAOG approved the Regional Safe Routes to School Prioritization Tool to helpstreamline decision making around SR2S projects and increase the capacity for effective SR2Sprograms and grant applications. HCAOG continues to participate in and support thedevelopment of this tool which ranked Lafayette at #7 out of 89 schools.This grant is a great opportunity for Lafayette Elementary School to continue the effort of thecommunity, region and local agencies to work together to promote safe, healthy lifestyles andreduce traffic in school zones. HCAOG fully supports this application for funding through theActive Transportation Program and encourages you to support this worthwhile project.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), we appreciate thisopportunity to extend our support for the City of Trinidad’s “Van Wycke Trail Project”. HCAOGrepresents a rural county with seven incorporated cities and eight federally recognized tribes. Asthe regional transportation planning agency for Humboldt County, HCAOG works closely withmultiple public and private partners to coordinate transportation projects in the region. The Cityof Trinidad’s Van Wycke Trail Project is included in the HCAOG’s Regional Transportation Plan, isconsidered the top priority project for the City, and appears to be a perfect fit for an ATP grant.The Van Wycke trail historically connected much of Trinidad, including the downtown area, tothe Trinidad State Beach, Trinidad Head (designated as California Historic Landmark), and theTrinidad Pier and Harbor. As a result of bluff instability, the trail was closed several years ago outof concern for public safety. Without the trail, non-motorized users are forced to use theadjacent surface streets (classified as major collectors) that lack bike and pedestrian facilities.The improvement of the trail reestablishes a vital non-motorized link in Trinidad and willencourage/increase the use of active modes of transportation, including biking and walkingand enhancement of public health. HCAOG funded the Project Study Report for this project in2012.The City has been actively working to improve this important non-motorized route for years, andalready completed initial geotechnical investigations, alternatives analysis, and preliminarydesigns. The ATP offers a great opportunity to complete the project and reestablish this vital nonmotorized facility.Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information on this project.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), I am writing insupport of the Active Transportation Program (ATP) application for the City of Eureka’sWaterfront Trail. HCAOG has been an advocate and collaborative partner of the City ofEureka, and the Waterfront Trail Project as it has continued to develop over the years. The initialproject components have been funded by the former Transportation Enhancement program.I am aware of and fully support the goals of the ATP, to increase the proportion of tripsaccomplished by biking and walking; to Increase safety and mobility for nonmotorized users; toadvance the active transportation efforts of HCAOG and member agencies in achievinggreenhouse gas reduction goals; to enhance public health; to ensure that disadvantagedcommunities fully share in the benefits of the program, and; add to the broad spectrum ofprojects to benefit many types of active transportation users.The Eureka Waterfront Trail is a prime a candidate for meeting all of the aforementioned goalsassociated with the ATP, as well as serving to advance HCAOG’s primary goals as a multimodaltransportation agency. In addition to meeting the program’s requirements as a disadvantagedcommunity, the City of Eureka has a high percentage of residents below the poverty level(22.1%). The construction of the Waterfront Trail will most importantly provide safe access underState Highway 101. Its development will connect Eureka’s residential neighborhoods with thebusiness center of the city where vehicle transport is currently the safest and most convenientchoice. It is the quintessential project supporting the message of our Regional TransportationPlan update to provide a “Variety in Rural Options of Mobility (VROOM)”.This alternative non-motorized route will increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users, as itwill encourage residents who may have felt unsafe traveling by foot or bike due to the highnumber of frequent accidents that occur along the US 101, to take advantage of the trail, whichwill increase the use of non-motorized travel within the city. Having an alternative route thatfeatures adequate parking areas at each of the access areas will encourage motorist to takeadvantage of this non-motorized alternative route, reducing the volume of motor vehicles onthe road, which serves to achieve greenhouse reduction goals.
I am pleased to support and participate in the Active Transportation Program and encourageyour support of this worthwhile project, one that is sure to not only achieve the many goals ofATP, but will ensure a stronger, safer and more connective community. Please do not hesitate tocontact me at marcella.clem@hcaog.net or 707-444-8208 with any questions or need ofadditional information.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), I am writing insupport of the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program application for Toddy Thomas MiddleSchool and Ambrosini Elementary School.This purpose of this project is to ensure safe passage for students currently walking and bicyclingto school and encourage those that currently arrive by a vehicle. While a high percentage ofstudents walk or bike to school, the do so without sidewalks, raised crosswalks, pavementmarkings or bike lanes. This project will provide needed connectivity to all parts of town.In 2012, HCAOG approved the Regional Safe Routes to School Prioritization Tool to helpstreamline decision making around SR2S projects and increase the capacity for effective SR2Sprograms and grant applications. HCAOG continues to participate in and support thedevelopment of this tool which ranked Toddy Thomas Middle School at #6 and AmbrosiniElementary School #8 out of 89 schools.Providing the infrastructure for children to walk or bike to school is an excellent way to ensuredaily physical activity. The request for funds to implement the Fortuna Walk and Roll Program(FWRP) will provide education and encouragement activities in order to reduce injuries, changebehaviors and increase the number of students walking and rolling to school.These projects were identified through a collaborative effort of the Safe Routes to School TaskForce, School staff and the City of Fortuna utilizing Walkability studies and the Safe Routes toSchool Prioritization Tool. These were identified as areas with the greatest need and would thusmeet the goals of the ATP. Please do not hesitate to call with any additional questions.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), we appreciate thisopportunity to extend our support for the County of Humboldt’s Redwood Mobility EducationProgram application.HCAOG is a rural county with seven incorporated cities and eight federally recognized tribes. Asthe regional transportation planning agency for Humboldt County, HCAOG works closely withmultiple public and private partners to coordinate transportation projects in the region. Fundingfor the Redwood Mobility Education Program is in excellent hands with the Humboldt CountyPublic Health Department.Engagement of middle school students in this education program has both short term and longterm benefits. Safety is of the highest importance but the secondary effects of this programshould not be overlooked. The more our kids are comfortable riding bicycles, by learning therules of the road and having a variety of mobility options available to them, the more they willcontinue to use their bicycles for transportation through adulthood. The County of Humboldt’sdedication to health and quality of life should elevate this application to the top.We appreciate this opportunity to support this worthwhile and important project. Please do nothesitate to contact me at 707-444-8208 or marcella.clem@hcaog.net with any questions.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), we appreciate thisopportunity to extend our support for the County of Humboldt’s Red Cap Bikeway Project. Asthe regional transportation planning agency for Humboldt County, HCAOG works closely withmultiple public and private partners to coordinate transportation projects in the region. TheCounty is partnering with the Karuk Tribe on this project.The Karuk Tribe is a long time transportation partner in the region. A representative has been onHCAOG’s Technical Advisory Committee for nearly a decade. The Karuk Tribe, HumboldtCounty and HCAOG have and will, continue to work cooperatively to improve thetransportation system in the region. The Red Cap Bikeway Project is located in Orleans Californiaand is designed to provide safe access for all modes of transportation. The bikeway is a part ofa critical roadway connecting a residential community to the commercial core of Orleans. Theproject includes shoulder widening, minor roadway realignment, and striping/signage. Aseparate project within this project area is a bridge replacement over Big Rock Gulch, fundedthrough the federal Highway Bridge Program, which will be constructed on the same scheduleas the bikeway project. The project is utilizing a variety of funding resources including STIP,Highway Bridge Program funds, and Tribal Transportation Program funds. The collaborativeproject will provide a safe connection that will increase bicycle and pedestrian trips betweenresidential, commercial and schools in the Orleans community and link to public transit.This project will improve a vital connection to employment, health care, and every other essentialservice. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-444-8208 or marcella.clem@hcaog.net formore information on this project.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), we appreciate thisopportunity to extend our support for the City of Rio Dell’s “Active Transportation ImprovementProject”. HCAOG represents a rural county with seven incorporated cities and eight federallyrecognized tribes. As the regional transportation planning agency for Humboldt County,HCAOG works closely with multiple public and private partners to coordinate transportationprojects in the region. The City of Rio Dell’s Active Transportation Improvement Project is acombination of improvement projects that are included in the HCAOG’s Regional TransportationPlan, and are considered high priority projects for the City, and appears to be a perfect fit for anATP grant.The Active Transportation Improvement application is a Safe Routes to School Project and takesthe systemic approach by focusing on improving bicycle and pedestrian access and safety inthe area around Eagle Prairie Elementary and Monument Middle School. Bike Improvements toBelleview Avenue and Wildwood Avenue will create a continuous bicycle route from theBelleview & Ogle neighborhood to the schools. Improvements to Davis Street will close gaps inpedestrian and bicycle transportation routes from the schools to neighborhoods on the east sideof Highway 101. The Scenic Way and Eeloa intersection currently does not have pedestrian orbicycle facilities and is the only intersection that ties the north side of Rio Dell to the south wherethe schools are located. Non-motorized improvements to this intersection will include new curbramps with detectable warning, cross walks, signage and bike lanes. These bike lanes will tie intothe proposed bike lanes on Wildwood to create uninterrupted bike route from the north end ofthe City to the schools and the downtown core.These improvements will compliment previous Safe Routes to Schools Projects that werecompleted in the area immediate to the schools, creating vital non-motorized links to residentialneighborhoods and increase the use of active modes of transportation, including biking, walkingand enhancement of public health. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-444-8208 ormarcella.clem@hcaog.net for more information on this project.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS611 I Street, Suite BEureka, CA 95501(707) 444-8208www.hcaog.netMay 15, 2014CALTRANSDivision of Local Assistance, MS 1Office of Active Transportation and Special ProgramsP.O. Box 942874Sacramento, CA 94274-0001Dear Caltrans Representative,On behalf of the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG), we appreciate thisopportunity to extend our support for the City of Arcata’s “Bay Trail North Project”. HCAOGrepresents a rural county with seven incorporated cities and eight federally recognized tribes. Asthe regional transportation planning agency for Humboldt County, HCAOG works closely withmultiple public and private partners to coordinate transportation projects in the region.The Arcata Bay Trail North Project is an exceptional project that will fill a gap of a high priorityregional trail that shares right-of-way with a historic rail line along the Humboldt Bay and is part ofthe California Coastal Trail System. The planning for this project was a collaborative effort andhas support from the local, state and tribal governments in the region. It is adjacent to animportant, fully funded, highway project that will solve a long standing safety problem. Theprimary purpose of the project is to improve safety for non-motorized and motorized travelersalong a high-volume (AADT 36,300) portion of state highway connecting the two largest cities inthe county. This section of highway has been designated as a Safety Corridor for the lastdecade. The project is needed because there is no non-motorized, Class I path betweenEureka and Arcata and demand for a path is high. The project is identified as a regional priorityin the Humboldt Regional Transportation Plan (2013), Regional Bicycle Plan (2012), HumboldtCounty Coastal Trail Implementation Strategy (2011), Regional Trails Master Plan (2010), RegionalPedestrian Plan (2008), and the Humboldt Bay Trail Feasibility Study (2007).The City of Arcata worked with many stakeholders on this project including the local railoperator and owner to develop a trail design and management plan that will allow the trail andrailroad to co-exist.Please do not hesitate to contact me at 707-444-8208 ormarcella.clem@hcaog.net for more information on this project.Sincerely,Marcella ClemExecutive Director
Elementary School, the Redwood Mobility Education Program, Red Cap Bikeway, . This alternative non-motorized route will increase safety and mobility for non-motorized users, as it will encourage residents who may have felt unsafe traveling by foot or bike due to the high number of frequent accidents that occur along the US 101, to take .
