The State of Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) provides Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds which are made available to the State through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by NDOT. The TAP program provides up to 95 percent of project-related cost, with the remaining 5 percent provided by project sponsors. The TAP provides federal funds for community-based projects that expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by integrating modes and improving the cultural, historic, and environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure.

In July of 2016 NDOT made federal TAP funding for FY16 through FY18 projects available to support bicycle, pedestrian, multi-use path and transportation-related projects.  The City of Sparks applied for funds to update various signalized intersections with audible pedestrian push buttons to better serve our pedestrian community, concentrating on our visually impaired residents.  NDOT notified the City in February of 2017 that $260,000 had been programmed towards the project.  To initiate the project, the City needed to enter into a Cooperative Local Public Agency (LPA) Agreement with NDOT.

This Cooperative LPA Agreement started the process for the Audible Pedestrian Push Button Installation Project which will update as many as 30 intersections in Sparks with audible pedestrian push buttons. Per the Terms of the Agreement, 95% of the construction costs will be reimbursed by NDOT to the City with the City providing 5% matching funding, estimated to be $13,500.  Other requirements included NDOT overview through multiple design submittals, bidding, awarding and construction of the project. City staff has been responsible for preparing design and bid documents, construction management and construction administration of the project.

The LPA agreement for the Audible Pedestrian Push Button Installation Project was approved by the Sparks City Council on January 22, 2018. Construction of the project is nearing completion, but construction delays caused by inclement weather make the agreement’s June 30, 2019 expiration date impossible to meet. The proposed amendment extends the term of the agreement to June 30, 2020.

1. City Council could approve Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Local Public Agency Agreement as outlined by Staff.
2. City Council could reject Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Local Public Agency Agreement and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve Amendment No. 1 to the Cooperative Local Public Agency Agreement No. P539-17-063 (AC-5437) with the Nevada Department of Transportation for the Audible Pedestrian Push Button Installation Project.