AGENDA DATE: 11/1/2023
TITLE:
Title
Smart Scale Program Updates
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Sharing Information Regarding Smart Scale Application and Scoring Process Changes
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Filardo, McDermott, Hersh-Ballering
PRESENTER (S): Hersh-Ballering
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Smart Scale grant program is the primary method for funding large-scale transportation projects in Virginia. The program distributes state and federal funds for the design, right of way acquisition, and construction of projects.
Smart Scale is a competitive grant program. Currently, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) evaluates applications based on how likely the project is to improve safety, reduce congestion, increase accessibility, contribute to economic development, promote efficient land use, and impact the environment.
Albemarle County has relied on Smart Scale funding for projects identified as County priorities in our Comprehensive and Master Planning processes. In the previous five rounds of Smart Scale, projects within Albemarle County have received approximately $166 million.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan, and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: Proposed changes by VDOT to the Smart Scale application and scoring processes have the potential to significantly impact Albemarle County’s ability to seek Smart Scale funding for transportation infrastructure projects prioritized by the County’s Comprehensive and Master Planning processes. In the presentation, staff will outline the proposed Smart Scale process changes and their potential impact on County applications.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no immediate impact to the County budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors receives this information and provide comment, if appropriate.
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