AGENDA DATE: 6/12/2024
TITLE:
Title
Smart Scale Applications
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution in support of Smart Scale project applications within Albemarle County
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Filardo, Barnes, McDermott, Swartzendruber, Hersh-Ballering
PRESENTER (S): Hersh-Ballering
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
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 provides state funds for the design/engineering, right-of-way, and construction of transportation projects. Localities, Planning District Commissions, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations can apply for Smart Scale funding every two years.
Albemarle County can submit up to four Smart Scale applications each funding cycle, and the Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization (C-A MPO) and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) are each allowed to submit up to four applications. Recent Smart Scale process changes adopted by the Commonwealth Transportation Board now limit the types of projects that can be submitted by Planning District Commissions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
Two projects exclusively within Albemarle County fit the new project type requirements and are being submitted by the C-A MPO on the County’s behalf. Two other projects within both Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville also fit the new project type requirements and are being submitted by the C-A MPO. The C-A MPO Policy Board is expected to provide a resolution for these four projects at its May 2024 meeting.
The TJPDC is not submitting any applications on behalf of any of its member jurisdictions.
The Board previously reviewed a list of potential Smart Scale projects as part of the February 7, 2024 Transportation Planning Quarterly Report presentation; a refined list of potential Smart Scale projects was included in the consent agenda of the April 3, 2024 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure & Placemaking - Invest in infrastructure and amenities that create connection, opportunity, and well-being
DISCUSSION: The Smart Scale program requires a Resolution of Support from the local governing body for all projects to be constructed at least partially within the jurisdiction. The attached resolution (Attachment A) lists all project applications proposed to be constructed within Albemarle County. The resolution will be included with all project application submissions due to the Virginia Department of Transportation on August 1, 2024.
Descriptions of each proposed project are included as Attachment B.
BUDGET IMPACT: These applications are for state funding to implement these projects. No County match is required, and staff is not proposing to include any County match in these project applications. If approved, VDOT would administer these projects and maintain these facilities. Therefore, no County funds would be necessary to support future maintenance or operations of the projects.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the resolution provided as Attachment A.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Resolution to Support Smart Scale Applications in Albemarle County
B - Descriptions of Smart Scale Applications in Albemarle County