Commission votes to pursue county and regional grants for Pierce–Cleveland connector, Solano safety work and a Safe Routes pilot

The Albany Transportation Commission authorized staff to prepare and submit grant applications to Alameda County Transportation Commission (RCIP/OBAG/One Bay Area) and related MTC funding programs for three projects the staff recommended.

Staff explained the call’s evaluation priorities—50 percent needs and benefits, 40 percent project readiness, 10 percent local match—and noted a separate Safe Routes to Schools pilot grant with slightly different weighting. Justin (staff) recommended three submissions: a Pierce–Cleveland (path connector) gap closure (seed funding and Caltrans coordination already underway), Solano access and safety improvements (ADA curb ramps and intersection lighting/RAFB crossings as near‑term measures within a broader streetscape effort), and a Safe Routes to Schools pilot package that would bundle sidewalk gap closures, crossing improvements and school access projects.

Commission discussion focused on readiness and documentation. Commissioners asked staff to confirm collision counts and to complete the complete‑streets checklist; staff said they would verify the pedestrian and bicycle collision numbers before submission. The commission then moved to authorize the city manager to submit the applications and to enter into required agreements if awards are received. The motion passed by roll call.

Staff noted that competitive scoring for these grants favors projects that demonstrate regional benefits and construction readiness, and that the city has limited staff capacity, so the recommendation prioritized projects thought to be most competitive.