Consideration and Approval of Grant Agreement: Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Agreement between the City of Flagstaff and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration for the Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion project.
 

1. Approve the Grant Agreement with the Federal Highway Administration in the amount of $12,014,989 of which $9,611,991 is Federal Highway Administration share, and $2,402,998 is City of Flagstaff share as part of a grant match; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents.

The Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion is a holistic Safe Systems Approach project emphasizing Safer Roads, Safer People and Safer Speeds. For Safer Roads, it will convert 0.9 miles of arterial road in the urban center of Flagstaff to a Complete Street. This includes the construction of fully separated bike lanes along both sides of Butler Avenue, enhanced pedestrian facilities, accessibility improvements, protected intersection features at three major intersections, enhancement of the existing Rapid Flashing Beacon crossing at Humphreys St and Butler Ave, and construction of a new enhanced crossing at O’Leary St and Butler Ave. A comparison of crash history and speed studies prior to and following the project will evaluate the success of this work. This project is designed to improve walking and biking on Butler Ave and to reduce the number and severity of conflicts between vehicles and vulnerable roadway users along the corridor. This project is the result of extensive research and outreach to community members throughout the Southside Neighborhood.

Project Name: Butler Avenue Complete Streets Conversion
Cost: $12,014,989
Account Number Budgeted: 048-10-120-3516-6-4441
FY Budgeted Amount: 2025; $1,000,000; 2026: $5,507,495; 2027: $5,507,494
Grant Funded: Yes, with City match
Funding Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Council adopted in 2022 and approved an amendment in 2023 to the Active Transportation Master Plan to include this project.

1. Approve the Grant Agreement; or
2. Not approve Grant Agreement which would prevent $9,611,991 of financial benefit to the City of Flagstaff for improving pedestrian and cyclist safety through the urban center of Flagstaff.

Safe & Healthy Community: Promote physical and mental well-being through providing recreational opportunities, parks, open space, and active transportation options
Sustainable and Innovative Infrastructure: Provide, manage, and maintain effective infrastructure for multimodal and active transportation
Livable Community: Provide amenities and activities that support a healthy lifestyle

Policy T.1.1. Integrate a balanced, multimodal, regional transportation system.
Policy T.1.2. Apply Complete Street Guidelines to accommodate all appropriate modes of travel in transportation improvement projects.
Policy T.1.6. Provide and promote strategies that increase alternate modes of travel and demand for vehicular travel to reduce peak period traffic.
Policy T.2.1. Design infrastructure to provide safe and efficient movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Policy T.3.2. Promote transportation systems that reduce the use of fossil fuels and eventually replace with carbon neutral alternatives.

Decreased Dependence on Cars
DD-2: Create inclusive networks for walking and biking that are continuous, attractive, safe, comprehensive, and
convenient for people of all ages.
DD-3: Encourage Flagstaff residents and visitors to walk, bike, roll and take the bus.

5.8 Prioritize Capital Improvement Projects that facilitate affordable housing.

Active Transportation Master Plan Policies:
1.1 Implement networks for walking and biking that are continuous, attractive, safe, comprehensive, and convenient.
1.2 Provide frequent and comfortable crossings to eliminate barriers and avoid breaks in pedestrian and bicycle networks.
1.7 Identify and take advantage of opportunities to fund and implement the pedestrian and bicycle network.
4.5 Verify that walking and biking facilities allow and encourage safe behavior for all users.