That the City Council APPROVE AND ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ____ ENTITLED:  A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LA HABRA WHICH CERTIFIES THAT THE CITY OF LA HABRA HAS THE RESOURCES TO FUND THE PROJECTS IN THE FFY 2024/25 - 2029/30 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND AFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM.

The Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) is a federally mandated program for all projects receiving federal funding or projects that are subject to federally required actions regardless of the funding source(s). The FTIP is a comprehensive listing of such transportation projects proposed over a six-year period. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is responsible for developing the FTIP to implement projects and programs listed in the 20-year horizon Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).  A biennial FTIP update is produced on even-year cycles. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), with input from cities in the County, has the responsibility under State law to propose countywide projects, using the current RTP's policies, programs, and projects as a guideline.

Both projects will ultimately involve the construction of a 12-foot wide, asphalt concrete Class I bikeway along Union Pacific Railroad's (UPRR) right-of-way between the City's western and eastern limits.  The projects listed above are part of the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and includes the acquisition of a 15-foot wide easement that runs along the northern edge of UPRR's existing right-of-way, which the City is currently in negotiation with UPRR.  The City anticipates submitting an offer to UPRR in December 2023. If approved and completed, the projects will connect the Whittier Greenway Trail and the Coyote Creek Trail to "The Tracks at Brea" bikeway and thus completing a significant portion of the 66-mile Orange County Loop. City staff have been working closely with OCTA and UPRR staff to develop an offer to acquire the necessary right-of-way. If the proposed acquisition offer is accepted, the City would then proceed with submitting grant applications for funding to purchase the easement and construct the project.

There is no new fiscal impact for this action as the proposed Resolution is a re-commitment of the grant funds that have already been set aside for this project.