For City Council Meeting April 28, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Tanya Williams, City Manager
FROM: Yazdan Emrani, P.E., Director of Public Works
Title
Request City Council to: (1) Authorize the Submission of an Active Transportation Program Cycle 8 Grant Application to the California Department of Transportation for the City of Rialto Safe Routes to School Improvements Project; and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute all Related Documents.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Authorize the Submission of an Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 8 Grant Application to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for the City of Rialto Safe Routes to School Improvements Project; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or their Designee to Execute all Related Documents.
BACKGROUND
On March 19, 2026, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) announced the ATP Cycle 8 Call for Projects. ATP Cycle 8 is expected to include approximately $619 million in Federal, State SB1, and State Highway Account (SHA) funding. The funding/programming years are expected to run for four years, from 2027/2028 to 2030/2031.
Rialto is an eligible entity within the State of California to apply for ATP funds. The following schedule lists the anticipated major milestones for the development and adoption of the 2026 ATP Cycle 8:
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The Rialto Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan, which was previously funded by ATP Cycle 1, was developed with input from the community, guidance from stakeholders, engineering expertise, and strategic planning. The proposed recommendations include various improvements such as the installation of speed feedback signs, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), high visibility ladder-style crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible ramps and sidewalk gap closures, school signage following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), bicycle facilities, traffic circles, and school pavement markings.
Staff will request proposals from Public Works Department’s on-call consultant list, for help with a grant application to the Active Transportation Program The scope of work includes identifying and strategizing the combination of improvements near multiple schools in the City and consolidating them into one project for an Infrastructure grant application.
Infrastructure Project Grant
The proposed grant project will construct planned Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements including a range of enhancements aimed at promoting safety and accessibility within the local community. These include the installation of ADA curb ramps, school signage, speed feedback units, crosswalk alterations and additions, sidewalk expansions, traffic signal modifications, class II bike lane adjustments, bulb-out installations, and improvements to railroad crossing accessibility. These changes are designed to bridge gaps between residential neighborhoods and local schools.
The project cost will be finalized and is expected to be within the cost range of a medium project. Projects with a total cost of more than $3.5 million and up to $10 million will be considered a medium project. The CTC does not require a funding match for the ATP application; however, it encourages the use of leveraging funds in the evaluation criteria. If awarded, staff recommends the use of Local Measure I or Gas Tax funds as leveraging funds, up to 20% of the total project cost.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to submit a grant application to Caltrans' 2027 Active Transportation Program Cycle 8. The anticipated benefits of these projects extend to the local communities, as they will lead to crucial improvements in safety, the creation of pedestrian facilities, and increased awareness among drivers.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed request is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY:
Approval of this action complies with the following City of Rialto General Plan Goals and Policies:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
Approval of this action complies with the City of Rialto General Plan Goals and Policy:
Goal 3-11: Provide community facilities that adequately support established programs, can accommodate future needs, and are accessible to all members of the community.
Goal 3-11.1: Allocate resources for the maintenance and operations of City facilities; explore alternative funding options for maintenance and operational costs of new facilities.
Goal 4-8: Establish and maintain a comprehensive system of pedestrian trails and bicycle routes that provide viable connections throughout the City.
Goal 4-9: Promote Walking.
Policy 4-9.3: Provide pedestrian-friendly and safety improvements, such as crosswalks and pedestrian signals, in all pedestrian activity areas.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
The proposed action has no impact on the Operating Budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
If successful, the ATP Cycle 8 grant funding will be used for the final design and construction phase of the project, including construction engineering for the Infrastructure Grant application. While the CTC does not require a funding match for ATP, it is advisable to leverage additional non-ATP funds to enhance the City’s competitiveness for State and Federal funding. Staff is proposing to appropriate up to 20% in leveraging funds (using Measure I, Gas Tax, or similar funds) towards the project.
If awarded, staff will present the grant acceptance and fund allocation to the City Council for approval.
Licensing
This action does not require the application of a business license or payment of a Business License tax.