016 of 2011 - authorizing the filing of applications with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) R 11-1
R 11-5
RESOLUTION NO. 16 OF 2011
Resolution authorizing the filing of applications with the Federal Transit Administration, an
operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation, for Federal
transportation assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. chapter 53,title 23 United States Code, and
other Federal statutes administered by the Federal Transit Administration.
WHEREAS,the Federal Transportation Administrator has been delegated authority to
award Federal financial assistance to Salt Lake City for a transportation project;
WHEREAS,the grant or cooperative agreement for Federal financial assistance will
impose certain obligations upon Salt Lake City, and may require Salt Lake City to provide the
local share of the project cost;
WHEREAS, Salt Lake City has or will provide all annual certifications and assurances to
the Federal Transit Administration required for the project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah,
as follows:
1. That the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development is
authorized to execute and file an application for Federal assistance on behalf of Salt Lake
City with the Federal Transit Administration for Federal assistance authorized by 49
U.S.C. chapter 53, Title 23, United States Code, or other Federal statutes authorizing a
project administered by the Federal Transit Administration. (If the Applicant is
requesting Urbanized Area Formula Program assistance authorized by 49 U.S.C. § 5307,
either alone or in addition other Federal assistance administered by the Federal Transit
Administration),the resolution should state whether the Applicant is the Designated
Recipient as defined by 49 U.S.C. § 5307(a)(2), or whether the Applicant has received
authority from the Designated Recipient to apply for Urbanized Area Formula Program
assistance.
2. That the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development is
authorized to execute and file with its applications the annual certifications and
assurances and other documents the Federal Transportation Administration requires
before awarding a Federal assistance grant or cooperative agreement.
3. That the Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development is
authorized to execute grant and cooperative agreements with the Federal Transit
Administration on behalf of Salt Lake City.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah,this 12th day of
April , 2011.
SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL
By:
k�M—
CHAIRPERS N
ATTEST:
a4TYCKO' R
JSE
OVED A "� FORM:
'4Z W/--�
IOR CIT ATTORNEY
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned duly qualified City Recorder, acting on behalf of Salt Lake City, certifies that
the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted at a legally convened meeting of
the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, held on April 12 , 2011.
[Seal]
ty Recorder
(Date)
A
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Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar
Alternatives Analysis Program
Application (49 u.s. c. 5339)
July 12, 2010
4CdWiYS1t
A. Description of Alternatives Analysis
Salt Lake City(the City) is currently undergoing a radical transformation of its downtown,
taking multiple measures to create a livable and sustainable city, including adding new
opportunities for mobility and a varied housing stock. A city of approximately 180,000 residents,
Salt Lake City serves as an urban seat of the Western United States, and is a concentrated job
center for the Wasatch Front Region, which has a population of over one million residents. Salt
Lake City is the capital city and commercial and industrial center for the State of Utah. In its
efforts to become the preeminent sustainable capital city in the Intermountain West, Salt Lake
City is actively engaged in providing a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation system for
the movement of people and goods and for the vitality of the community as evidenced by the
recent approval of its downtown transportation master plan by the city council. Mayor Ralph
Becker of Salt Lake City has pledged support and resources to the development of a Downtown
streetcar line. The Redevelopment Agency(RDA) of Salt Lake City has formed and led a
Technical Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from Salt Lake City's
Transportation,Engineering, Housing and Neighborhood Development(HAND),Planning,
Sustainability and Environment(Sustainability), and Economic Development(ED) divisions, as
Well as the"Utah Transit Authority(UTA), to plan this alignment.The Utah Transit Authority is
an active partner in this project,providing technical and planning assistance. Their role as an
ongoing partner to study downtown streetcar options has been assured in a letter dated July 9,
2010.
The City has continuously reached out to major stakeholders in the Downtown area, and has
received support for the concept from the Chamber of Commerce,the Downtown Alliance,the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the University of Utah, and several Community
Councils.
A feasibility study of the streetcar is currently underway which includes a preliminary analysis of
route options. The purpose of conducting an Alternatives Analysis(AA)is to further explore the
alignments and operating concepts for a streetcar in downtown Salt Lake City.To complete the
AA, Salt Lake City will:
• Engage in a partnering session with UTA and the regional offices of the Federal Transit
Administration(FTA)to promote open communication throughout the project.
• Convene the Streetcar Technical Advisory Committee and continue to involve downtown
stakeholders in all stages of the planning process.
• Prepare a Purpose and Need and detailed evaluation criteria for the project.
• Further explore and refine a range of logical alignment alternatives to promote mobility and
redevelopment in a cost effective manner.
• Develop ridership forecasts for each alternative, emphasizing the complementary nature of
existing transit(bus and light rail)in downtown.
• Develop an operating scenario for each alternative.
• Understand and maximize the revenue generation associated with the predicted
development surrounding the streetcar as a source of funding a local match.
• Carry out a decision-malting process to determine a Locally Preferred Alternative(LPA).
• Refine the alternative and prepare an implementation plan for success.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 1 July 12,2010
B. Applicant Information
Name: Salt Lake City Corporation
Address: 451 South State Street, Room 404
P.O. Box 145518
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-5486
Congressional District: Utah,Congressional District 1
Contact Information Matt Dahl
Project Manager
451 South State Street, RM 418
P.O. Box 145518
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
matthew.dahl a.slcgov.com
(801) 535-7245 (Fax)
(801) 535-7239 (Phone)
Applicant Services: Salt Lake City Corporation is a municipal government that
provides a wide range of services for the businesses and 181,743
residents within its city boundaries. Municipal services provided
by the City include police, fire, recreational activities, libraries,
water, sewer, storm water, airports,public improvements,
highways and streets,planning and zoning, and general
administrative services.
Grant Amount Requested: $477,822 (Federal share)
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C. Evaluation Criteria
Description of Studv Area.Transportation Problems and 'M1 F,�z-nx�s•;:i177
iL.i $EYZL"JL 9rC�•
Needs . =.� .
The study area encompasses the downtown of Salt Lake City from
500 East to 600 West, and from South Temple Street to 900 South.
The study area is shown in Figure 1. Founded as a pioneer
settlement in 1847, and made diverse by the completion of the
transcontinental railroad in 1869, many neighborhoods, originally I
anchored by the city's extensive trolley network, shown here,have _ r';' #
remained intact as a reflection of an historic era. Architecture in the
city is diverse and ranges from carefully preserved tum of the century warehouses to sleek new
high-rises. A collection of unique historic neighborhoods still exists: Old Greektown,
Chinatown, the Granary District and the Depot District are all reflective of the rich history of the
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 2 July 12,2010
City, provide a unique canvas for redevelopment,and were once served by streetcar. As the
Capital City, Salt Lake City is home to several unique attractors, shown on Figure 1. The
combination of these unique attractors, Salt Lake City's function as a job center, and the
continuous redevelopment taking place in the City indicate there is an evident need to study
additional surface transportation options to enhance mobility between the neighborhoods within
the City. Further detail about the study area and its problems and needs is provided below.
• Morning and evening commute patterns to downtown Salt Lake City bring thousands of
cars to the area every day. The resulting,congestion does not support the City goals for a
livable, walkable, and sustainable city. Parking demand is high, and parking is often
located in surface lots situated on premium downtown real estate. Downtown is the major
job center in the state, with approximately 65,000 jobs housed within the study area.
Ninety-five percent of workers traveling to downtown arrive from outside of the downtown
area. In order to encourage transit travel to the downtown for work purposes, and to reduce
the amount of parking needed to accommodate workers in the downtown, additional
distribution is needed to transport those arriving by commuter rail to job-dense areas of the
City.
• Downtown Salt Lake City is one of the major tourist attractions in the state. With 3,000
hotel rooms in the downtown and a hotel occupancy rate of 75%,the downtown is a major
tourist and convention destination. The Salt Palace Convention Center hosts numerous
events, with over 300,000 room nights linked with conventions annually. Transit options
that are easily accessible and easy to understand would encourage visitors to travel around
the city without a car and to reduce congestion and parking demand in the downtown core.
• Downtown is a major transfer point for travelers on commuter rail and light rail.The Salt
Lake City Central Station, located at 300 South and 600 West, is an important transfer hub
to commuter rail,light rail, and bus, as well as Greyhound and Amtrak. Although light rail
service transports passengers from the commuter rail station or from the south to many
areas of Downtown, the alignment is out of direction or too distant from their destination
for some.Bus routes within the City are part of routes that serve longer distances or are
express service that only operate in the peak direction during the peal-,hour. Short trips
within the City on a bus are therefore not straightforward. As mass transit options improve
to reach downtown,there must be a solution for travelers to circulate within Downtown.
Fib cre 2 shows the existing transit service to, and within,Downtown.
• Downtown is quickly redeveloping and rebalancing jobs and housing. Over the next five
years, more than$1.5 billion will be invested in Salt Lake City's Central Business District
(CBD). This investment includes the largest project ever developed in the CBD; City Creek
Center,with over 750 residential units in five residential towers and over 730,000 square
feet of new retail spread over 20 acres. Recently completed development projects in the
downtown include 630,000 square feet of office space, over 450 new residential units, and
180 hotel rooms.
Project Area Plans for the Granary and Depot Districts (shown in Figure 4) completed by
the RDA demonstrate the intention to develop the west and southwest portions of the city.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 3 July 12,2010
In the Granary District, the City owns eight acres property that will shortly be ready for
redevelopment. This property sits just across the street from the LEED Platinum Certified
Artspace development, which is located at 400 West 800 South within the Granary District.
Ready for occupancy in summer 2010,Artspace will include 102 units of affordable
housing, and 50,000 square feet of commercial and retail space devoted to supporting the
arts industry. Artspace is more than a quarter mile from an existing light rail transit station,
and is not served by bus.
The City and its Redevelopment Agency are undertaking additional projects and plans to
enhance the city's attraction as a cultural center. A plan for a Downtown Arts and Cultural
District includes: a new 2,400 seat performing arts center; renovation of existing historic
theaters with over 800 seats; approximately 1,000 new hotel rooms; 200 residential units;
up to 1 million square feet of corporate office space; and extensive revitalization of ground
floor retail space.
Another significant project under consideration is the development of a Convention Center
Hotel. Planned for Downtown Salt Lake City,this hotel will have more than 800 rooms to
support the Convention Center.
Adjacent to and east of the Salt Lake City Central Station,plans have been prepared to
catalyze development in the Depot District of Downtown. The RDA has completed an
innovative development strategy that includes the reconfiguration of the area's 10-acre
blocks, dividing them into smaller blocks to create a more walkable and transit-oriented
community.A mixed-use approach to development has been adopted, and enhanced transit
is a key factor to making this area a success.
• A downtown streetcar is included in Phase 3 of the Wasatch Front Regional Council's
Long Range Plan.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 4 July 12,2010
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Over the last two years, the concept of a downtown streetcar has been developed by City staff,
with support from the Mayor and City Council. The goals of the project are to enhance and
accelerate walkable, transit-oriented redevelopment and to provide non-automobile-oriented,
local circulation for workers, residents, and visitors. Guiding principles behind this initiative
include:
• Advancing City land use goals
• Catalyzing increased development and leveraging that development to pay for the project
• Expandability beyond an initial project to a larger system serving more areas of the City
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 6 July 12,2010
• Building transit ridership in Salt Lake City, as well as in the larger UTA bus and rail
network
• Avoiding investment in temporary routing
• Avoiding redundancy with light rail, spacing the projects appropriately for comfortable
walking distances
• Functioning as a circulator, as distinct from the"mid-range" and"long-haul" distances
served by light rail and commuter rail lines
• Assiuning that the light rail system downtown will be"built out"consistent with the
Downtown in Motion plan with new track along 700 South,400 West and 400 South
completing a downtown loop
There are multiple possibilities within this Study Area for an initial project alignment that
advances the goals and conforms to the guiding principles. Previous studies support this concept,
including: the Downtown in Motion plan(adopted 2008);the Downtown Streetcar Analysis
report prepared by the Salt Lake City Planning Division in 2009; and the goals and objectives of
the Gateway Specific Master Plan. Supporting relationships are described below;
• Downtown in Motion—Describes the completion of two loops of TRAX to provide a
foundation of rail transit circulation in Downtown. The plan also describes the completion
of an inner loop through Downtown. Lastly,the plan recommends further study of streetcar
access to Downtown from surrounding neighborhoods not served directly by TRAM.
• Planning Division—The 2009 study identifies priorities for Downtown streetcar
development and provides a basis for analysis of two alignments in Downtown. The study
recommends, as a first priority,the development of 400 West for streetcar development.
• Gateway Specific Plan Goals and Objectives—States that the Gateway District, which is
located within the Downtown, should include"... the development of a diverse mixture of
uses that complement Downtown, encourage a variety of housing opportunities, and
facilitate the enhancement and revitalization the neighborhood."
Conceptual Alternatives
This study is focused on identifying the single most viable initial circulator project for serving
Downtown Salt Lake City. The initial segment should have "stand-alone"functionality,but also
be positioned to grow outward into a larger network that would ultimately connect each of the
city's neighborhoods with the downtown. Each conceptual alignment is shown on Figure 3.
200 South Option
Beginning on its western end at the Salt Lake City Central Station,this line runs one block east
on 300 South, then turns north on 500 West and runs one block north. Turning east again, the
line runs east on 200 South to a terminus at 500 East.A number of engineering issues will need
to be addressed in this alignment and will bear on its cost estimate. Potential issues include
whether or not the streetcar shares track with light rail in the one block where they would be co-
located, details of track location within the right-of-way, and location of the terminus.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 7 July 12,2010
The focus of this alignment is to serve the existing built enviro rnent, while accessing a
substantial amount or redevelopment potential. Connectivity between the existing Downtown
core,nearby urban neighborhoods in City Center East and the Avenues, and the Central Station
transit hub are the greatest strengths of this alignment.
Granary Option
Beginning on its northern end at the intersection of 400 West and 200 South, this line would
proceed south until reaching 900 South, where it would twin east and connect, two blocks further,
to the 900 South TRAX station. The predominant engineering issue for this alignment is the
functional and physical coordination with the intended addition of light rail track on 400 West
for the ultimate Downtown loop concept. Additionally,400 West, from 600 South to 900 South,
is in poor condition and lacking basic infrastructure. The construction of the streetcar through
this area would require significant improvements throughout the might-of-way.
This alignment is focused on the large amount of redevelopment potential lying along this
corridor. Much of this alignment travels through the Granary Redevelopment Area of the RDA
(shown on Figure 4). City policies support fostering expansion through high-density
development southward and westward from Downtown with this goal in mind.The City owns a
significant amount of property in this corridor,which should help facilitate its policy of
Downtown expansion.
Hybrid Option
Beginning at its southern end, this alignment would follow the same route as the Granary Option
described above until reaching 300 South. At that point,this route turns east for three blocks,
until reaching West Temple,where it turns north for two blocks. Upon reaching 100 South,the
line turns east for three blocks,terminating at the intersection of 200 South and 200 East.
Engineering issues include the light rail coordination question noted in the Granary Option and
details in the locations of the terminus.
The 200 South Option is fundamentally about serving the existing built environment and the
Granary Option is principally a development catalyst, which results in this option serving both
objectives. Its configuration also seeks to more directly serve the Salt Palace and the massive
addition to the CBD now being built in the City Creek project, as well as aligning with the highly
walkable environment that currently exists on 300 South.
A shorter version of the hybrid alignment,terminating at 800 South and using a single ballasted
track in the median of the street for the southern-most four blocks,is also being studied.
Depot District Option
The Depot District Option provides direct access into the planned redevelopment area within the
Depot District. The benefit of this option is the support for the redevelopment plans created by
the RDA for this district,as well as the City's master plans. Many of the parcels in this district
are owned by the RDA. This conceptual alignment would connect with either the 200 South
alignment, the Granary Alignment, or potentially serve as a link to both. This alternative would
also provide the most direct access to the Intermodal Hub, and the daily trips that arrive at this
station by all modes. Preliminary ridership analysis using the WFRC travel demand model has
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 8 July 12,2010
shown strong attraction between the Hub and areas along 200 South further east in the Study
Area.
SALT LAKE CITY STREETCAR
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Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 9 July 12,2010
SALT LAKE CITY STREETCAR
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Preliminary Evaluation Criteria
To address the transportation problems and needs of the study area, Salt Lake City selected a set
of criteria by which to assess the alternative alignments.being considered for the Downtown
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Streetcar. The following criteria are intended to guide the selection of an optimum streetcar
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alignment, ensure a positive outcome for the project, and address the FTA's six livability
principles.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 10 July 12,2010
Access to Employment Centers
The Downtown Streetcar should enhance the reliable and timely access to employment centers,
educational opportunities, services, and other basic needs, as well as expand business access to
workers, tourists, and residents that live within Downtown Salt Lake City(Downtown) and the
Larger regional transit network. To achieve this outcome, it is important that the streetcar
alignment be within close proximity to existing and future job centers.The Alternatives Analysis
will quantify the number of workers within %mile of each alternative being considered. The total
number of employees counted within this geographic area will be the basis for ranking
alternatives using this criterion. Applying the Employment criterion will ensure that the final
outcome of the Alternative Analysis addresses the following Livability Outcomes:
1) Provide More Transportation Choices: The Streetcar should provide greater transportation
choices for commuters and reduce the vehicle miles accrued by Downtown workers.
2) Enhance Economic Competitiveness: The Downtown Streetcar should enhance workers'
reliable and timely access to employment centers, educational opportunities, services, and
other basic needs.
3) Value Communities and Neighborhoods: By serving Salt Lake City's Downtown workers,
the optimum alignment will also assist Downtown's existing businesses attract employees
and shoppers interested in the pedestrian-friendly environment that streetcars have been
shown to create in other communities.
Access to Major Destinations
The Downtown Streetcar should enhance the unique characteristics of Downtown Salt Lake City
by improving access to major destinations and attractors in the Downtown. To achieve this
outcome, the selected alternative should circulate pedestrians among Downtown's major
destinations. The AA will identify and quantify the number of major destinations, such as
shopping malls, convention centers, and college campuses within close proximity to the
alternative alignments. The basis for ranking the alternatives will be each alternative's proximity
to Downtown's major destinations, and the impact this access has on ridership potential.The
Access to Major Destinations criterion will ensure that the final outcome of the AA addresses the
following Livability Principles:
1) Provide More Transportation Choices: The Streetcar will act as a Downtown circulator that
increases the area's walkability and decreases the need to make multiple trips with an
automobile. This will reduce oil consumption and greenhouse gases,while promoting
healthy lifestyles.
2) Enhance Economic Competitiveness: The final alignment will be more likely to act as a
circulator that connects workers,residents, and visitors with reliable and timely access to
employment centers, educational opportunities, services, and other basic needs. This
connectivity should result in more pedestrians in Downtown.
3) Value Communities and Neighborhoods: By acting as a circulator and connection to the
regional transit network for people who utilize Downtown Salt Lake City's major
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar i l July 12,2010
destinations,the Downtown Streetcar will promote a healthier, safer, and more walkable
community.
Activation of Developable Land
The Downtown Streetcar should catalyze development and redevelopment of blighted or
underutilized land in Downtown. This should be accomplished by the streetcar's ability to
generate demand for transit-oriented development along its alignment. To effectively serve the
anticipated demand,the selected alternative should be in close proximity to land that has
potential to be developed or redeveloped. The basis for ranking the alternatives will be the
number of developable acres within two blocks of each alignment. Using the Developable Land
criterion will ensure that the final outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability
Principles:
1) Promote Equitable,Affordable Housing: Downtown Salt Lake City allows for the
construction of multi-family housing throughout most of its geography. By encouraging
infill development along the streetcar line, there is a significant likelihood that the variety
of housing choices in Downtown Salt Lake City will be expanded. By the nature of being
next to the streetcar, these households will have increased mobility and the option to use
the streetcar in lieu of a car.
2) Support Existing Communities: The Downtown Streetcar is anticipated to catalyze
development and redevelopment of blighted or underutilized land in Downtown Salt Lake
City; this is verified through a series of workshops and focus groups held with the local
development community. Close proximity to available land is pivotal to capitalizing on the
anticipated demand for new development.
3) Value Communities and Neighborhoods: By encouraging infill development,blight
removal, and development of underutilized land, the streetcar will improve the Downtown
Area and increase the walkability of the neighborhood.
Access To Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City Owned Property
The RDA owns several parcels throughout Downtown that are either blighted or underutilized,
and thus prime for development. The RDA works with private sector developers to develop its
property holdings in accordance with the Master Plans of Salt Lake City and RDA project area
plans and goals. The RDA views the Downtown Streetcar as a positive tool for encouraging the
development of transit-oriented projects that incorporate good urban design. To achieve this
outcome, the selected alternative should be in close proximity to RDA owned property. The basis
for ranking the alternatives will be the amount of RDA owned property within two blocks of the
alignments.Using the Access to RDA Owned Property Criterion will ensure that the final
outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability Outcomes:
1) Provide More Transportation Choices: The streetcar will act as both a catalyst for
development and an expansion of the transportation options available to the workers,
tourists, and residents interested in accessing the newly developed property.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 12 July 12,2010
2) Promote Equitable, Affordable Housing: The RDA will encourage a mix of uses in the
development of its properties, including moderate-to high-density residential buildings.
Additionally, in executing the City's Master Plans, the development of the RDA-owned
land will require a mix of home-ownership and income requirements. By nature of being
next to the streetcar,these mixed ownership and income level households will have
increased mobility and the option to use the streetcar in lieu of a car.
3) Support Existing Communities: The Downtown Streetcar should catalyze redevelopment of
blighted or underutilized land owned by the RDA and located in close proximity to the
selected alignment. This should be accomplished by the streetcar's ability to generate
demand for transit-oriented development along its alignment.
4) Value Communities and Neighborhoods: By encouraging in-fill development,blight
removal, and development of underutilized land,the streetcar will improve the Downtown
Area and increase the walkability of the neighborhood.
Private Sector/P3 Potential
It.is important that the selected streetcar.alignment.have a high likelihood to.leverage•significant
private sector investment in the project. The AA will look into the potential for private developer
participation in the streetcar project,in connection with the development of specific properties.
Such participation may include direct financial contributions or improvements that enhance the
pedestrian environment along the alignment. Also being considered is the willingness and ability
of the benefitting neighborhoods to contribute to the project through an assessment district. The
basis for ranking the alternatives using this criterion will be an assessment of the potential
private sector investment. Using the Private Sector/P3 Potential criterion will ensure that the
final outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability Principle:
1) Coordinate Policies and Leverage Investment: If Federal funding is utilized to construct the
downtown streetcar,this criterion will ensure the funding leverages the greatest amount
private and locally generated income.
Potential Yield from Tax Increment Financing and Other Locally Generated Funds
Locally generated funding will be critical to the successful design and construction of the
Downtown Streetcar. The AA will look into the potential that each alignment has to generate
public funding. While all options will be considered,the analysis will particularly focus on the
funding that can be generated through tax increment financing in RDA project areas,parking
revenue, and special assessments. The basis for ranking the alternatives using this criterion will
be an evaluation of the potential to access the largest amount of locally generated funds,
weighted against the potential that the funding will be realized. Using the Potential Yield from
Tax Increment Financing and Other Locally Generated Funds criterion will ensure that the final
outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability Principles:
1) Coordinate Policies and Leverage Investment: If Federal funding is utilized to construct the
Downtown streetcar,this criterion will ensure the funding leverages the greatest amount of
locally generated public revenue for the project.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 13 July 12,2010
Compatibility with Existiniz Plans
The selected alternative will need to be compatible with the City's Downtown Transportation
Plan, Community Plans and other City Plans. The basis for ranking the alternatives using this
criterion will be to identify how or whether each alternative alignment detracts,implements, or
augments the Downtown in Motion Plan, the Downtown Master Plan, Gateway Specific Plan,
and the Central Community Master Plan. The selected alternative will not detract from the plan
and, optimally,would augment or enhance the plan. Using the Compatability with Existing Plans
criterion will ensure that the final outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability
Principles:
1) Provide More Transportation Choices: The relevant master plans call for well-coordinated
and varied modes of transportation to serve the populations within their specific
geographies. Provided the selected alternative implements or augments the Downtown in
Motion Plan, the inevitable result would be an increase in the number of safe,reliable,
economical transportation choices for the workers,residents, and tourists in Downtown.
2) Enhance Economic Competiveness: One of the objectives of the Downtown In Motion
plan,the Downtown Master Plan and The Gateway Specific Plan is to support regional
commerce downtown. If the Streetcar implements or augments these plans,it will also
support regional commerce, expanding business access to wider markets.
3) Support Existing Communities: A goal of the Downtown in Motion plan is to, "be
supportive and compatible with Salt Lake City's vision of Downtown and Downtown land
uses, activities,and businesses. Provided the selected alternative implements or augments
the Downtown in Motion plan, it will also likely support the existing Downtown
community.
4) Value Communities and Neighborhoods: The relevant master plans are intended to guide
the development of their respective geographies.While in the case of the Gateway District,
the plan was intended to take the area from brownfields to a downtown support district,the
Downtown and Central Community Master Plans are intended to capitalize on the areas'
strengths and improve in areas where needed. If the streetcar acts as a catalyst for
developing the available properties and improving the transportation options in accordance
with the Master plans, it will in effect enhance the unique characteristics of the community
that the neighborhood chose to support in the drafting of the master plans.
Ridership
While all of the criteria are important in determining which alignment should be selected,
ridership is the key to the success of accomplishing all of the streetcar project's objectives.To
determine the current and future ridership, an in depth ridership analysis will be conducted.The
determining factor in ranking the alternatives utilizing this criterion is the number of potential
riders each alignment is anticipated to generate. The alignment with the highest projected
ridership will be a strong contender for the Locally Preferred Alternative. Using the Ridership
criterion will ensure that the final outcome of the AA addresses the following Livability
Principles:
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 14 JuIy 12,2010
1) Provide More Transportation Choices: The alternative with the highest number of riders
will effectively be the route that gives the most people a new mode of transportation. The
rider's choice to utilize the streetcar means that they have determined that it is the safest,
most reliable, and/or most economic option available to them.
Cost and Cost Effectiveness
Salt Lake City will consider the cost of each alternative relative to the ridership developed above.
Using this criterion will address the following Livability Principles:
1) Coordinate Policies and Leverage Investment: If Federal funding is utilized to construct the
Downtown streetcar, this criterion will ensure that financial resources are being used
wisely,possibly reducing the amount of capital that could be required for leveraging of
investments.
2) Enhance Economic Competiveness: A lower cost project could reduce the total amount of
tax increment needed to support this project thereby improving the economic gains of local
businesses and landowners within the TIF districts.
Public Support
Salt Lake City will include an extensive public involvement process as part of the AA: The
public involvement process will include meeting with City staff, elected officials, and
community stakeholders, as well as holding public meetings and open houses. The Public
involvement will culminate with the Salt Lake City Council adopting a Locally Preferred
Alternative. In addition to being prudent to consider public input,using public support as a
criterion for selecting an alignment increases the likelihood that the alignment will result in
enhancing the health, safety, and walkability of Downtown.
Using the Public Support criterion will ensure that the final outcome of the AA addresses the
following Livability Principle:
1) Support Existing Communities: One of the best ways to support existing communities is to
incorporate the opinions of its residents into selecting the optimum alignment. Through the
public involvement portion of the AA,the alignment that enhances the unique
characteristics of the community, if the community values those characteristics, should rise
to the top.
Technical Capacity of the Applicant to Carry Out the Proposed.Work Successfully
Salt Lake City's role as the capital,commercial center, and regional transportation hub for Utah
has required the Cityto develop an experienced and specialized staff, which has successfiilly
completed a variety of complex projects,including alternatives analysis and corridor studies.
Representatives from Salt Lake City's Community and Economic Development Department and
Transportation, Engineering; Planning, HAND, and Sustainability Divisions, as well as the
Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City and the Utah Transit Authority, will participate in the
management and oversight of the AA through the Technical Advisory Committee. The RDA will
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar :5 July 12,2010
manage this study with oversight from the Technical Advisory Committee. This Committee has
met for nearly two years as the primary planning body for the anticipated Downtown Streetcar.
Most recently, the Technical Advisory Committee has overseen the preparation of a Downtown
Streetcar Feasibility Study. This work has allowed the specialized City staff members to
familiarize themselves with streetcars generally and their potential benefits in Downtown Salt
Lake City specifically. This expertise will make the Committee well prepared to oversee the
work of a qualified consultant. The City has performed this role for several transit investments,
including light rail, commuter rail, and station improvements. the actual work of the AA.
Salt Lake City's Technical Advisory Committee will consist of individuals from various City
Departments with experience executing projects that address the FTA's six Livability Principles.
1) Salt Lake City Transportation: Salt Lake City Transportation will have two representatives
on the Alternatives Analysis Technical Committee (AATC). These representatives will
include the Transportation Division Director and the Transportation Planning Engineer.
Salt Lake City Transportation has participated in the AA for the Sugar House Streetcar, a
transit project in its early design stage. Additionally, Transportation staff worked with the
residents and business owners in Salt Lake City to develop the Downtown in Motion plan.
2) Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City: The RDA has a long history of participating in
transportation projects that benefit its redevelopment project areas.The RDA has
contributed to the planning and construction of one light rail station on an existing track
and the construction of several extensions of the UTA's Light Rail System. In addition to
working on transportation projects,the RDA has managed a variety of commercial and
housing projects, as well as the installation of utilities and other infrastructure. The RDA
will be represented on the Technical Advisory Committee by its Executive Director and a
Project Manager.
3) Salt Lake City Planning Division: Planning is responsible for development of the Master
Plans that govern the land use and zoning along the alignments being considered. A Senior
Planner who has overseen the development of one or more of the Downtown Master plans
and is thoroughly familiar with the goals and objectives outlined in the plans will represent
Planning on the Technical Advisory Committee. Planning's involvement will ensure that
selected Streetcar alignment will be compatibility with the City's master plans.
4) Salt Lake City Housing and Neighborhood Development Division: Housing and
Neighborhood Development(HAND) oversees the City's affordable housing programs,
including low-interest housing rehabilitation loans, first-time home-buyer programs,
housing development gap financing for affordable and special needs projects, and federal
grants programs. HAND's representative on the Technical Advisory Committee will help
ensure that expertise in the promotion of equitable and affordable housing is available to
assist in the execution of the AA.
5) Salt Lake City Sustainability and Environment Division: A representative of the
Sustainability Division will participate on the Technical Advisory Committee and will
provide input on sustainability, environmental, and energy conservation issues.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 16 July 12,2010
6) Salt Lake City Community and Economic Development Department: The Community and
Economic Development Department(CED) is the administrative section of City
government that manages the Transportation,Economic Development, Planning,
Engineering, and HAND Divisions. Representation on the Technical Advisory Committee
by CED's Deputy Director will ensure a holistic view is taken when utilizing the Selection
Criteria during the AA. The Deputy Director has extensive experience working with the
public to get input on capital projects or to address community issues.
7) Salt Lake City Engineering Division:. Salt Lake City Engineering is responsible for
developing the City's capital projects and managing the City's rights-of-way. Engineering
has partnered with UTA to manage the construction of segments of the regional light rail
system that have passed through Salt Lake City. Engineering staff will provide expertise in
the engineering, capital costs, and right-of-way related to each alignment.
8) Utah Transit Authority: UTA and Salt Lake City have had a long and successful-history of
partnering on rail transit projects in Salt Lake City. Over the past 15 years;UTA and the
City-have partnered to design and-construct-light rail, commuter rail,-and streetcar-projects
within the City through a series of successful Interlocal Agreements. As the regional
transit agency providing various modes of transit in and around Salt Lake City,UTA's
representatives will have extensive experience in the development and execution of
transportation related alternatives analyses and the construction of capital projects.
Potential impact on Decision Making
Salt Lake City's Mayor, City Council, and RDA Board of Directors have been very supportive of
building a streetcar in Downtown Salt Lake City. The City and the RDA have devoted over
$430,000 for current planning and future design, construction, and operation of the Downtown
Streetcar. Current activity includes hiring a transit consultant to perform a streetcar feasibility
study for Downtown,the results of which are due in early fall 2010.
Demonstrating that the City and region are working together to pursue a Downtown Streetcar,
the AA will provide valuable direction for how to proceed with the development of the Streetcar.
As a sign of the value the RDA has given to completing the AA, its 2010-2011 Budget includes
the necessary funding to cover the City's portion of the AA if the FTA approves this grant
application.
Furthermore, varied representation on the Technical Advisory Committee will provide the means
for translating the findings of the AA into action items for the City. Implementation items may
include: the Planning Division reviewing and revising the zoning along the selected alignment to
ensure compatibility and transit orientation; the RDA working with private developers to develop
RDA-owned land along the alignment and form assessment districts to support construction and
operations of the streetcar; and HAND working with non-profit developers to build affordable
housing along the alignment.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 17 July 12,2010
D. Work Plan for Alternatives Analysis
The following work plan will be performed to complete an Alternatives Analysis and select a
Locally Preferred Alternative.
Task 1 —Project Management/ Study Initiation
Clear communication and a transparent process will guide the project management task. At the
outset, significant time will be devoted to establishing communication protocols that last
throughout the project. The following sub-tasks will be completed:
• Develop a Project Management Plan, which will include a refined work scope, schedules,
budgets, quality control, and invoicing.
• Prepare a draft table of contents to utilize as a guide for subsequent deliverables.
• Conduct bi-monthly Streetcar Committee meetings.
• Facilitate a partnering session between the City, UTA, and FTA to ensure open
communication.
• Administrative record
Task 2—Data Collection and Proi ect Understanding
Since documenting existing conditions is critical to the Purpose and Need Statement, quantitative
and qualitative documentation of the existing and future conditions of the Study Area is given
considerable focus and effort at this phase of the work program. A substantial amount of a land
use and transportation analysis has been conducted for downtown Salt Lake City. This study's
data will form part of the base of information to be used for alternatives development and
analysis.
Using input from the AA Study Area's existing and future condition analyses, information from
the review of past studies, and discussions with the City Committee members,the Consultant
will define and recommend the Study Area boundaries.New Starts criteria define the study area
to be a% mile buffer around corridors and station areas. The Consultant will formalize the
definition of the study area and present it to FTA-Headquarters staff for concurrence at the
proposed FTA project progress meeting. The Consultant, with City approval, will prepare a GIS-
based study area map for presentation and for ongoing AA demographic and land use analyses.
GIS will be used to produce high quality communication graphics showing the existing and
future conditions throughout the study area.
Data gathered in completion of the Downtown in Motion Plan,previous studies,and in previous
subtasks in this analysis will be utilized to develop an understanding of existing and future
transportation conditions in the study area. The evaluation of existing conditions will include,
but not be limited to: an analysis of roadway characteristics; traffic volumes; existing and
planned public transportation routes; sei vice levels and headways; ridership; support facilities;
parking utilization and supply; and demographics. The results of this analysis establish the
existing condition against which the alternatives can be compared.
Identifying programmed and planned improvements is a key element in forecasting future study
area conditions and potential circulator conflicts. The Consultant will obtain this information
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 18 July 12,2010
from City, regional and local agencies. Street and intersection improvements will be mapped
using various local data sources. The agencies will be asked to identify any planned
improvements that should be included in the 2040 baseline system--those that are virtually
certain of completion by 2040 will be included in the baseline, others will be included in the list
of potential improvements to be considered for the corridor.
Task 3 -Public Involvement
The AA will continue the public involvement efforts that have been initiated during the
Feasibility Study. Sub-tasks will include:
• Develop a thorough public involvement plan individualized for each neighborhood in the
project area.
• Provide education to the Technical Committee and policy groups as well as to the public at
key milestones, including the verification of purpose and need, explanation of criteria and
methodology, and extensive discussion about the federal livability initiatives.
• Hold focus group meetings with stakeholders, some as a follow-up to previous meetings
during the feasibility study stage.
Task 4—Purpose &Need Statement&Draft Project Criteria
This task is critical to each subsequent task because it outlines the reason for studying a
transportation improvement and the measures by which to analyze the effectiveness of
alternatives to meet the needs of the communities. Sub-tasks will include:
• Understanding the market demand for travel and transit to and within downtown Salt Lake
City. The team will use the traditional four-step model in the Wasatch Front Regional
Council (WFRC)Travel Demand Model to answer the following questions and determine
the strongest markets for travel and transit: Who will be traveling where in the 2040
planning horizon?How strong is the attraction between origins and destinations? What
mode will travelers choose in 2040?What are the attitudinal factors that drive decision-
making?What market and environmental factors drive decision-making?
• Drafting a Purpose and Need statement based on the definition of transportation problems
associated with future conditions as well as community input on what is needed.This
statement will guide decision-making through the life of the project. ,
• Devoting adequate time to developing draft project criteria. Using the criteria described in
the previous section of this document, the criteria will also incorporate elements from the
federal process,the Regional Transportation Planning process and the Transportation
Project Prioritization Process for Salt Lake County. The graphic below shows a sample
approach to screening criteria.
• Preparing an initiation package for FTA that summarizes the Purpose and Need for the
project and the evaluation criteria.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 19 July 12,2010
Screening Criteria
Level I Screening A,
Universe of Alternadves
Community it
-Level 2 Screening Comext
A.; P191- Tedmalugy
_q Ust Alternatives e
Lon �evel I
l�
IN ght-of-Way-Land Use
Connectivity
Level 3 Screening 4iF Public Support
Lcirally 1—Origins and Destinations I
Preferred Level 2
Allemative COS Ridesslip-1101alOiky
?r Roadway Nnction-TfafftcOper3tions,
Land Use Benefits.Public Support
Ability to Meet Purpose and Need
Level 3
Task 5—Alternatives Identification
Alternatives will be developed to meet the purpose and need for the project, and will be screened
based on the previously established criteria. At this middle level of screening,the long list of
alternatives will be narrowed to final alternatives for detailed analysis and evaluation.The
conceptual alternatives described above will serve as the basis for the further development of
alternatives for consideration. Operational concepts will be developed for each alternative.At
this stage, a long list of alignments will be judged against the purpose and need and criteria
above to select final alternatives for evaluation.
Task 6—Alternatives Screening and LPA Selection
The team will narrow alternatives through the screening process to a short list of transit
alternatives that may vary in operational characteristics and alignment. At this level of analysis,
the team will prepare detailed information about each alternative, including:
• Task 6A: Analysis of potential station locations and potential for positive land use effects
at these locations. In addition to using the WFRC accepted travel demand forecasting
model, Salt Lake City will also use off-modeling techniques to evaluate the relationship
between changes in land use and its effect on ridership. This model considers density,
design, distance and diversity(D-factors) to assess ridership at a station level.
• Task 6B: Analysis of transit and traffic integration, and roadway issues associated with the
alternatives working with UDOT, the County, and the City to consider the traffic impacts
of the proposed alternatives.
• Task 6C: Conceptual Engineering-Advance the engineering, design to a conceptual (5-
10%) level of design. The design work developed for the downtown route during the
initial streetcar feasibility study will be utilized as a base for the refinement of the
alignment alternatives. Elements of the engineering design will include track, roadway,
structural,utility, drainage, and systems elements, as well as the following:
• Determination of alignment and configuration, including termini layout, crossover
locations and station/platform locations.
• Generate typical sections for each alignment segment.
• Identify associated changes to traffic circulation,lane assignments and pedestrian
movements.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 20 July 12,2010
o Identify anticipated impacts to adjacent properties,relocation of loading zones
and accesses.
o Identification of potential impacts to existing private and public utilities.
o Identification of two or more viable sites for a maintenance facility.
o Identification of all right-of-way needs
• Task 6D: The Consultant will develop a detailed construction cost estimate(capital and
operating)using the standard Federal Transit Administration cost categories for each of the
alternatives. Under this task a preliminary environmental screenind,will also be completed.
A preliminary screening of potential environmental impacts,particularly noise and air
quality, will be completed. Impacts that will be studied include air quality,noise,
vibrations, traffic, energy consumption, cultural and historic resources, storm water
management, environmental justice, land use, and other significant environmental, social
and/or economic impacts. In addition, anticipated areas of concern to residents and
businesses along the corridor will be identified and addressed through the public
involvement process. The identification of cultural resources and the evaluation of impacts
on historically significant structures will also be an important consideration and a Level 1
screening will be completed during the Alternatives Analysis.
Task 7—Evaluation and Selection
Salt Lake City will work collaboratively to select a Preferred Alternative and advance this
Alternative through the City's adoption process.
Task 8 -Funding and Operational Plans
In recognition that local funding will be necessary, advance the discussion and development of
the overall funding strategy for the project. Develop the finance options considered in the
feasibility study to potential scenarios for funding the local portion of capital and operating costs.
In concert with funding is the determination of the operational entity of the system and the
business model associated with it. _
Task 9—Documentation
Salt Lake City will document the process and outcomes of the study in a draft and final
Alternatives Analysis report, following the FTA guidance on preparation of such documents.
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 2t July 12,2010
Preliminary_Budge
Task Cost
1. Project Initiation $ 20,400
2. Data Collection $ 23,800
3. Public Outreach $ 44,200
4. Pu ose and Need and Criteria Development $ 81,600
5. Development of Alternatives $ 68,000
6. Screening of Alternatives Included in sub-tasks below
6A.Ridership $ 85,000
6B. Operations $ 34,000
6C. Conceptual Engineering $ 68,000
6D. Cost Estimating $ 81,600
7. Evaluation and Selection $ 27,200
8. Funding and Operational Plans $ 30,600
9. Documentation $ 27,200
10. Grant Administration $ 5,679
Total-Project Cost $ 597,279
Salt Lake Ca Matcbin Funds(20%) $ 119,457
MEUNIER.` MINIMUM-MEN IN UNW-11,14,
Downtown Salt Lake City Streetcar 22 July 12,2010