1. No category

Application # CIP-014
LOS ALAMOS COUNTY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
Phase 1 Project Application Form
1. PROPOSED PROJECT
Project Name: WRCMP Implementation--Transportation Corridor Improvements to State Road 4 & Sherwood Blvd - White Rock
Indicate the type of Capital Improvement Project you are applying for.
⌧Upgrade or replacement of an existing facility
New facility
2. PROJECT APPLICANT INFORMATION
The “Project Applicant” is the individual or group that will be responsible for gathering and presenting all the information
necessary to apply for and process this Phase 1 CIP project application, and for presenting the project to the CIP Evaluation &
Oversight Committee and County Council. If the Applicant is a County department, or other group, also list the single individual
who will be the “Applicant’s Representative” in the space below.
Applicant Name White Rock Center Master Plan Implementation Committee, Kent Budge, Chair
Los Alamos County Public Works Department., Ted Garcia, County Engineer
Note: The WRCMP Implementation Committee has 17 members appointed by Council. The Committee is divided into
four subcommittees; each working on a specific issue.
Phone:
Kent Budge: 505-672-9726; Ted Garcia: 505-662-8106
Address: Kent Budge: 16 Karen Circle, Los Alamos, NM; Ted Garcia: Los Alamos County Public Works Department
Email:
Kent Budge: kgbudge@lanl.gov; Ted Garcia: ted.garcia@lacnm.us
Applicant’s Representative: Ted Crawford, Chair of Transportation Subcommittee
Phone: 505-672-3315
Cell #:_________ Fax: ___________
Address: 309 Potrillo Drive, Los Alamos, NM
Email:
tedanddot@portrillo.com
3. PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION or check box
Not applicable
The “Project Sponsor” is the group or individual that may have requested that the proposed CIP project be considered for funding
and/or will actively advise and support the Applicant during Phase 1 processing, but will not be the actual Applicant. If the
Project Sponsor is a group, also list the single individual who will be the “Sponsor’s Representative” in the space below.
Sponsor’s Name: Los Alamos County Transportation Board Phone: 505-662-8101
Address: c/o Ted Garcia, County Engineer, Los Alamos County Public Works Department
Sponsor’s Representative: Khalil Spencer, Chair
Address: 1799 Camino Uva, Los Alamos, NM
Phone: 505-661-8141
Email: khalil@losalamos.com
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Cell #:___________
Email: ted.garcia@lacnm.us
Cell #:___________
4. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Briefly describe the proposed project indicating why it is needed, how the project will fulfill the need, a preliminary
project scope, and approximately how much land or space it will occupy.
Project Purpose
The project seeks Phase 1 CIP funding to conduct an alignment study of coordinated transportation
corridor improvements along State Road 4 in White Rock, generating a preferred alternative for a new,
more complete streetscape and intersection design. Transportation improvements comprise the
foundation of a larger effort to revitalize the community in line with an adopted Master Plan, the White
Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy. In accordance with the adopted plan,
streetscape improvements seek the following objectives:
Traffic calming;
Safe pedestrian crossings & intersections;
Multi-modal transportation options (pedestrian, bicycle, public transit);
Enhanced streetscape aesthetics (landscaping, street furniture, lighting); and
Create a sense of place and identity for White Rock.
Taken together, the transportation corridor improvements intend to create a conducive environment to
quality sustainable development of the “A19” parcel north of State Road 4 and allow the creation of a
White Rock “Town Center.”
During the Master Plan’s creation, substantial public involvement resulted in a preferred design scenario
offering a feasible economic development strategy for White Rock. The preferred scenario relies to a
significant degree on the transportation improvements contained in this application. This application
begins the primary implementation activity—transportation corridor improvements—necessary to realize
the goals of the Master Plan.
Based on results of the alignment study and public input, the process will result in a preferred alternative
for transportation improvements. The Phase 1 outcome, final design of the preferred alternative, will form
the basis for a Phase 2 application.
Project Need
Transportation corridor improvements form the key enabling element of the White Rock Center Master
Plan/Economic Development Strategy. This project will act as a “pacing project” and will set the stage for
other implementing actions described in the Master Plan. In many respects, the Master Plan’s central
design scheme relies on improvements to the State Road 4 transportation corridor; absent such
improvements the Master Plan will more than likely struggle to meet its goals. The Plan identifies the
design of State Road 4 and related improvements as an immediate public investment action and the
design/construction as a short term public investment action (table 5.2 pg. 146).
To revitalize White Rock, the Master Plan calls for a mixed-use “Town Center” straddling State Road 4 at
Sherwood Boulevard. In order to capitalize on development opportunities north of State Road 4,
specifically a undeveloped parcel transferred from the Department of Energy to the County, it is essential
that transportation improvements link the north with the south.
Currently, State Road 4 creates a significant barrier to quality development of land north of the highway.
Improvements will create an attractive streetscape conducive to safe and easy crossing while maintaining
the essential functionality of the roadway.
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The “town center” and improved streetscape will create a sense of place and an enhanced community
identity intended to foster economic development and a high quality of life. Street improvements
incorporate traffic calming, improved intersections & crossings, and will make the street more attractive
through the use of street treatments such as landscaping, lighting, and street furniture. The resulting
streetscape design will be pedestrian and bicycle friendly creating a better sense of community.
Project Scope
The scope of the proposed alignment study includes the following transportation components located in
White Rock:
1. Improved streetscape design of State Road 4 from Rover Boulevard to Pajarito Road,
approximately one mile;
2. Intersection improvements at State Road 4 and Sherwood Boulevard;
3. Improved streetscape design of Sherwood Boulevard from State Road 4 to Longview Drive; and
4. Final design of preferred alternative (contingent upon FY2010 funding).
The White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy describes two typical street
sections for State Road 4—a three lane alternative and a four lane alternative. The Master Plan further
depicts improvements to Sherwood Boulevard and the intersection of Sherwood Boulevard and State
Road 4. In addition to considering the designs in the Master Plan, the alignment study will evaluate other
alternatives for improved streetscape and intersection design. The alignment study will be guided by the
intention for improvements to fulfill a community desire for traffic calming, providing safe and easy
pedestrian & bicycle crossing, allowing for multi-modal modes, and creating a sense of place in the
community. At the same time, the community recognizes the need for maintaining the functionality of the
roadway for carrying traffic.
The alignment study will provide a comprehensive analysis of the transportation issues for the study area.
Specifically the alignment study will contain traffic and land use analysis, evaluation of alternatives,
environmental analysis, drainage and survey/right-of-way analysis. A thorough public involvement
process will guide and inform the study.
Alignment studies typically follow several steps which comprise purpose and need, improvement
alternatives, environmental, social and cultural effects, and agency coordination and public involvement.
The alignment study will be conducted in three distinct phases—commonly referred to as Phases A, B,
and C. The first two phases serve to develop, evaluate, and refine the range of possible alternatives to
achieve the need for an action. The third phase involves the preparation of an environmental document
and subsequent processing in accordance with NEPA.
Phase A is the Initial Evaluation of Alternatives. The primary objectives of this phase are:
1. Verification of the need for an action;
2. Development of a range of potential alternatives to achieve the need; and
3. Elimination of alternatives that are clearly not feasible.
The range of alternatives will include a no-build alternative and build alternatives. The no-build alternative
serves as a baseline from which other alternatives can be compared against. The study evaluates
alternatives for their effectiveness in achieving the need, their engineering feasibility, and environmental,
cultural, and social effects.
Phase B is the Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives. This phase further evaluates and refines the
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alternatives advanced from Phase A. In most instances, inferior and unfeasible alternatives will be
eliminated from further consideration during Phase B. This phase involves the development of additional
information such as conceptual engineering plans, right-of-way requirements, costs, performance data,
environmental and social effects, and other data. Information that is relevant to the decision-making
process is generally developed at a level of detail sufficient to enable an equitable comparison of each
alternative and to serve as the basis for the preparation of an environmental document.
Phase C is the Environmental Documentation and Processing Phase. This phase includes the
preparation of either a Categorical Exclusion (CE) or an environmental assessment (EA) and circulation of
the document for review and comment by affected and interested agencies, stakeholders, and the general
public. Commitments and changes to the project, as appropriate, which result from agency and public
comments are presented to the design team for final action. Phase C culminates with a Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) for projects where an EA was prepared.
Agency Coordination and Public Involvement. Agency coordination and public involvement form
crucial elements of each phase of the alignment study process and will begin at the start of the first phase
and continue through phase C. The agency coordination component will involve stakeholder agencies
such as Bandelier National Monument, the Department of Energy, Los Alamos Nationals Laboratory, and
the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The study’s public involvement program ensures that:
1. Needs and concerns of affected agencies, stakeholders, and the general public are understood
and fully considered;
2. Interested groups and persons are involved in key decisions; and
3. The public is informed of key decisions and progress of the study.
The alignment study will generate a preferred alternative for transportation improvements in White Rock
intended to support the goals of the White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy.
The preferred alternative will be presented to the County Council. The consultant team will then develop
the final design of the preferred alternative which will form the basis for a Phase 2 CIP application.
5. PROJECT LOCATION
If a specific site for the project has been chosen, attach a vicinity map showing the proposed location and the
surrounding area including existing zoning. If several possible sites will be studied as part of the Phase 1 process,
attach a map of those as well. If no specific sites have been chosen, describe the criteria which will be used to
search for the site during the proposed study period.
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6. PROJECT HISTORY IF ANY… or check box
Not applicable
Briefly describe the history of the project or project concept and attach any existing needs or program studies relating
to the current proposal.
The White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy provides the background and
project history for transportation improvements in White Rock.
The central motivation for the Master Plan’s creation stems from a strong community desire to revitalize
the commercial core of White Rock and create a community identity. The Master Plan highlights the
desire for high quality, mixed-use development that is community based and capitalizes on development
opportunities offered by the County’s acquisition of the A19 parcel north of State Road 4.
An intensive community process guided the development of the Master Plan, a process begun in August
2007. A steering committee comprised of community stakeholders provided direction for the Plan.
Several community forums solicited public input in the project and helped direct the ultimate
recommendations of the Master Plan. At the community forums, community members provided
comments on several conceptual design and development scenarios. A design charrette actively
engaged the participants in a process to further shape the development scenario to better illustrate
community needs and preferences for an improved White Rock. Designed in large part by the community
through the charrette process, the resulting “Preferred Scenario” reflects the community’s desire for a
more integrated and active White Rock town center that capitalizes on the A19 parcel. According to the
Plan, “the preferred scenario offers a community-supported and economically feasible development
strategy for the future of White Rock.”
The Master Plan describes transportation improvements which include changes to State Road 4, the
intersection of State Road 4 and Sherwood Boulevard, and Sherwood Boulevard. The Preferred Scenario
and Town Center illustrative diagrams contained in the Master Plan graphically illustrate the importance of
transportation improvements.
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7. COMMUNITY INPUT
Describe community input you have received on this proposal from boards and commissions, civic groups, potential
users, etc. Include specific meeting dates and/or letters of support if any.
An intensive community process guided the development of the White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic
Development Strategy, a process begun in August 2007. The Master Plan bases its recommendations on
an inclusive and genuine public involvement process. The Plan recognized the community as an integral
part of the planning process and utilized several method to engage a variety of stakeholders:
Regular meetings with County staff, business leaders, and interested community members;
Steering Committee of stakeholders which guided the process;
Seven Community Forums;
Stakeholder interviews;
Dedicated web site (planningwhiterock.org);
Comment cards distributes at meetings; and
Copies of plan drafts distributed throughout the County.
A steering committee comprised of community stakeholders provided consistent direction for the Plan.
Several community forums solicited public input on the project and helped guide the ultimate
recommendations of the Master Plan. A design charrette allowed stakeholders to creatively add local
knowledge to the design. The Steering Committee presented the draft and final Plan to the County
Council resulting in Council adoption of the Plan.
8. SIMILAR BENCHMARK PROJECTS & ORDER OF MAGNITUDE COST ESTIMATE
List at least one other recent successfully completed project in New Mexico or elsewhere that is similar to the proposed
project in type and scope. If possible, list its final construction cost, information about its scope, design, type of site,
sponsoring entity, and illustrations or photographs.
Jemez Bypass Projects, the County developed an RFP and hired a consultant to perform the alignment study and final design
with one contract award by Council for each respective project. NM 4 Transportation Improvements should have the same
approach. The County used an alignment study approach on the Diamond Drive Project to assist the County in selecting a
preferred transportation alternative to take forward into final design. The County recently conducted an alignment study on West
Jemez Bypass Project. Several transportation alternatives were developed in which a preferred alternative was selected to take
forward into final design. A combined Phase IA/IB Report was produced on the West Jemez Bypass Project. Phase IA
consisted of a)Scoping and Initiation, b)Public Involvement Plan, c)Establish Purpose & Need, d)Establish Existing
Conditions/Constraints, e)Identify Potential Alternatives, and f)Preliminary Evaluation of Alternatives. Phase IB consists of a)
Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives and b) Phase B Conclusion Report with a Preferred Transportation Alternative. Project cost is
dependent on the preferred alternative that is selected for final design. The preferred alternative is dependent on alignment study
and it would be premature to speculate a construction amount until the study is completed. The alignment study will produce a
combined Phase IA/IB report with probable cost for construction of the preferred alternative. The alignment study has proved an
effective method for developing transportation improvements within budget and on time.
Based on the benchmark or other information, give a rough “order of magnitude” estimate of the likely cost of the
project.
$500,000 or less
$500,000 to $2 million
Likely to exceed $20 million
⌧$2 to $5 million
$5 to 10 million
$10 to 20 million
9. PROPOSED SOURCE OF PROJECT FUNDING
Describe how you think the project should be funded. Are there any non-County sources of funds that might be used
for the project? If so what are they and why do you think the project might qualify for them?
This proposal seeks Capital Improvement Program funds allocated for White Rock improvements.
Is the project expected to generate any new tax revenue or user’s fees to help offset its cost? If so please explain.
N/A
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10. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Briefly describe the extent to which you believe the proposed project will meet each of the following evaluation criteria,
or mark the item as “not applicable”:
1.
The extent to which the project will meet a health, safety, or legal mandate.
The project meets the objectives of the White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy
as adopted by County Council in June 2008. Key to the White Rock Plan is a redesign of SR4 in a way
that enables and encourages the social interaction and commercial activity envisioned along and across
SR4.
The alignment study will develop strategies and roadway design alternatives that will change the dynamics
of SR4 through White Rock. Designed to balance the safe accommodation of all users, the proposed
project will have a positive impact on health by creating an environment where both walking and biking
become viable alternatives to driving a car. Studies show that walking just 30 minutes per day can reduce
the incidence of many chronic diseases.
Developing safe and easy crossings of SR4 will be essential to creating a town center, whose vitality is
dependent on mobility between commercial and social activities that spread across SR4. The proposed
project will improve both safety and access for all corridor users, including drivers, bikers, and pedestrians
by means of traffic calming strategies. Because speed kills, a slower and calmed SR4 will lessen the
likelihood that a crash would result in a fatality. Slower moving cars will also facilitate the design of safe
and easy pedestrian crossings of SR4.
2.
The extent to which the project will help achieve the County’s current strategic goals.
County strategic goals indicate strong support for implementation of the White Rock Center Master
Plan/Economic Development Strategy. Considered essential to the plan’s success, transportation
improvements form the primary implementation action for realizing the goals of the adopted Master Plan.
The County Council Management Action Plan contains clear direction for implementation of the White
Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy. This project supports Goals 3 & 4—“Diversify
the Economy/Revitalize White Rock & Los Alamos Downtowns.” Objectives for Goals 3 & 4 identify White
Rock as a priority for funding and indicate strong County support for investing in infrastructure and
transportation improvements in White Rock.
The project also supports Goal 5 “Maintain Environmental Quality” by encouraging alternate modes of
transport—biking, walking, and transit—and facilitating compact development thereby utilizing less
carbon-based fuels. Goal 6 “Improve Transportation and Mobility” also finds support through the project
since transportation improvements will provide the infrastructure and amenities that will encourage userfriendly multi-modal transportation options.
This project conforms to and supports the following Los Alamos County Comprehensive Plans Vision
Statements:
Vision Statement #2: “Diversify the Economy”
This Vision Statement calls for the revitalization and diversification of Los Alamos’ economy. Specifically
objectives seek to promote a more sustainable economy; objective 2.B.4 states that the County should
prepare and implement a “downtown” plan for White Rock. This application seeks funding for
implementing the redevelopment of the transportation corridor that is central to, and, an essential
component of the adopted White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy.
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Vision Statement #3: “Upgrade Infrastructure”
This Vision Statement expresses the need to add green spaces to the County and to improve the visual
and aesthetic appeal of the built environment. Goal 3.B states “The County’s public spaces, facilities, and
neighborhoods are attractive and a positive statement about our community, reflecting a balance between
beauty and efficiency.” The transportation improvements in this application seek to improve the visual
appeal and functionality of the proposed White Rock town center. Improvements will add green spaces to
the streetscape thus making the pedestrian corridor more attractive and comfortable. The Streetscape
improvements will create an important visual edge to the street that adds to the traffic calming goals for
SR4. The landscape improvements also announce to those traveling on SR4 that they have arrived in a
community that offers accommodations, services, and information that will enhance the experience of their
visit to the area.
Vision Statement #9: “Protect the Environment”
Transportation improvements will create a streetscape more conducive to alternate modes of
transportation such as walking and bicycling as well and public transit. Using alternate modes of
transportation can reduce energy use and pollution.
Vision Statement #12: “Improve Mobility”
Transportation improvements contained in this application will result in a more balanced transportation
corridor that offers safe and pleasant access and improved connectivity within the White Rock town center
for all users: drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, young children, elderly, and those with mobility challenges.
Improvements to the physical environment may include upgrades such as widened sidewalk to
accommodate families, traffic buffers to improve the walking experience, curb ramps to allow for wheel
chairs and baby-buggies, and well-marked crossings designed to give priority to pedestrian activities and
movement.
3.
The estimated impact the project will have on the County’s on-going budget.
The project will require monitoring of the consultant’s work process and progress by County staff. Impact
should be moderate.
4.
The extent to which the project is likely to increase governmental efficiency and control
future expenditures.
The White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy proposes a Town Center comprised
of a mixture of uses including a new County Municipal Complex containing a new library branch, police
substation, and administrative offices to serve White Rock residents. To a large extent streetscape and
intersection improvements are the first step toward town center development. In that respect, the
transportation project in this applications will increase government efficiency through improved County
facilities and better service delivery to White Rock residents.
5.
The extent to which the public will use and benefit from the project.
The public will receive multiple benefits from the project, both economic revitalization and increased
opportunity as well as social benefits relating to a higher quality of life. Pedestrian oriented improvements
of the roadways and intersection will afford an increased level of mobility and enjoyment to White Rock
residents and visitors. It should be noted that quality of life benefits can translate into economic benefits
since places with a high level of amenities and services tend to attract economic opportunities. The
community created its vision statement during the creation of the White Rock Center Master
Plan/Economic Development Strategy which expresses the degree of public benefit from the project:
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“The commercial center of White Rock is a thriving, active focal point for the community.
Reflecting the area’s unique identity and natural beauty, White Rock’s Center serves local
residents, commuters, and tourists with a range of services and amenities. Residents have
access to a large variety of daily needs – food, shopping, entertainment – and meet along a
revitalized Arroyo and at a new public plaza in a thriving mixed-use Town Center. Our
young people socialize at these places, as well as at a new youth center. Meanwhile,
tourists bound for Bandelier National Monument stop at dining establishments and grab
gear at one of the many recreation-oriented shops.
People walk and bike everywhere, getting to their destinations along and across improved
streets with landscaping and along new pathways. Crossing State Road 4 should be safe
and inviting, and development on both sides of the roadway, new and old, contributes to a
cohesive and vibrant street environment. New housing is integrated into White Rock
Center, with townhomes, condos and single-family housing providing a range of living
opportunities. Senior-oriented residences are conveniently located near medical offices
and locally-owned stores.
While White Rock has its own unique identity, it complements – and is intrinsically tied to –
Los Alamos townsite, the Lab and the greater County through business, civic, and social
connections, as well as strong transit links. The core of White Rock is also a growing hub
of employment, particularly for small businesses. These offices support area retail with
commerce and activity, and contribute to a White Rock Center that is lively, vital and a
source of community pride.” (pg. 17).
Transportation improvements contained in this application form the primary catalytic action item needed to
begin the steps toward realization of this vision.
6.
The extent to which the project has documented public support.
The Transportation Board is the project’s sponsor. The project has additional support from the
Sustainability Board (letter attached).
On June 17, 2008 County Council approved a resolution adopting the White Rock Center Master
Plan/Economic Development Strategy and moved that the County convene a committee of stakeholders
to implement the Master Plan’s actions and recommendations. This action established the County’s intent
to support efforts to revitalize White Rock following the general guidance set forth in the Master Plan.
The White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy documents the extensive public
process which guided the development of the Plan. The alignment study will seek further public input
during the process to develop a preferred scenario for roadways and transportation improvements.
An intensive community process guided the development of the White Rock Center Master
Plan/Economic Development Strategy, a process begun in August 2007. The Master Plan bases its
recommendations on an inclusive and genuine public involvement process. The Plan recognized the
community as an integral part of the planning process and utilized several method to engage a variety of
stakeholders.
A steering committee comprised of community stakeholders provided consistent direction for the Plan.
Several community forums solicited public input on the project and helped guide the ultimate
recommendations of the Master Plan. A design charrette allowed stakeholders to creatively add local
knowledge to the design. The Steering Committee presented the draft and final Plan to the County
Council resulting in Council adoption of the Plan.
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The Master Plan states that
“during the planning process, the desire for an improved roadway section along SR4 was commonly accepted in hopes of slowing traffic, providing safe pedestrian
crossing opportunities, and creating a sense of place in the community while still
allowing the necessary functioning of an arterial roadway to carry traffic.”
Following the Master Plan’s adoption, the County Council appointed an implementation committee to
implement the provisions and recommendations of the Master Plan. As an implementing body, the
committee serves as applicant for this application.
7.
The extent to which the project will stimulate private investment in the County.
Transportation improvements will facilitate the revitalization of White Rock and catalyze the creation of a
new Town Center. The development scenario for the Town Center includes a combination of public and
private investment; public investment which includes transportation and streetscape improvements intends
to stimulate private investment. The White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy
lists the design of State Road 4 and related improvements as an immediate economic development
action.
Improvements to State Road 4 including the Sherwood Boulevard will lay the foundation for private
development of the commercial core. The largest vacant parcel available for development sits north of
State Road 4. Improvements to State Road 4 and the Sherwood Boulevard intersection will encourage
private development of this parcel.
8.
The extent to which non-County funds in the form of grants, matching funds, or private
donations are likely to be available to fund the project.
Non-County funds will be sought to assist in funding the construction of this project.
9.
Special circumstances or benefits not included in the criteria list above.
The proposed project offers unusual opportunity for Los Alamos County to collaborate with NM DOT, San
Ildefonso Pueblo, LANL and DOE/NNSA, Bandelier National Monument, the Valles Caldera National
Trust, and other entities in subjects of mutual interest such as tourism and its promotion, retail and
commercial development, and interdependence. The project will also begin delivery on the “good faith”
expectations of the New Mexico Congressional delegation in transferring the A-19 parcel to the County.
11. REQUEST FOR PHASE 1 STUDY BUDGET AND SCHEDULE APPROVAL
Total Study Budget Request Amount to be Funded from the CIP: $310,000 FY2009 White Rock Appropriation Line Item
$500,000 FY2010 CIP fund
Additional Study Budget Amount to be Funded from Other Sources, (If Any): $______________
Estimated Number of Months Needed to Complete the Study & Prepare a Phase 2 Application: Alignment study 7 months
final design 7 months. Total 14-15 months (see attached timeline)
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The CIP approval system is a two-step process. If this application for Phase 1 approval is granted, describe how you
plan to more fully develop the project scope, program, and schedule, and prepare the project’s schematic design and
baseline budget for the Phase 2 application. Be sure to include answers to all the following questions: (Attach to
application)
The project schedule divides the project into three essential parts—alignment study, final design, and
construction of improvements. The alignment study comprises the first part of the project and is
scheduled to begin in March 2009. The alignment study and final design will each take approximately 7
months inclusive of administration and procurement time, for a total of 14 to 15 months. Final design is
expected to commence in October of 2009. Final design will be preceded by County Council review of the
preferred alternative developed from the alignment study.
The timeline schedule provides for construction to begin in the spring of 2010 taking advantage of a full
construction season. The schedule considers community expectation and momentum generated as part
of the implementation of the White Rock Center Master Plan/Economic Development Strategy.
1. Will your study include consideration of alternate programs, sites, schematic designs and budget options?
The alignment study will produce a Phase IA/IB report with a) Detailed Evaluation of Alternatives and b)
Phase B Conclusion Report with a Preferred Transportation Alternative. Vetted by the public process and
reviewed by the County Council, the preferred alternative for transportation corridor improvements will be
further developed in final design.
2. Will your study need to include the services or one or more outside consultants? If so what type of services
will you require and what will be the anticipated cost?
One consultant with a well rounded team will be required for this project. The team will consist of
transportation engineers, traffic engineers, drainage engineer, environmentalist, designers, project
manager, estimators, scheduler, administrative support, etc.
3. What County staff resources will you need to complete the study?
One Pubic Works – Engineering Division project manager to manage the alignment study phase, final
design phase, bidding, award, and construction management. The project manager will manage the
consultant and make sure we are getting our deliverables on time. Other technical experts such as County
Traffic Engineer, County Engineer, CDD staff, will be required to review reports, drawings and
specifications. The Engineering Division staff will provide Construction Management services including
inspection of the improvements, process change orders and pay applications, weekly meetings with
contractor, ensure specification compliance, etc.
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4. What method will you use to prepare the project’s base-line budget amount?
All scheduled will be produced in Microsoft Project. The alignment study will be Phase I with an
established budget and schedule which will include final design of the preferred alternative. Construction
of the transportation improvement will be Phase II with an established budget and schedule.
5. How do you plan to involve the community and any necessary outside agencies in the study process?
Phase I, II, and III will have an established public involvement plan for each phase with plenty of
opportunity for public, community and agency involvement.
6. What do you foresee as major issues or challenges that will be encountered in the process of the study and how
will they be addressed?
The alignment study (NMDOT Location Study Procedures) and final design is a well defined process in
which County staff/Consultant have the expertise to resolve any issues that may arise. County will need to
keep the project development process in motion to meet the overall schedule for the construction of the
improvements.
Anticipated issues revolve around the agreement between the New Mexico Department of Transportation
and Los Alamos County pertaining to the transfer of operational control of State Road 4 from the State to
the County.
12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS
Please add any additional project information, comments, or arguments that you think will add strength to your
application.
End of application
Thank you for participating in this process and helping to make Los Alamos County an even better
place to live and work.
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White Rock Center Master Plan
Implementation Committee
CIP Application for
White Rock Transportation Corridor
Improvements to State Road 4
& Sherwood Boulevard
Exhibit 1
List of White Rock Implementation
Committee Members – Project Sponsor
&
Evidence of Support from Project Sponsor
From: L B WARNER [lwarner@q.com]
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 3:19 PM
To: ~County Council
Cc: Mortillaro, Anthony; Wheeler, Regina; p.belson@lacnm.us; Environmental Sustainability
Board; Planning & Zoning Commission; Transportation Board; Wheeler, Mike; Warner, Larry
Subject: White Rock Sustainability Recommendation
Memorandum for the County Council
The Environmental Sustainability Board would like to express support for the White Rock Center
Master Plan implementation CIP application for an alignment study for improvements to State
Road 4 to the extent that the project will promote sustainable development. The Board encourages
the Council to consider inclusion of sustainable design in all aspects of the project including, but
not limited to, the following considerations:
·
Design for fuel economy and efficient traffic flow
·
Encourage storm water infiltration
·
Ensure xeric landscaping
·
Include shade for walking and gathering areas
·
Increase the use of multimodal transit
Development of a vibrant community center that encourages multimodal transit in White Rock
would help to accomplish three of the County’s strategic goals: Maintain Environmental Quality,
Improve Transportation and Mobility, and ... Revitalize White Rock ... Downtown, as well as the
strategic objective to achieve Community-Wide Hydrocarbon Independence. The goals of this
project are also aligned with the Comprehensive Plan.
A vibrant community center allows people to acquire services closer to their homes, reducing
vehicle trips and hydrocarbon fuel use. The support for multimodal transportation encourages
people to walk, bike and ride the bus, further reducing hydrocarbon fuel use, helping us to achieve
energy independence and improving the air quality in our community.
The Board would like to have an opportunity to review concepts and plans for the public
development portions of this project to provide further input on sustainable design elements.
After discussion at its public meeting of 18 December, the Board voted to make this
recommendation to Council as requested by the White Rock Center Master Plan Implementation
Committee, Transportation Subcommittee. The Department Director and Staff Liaison have
reviewed and approved this recommendation in lieu of awaiting the Board request that is required
by the Procedural Rules for Boards and Commissions. The board recognizes its responsibility to
coordinate recommendations to Council with other boards and commissions where appropriate.
We regret that the deadline for submission of this recommendation to Council that was requested
by the Implementation Committee did not permit this coordination.
Larry Warner
Chair, Environmental Sustainability Board
From: Khalil Spencer [khalil@losalamos.com]
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:49 AM
To: ~County Council; Zimmerman, Kyle; Warner, Larry; spencerk@lanl.gov
Cc: Mortillaro, Anthony; Wheeler, Regina; p.belson@lacnm.us;
Environmental Sustainability Board; Planning & Zoning Commission;
Transportation Board; Wheeler, Mike; Wilkins, Ronald
Subject: Two Transportation Board Motions from December meeting
Memo to Council on two motions approved at the 11 December meeting.
1. Whereas the Los Alamos County Transportation Board is authorized to oversee transportation
matters; and
Whereas the Transportation Board is authorized to advise the County Council on such matters;
and
Whereas such matters encompass the objectives of the White Rock Center Master Plan to
improve a one-mile segment of State Road 4 with emphasis on traffic calming, safe pedestrian
environment & crossings, multi-modal options, streetscape aesthetics, and creation of an improved
sense of place for the County's White Rock community;
Be it resolved that the Transportation Board is a Project Sponsor for the proposed Los Alamos
County CIP Phase 1 WRMP Implementation Project - Transportation Corridor Improvements to SR
4 and Sherwood Boulevard, and as a Project Sponsor will advise and support as appropriate the
Project's proposed Alignment Study and resulting studies.
2. The Transportation Board moved to co-sponsor, with the Fuller Lodge Historic Advisory Board,
a CIP application for the purposes of traffic calming on Bathtub Row. I am waiting to receive the
exact wording of that motion.
regards and happy holidays to all,
Khal Spencer
Chair, Transportation Board
Khalil J. Spencer
1799 Camino Uva
Los Alamos, NM 87544
505-661-8141
LAB Cycling Instructor #1173
http://www.labikes.blogspot.com