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ITEM #7 <br />CITY OF COLTON <br />AGENDA REPORT <br />FOR THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 20, 2008. <br />TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS <br />FROM: MARITZA TAPIA, INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR <br />SUBJECT: APPROVE EXECUTION OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT <br />BETWEEN CITY OF COLTON AND SAN BERNARDINO <br />ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENTS FOR THE VALLEY <br />BOULEVARDBNSF GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT. <br />DATE: APRIL 3, 2008 <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Valley Boulevard is a major thoroughfare for the City of Colton as well as those cities adjacent to <br />Colton both to the East and West. As more businesses locate in Colton's downtown area along <br />Valley Boulevard, an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic is expected. An increase in traffic <br />volumes along Valley Boulevard will lead to an increased number of train -person conflicts and <br />delays. <br />The Valley BoulevardBNSF Grade Separation Project ("Project") is a project located at Valley <br />Boulevard within the City of Colton between La Cadena Drive and Pennsylvania Avenue. This <br />Project is a joint effort between the City of Colton and the San Bernardino Associated Governments <br />(SANBAG). The Project is designed to provide uninterrupted vehicular, pedestrian and rail traffic <br />by separating the roadway and railroad grades. This Project will help improve freight movements <br />through the Los Angeles and Inland Empire corridor, improve corridor crossing safety, and improve <br />air quality. The proposed project will also include improvements to existing streets, utilities, land <br />acquisition, and other work necessitated by the grade separation. <br />ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION: <br />The Project will eliminate traffic congestion caused when the railroad crosses Valley Boulevard <br />between La Cadena Drive and Pennsylvania Avenue. Construction of this infrastructure will <br />improve safety, improve traffic flow, and reduce cut -through traffic currently being redirected onto <br />neighboring streets. The Project may also include improvements to existing streets, utilities, and <br />related work necessitated by the grade separation. <br />A cooperative agreement (attached as "Exhibit A") has been drafted by SANBAG identifying the <br />cost share relationship between SANBAG and the City of Colton for preparation of project <br />