Narratives on the following pages highlight only the additional 2007-08 work effort added to the 2006 – 2008 UPWP. Detailed discussion of accomplishments for all tasks is included in semi-annual progress reports. Task budgets for all tasks are shown in the financial tables.

V. PROVISION OF SERVICES

TASK 5.51 Provision of Services

Funds are included under this task for 2007 – 2008 with a scope similar to that shown in the past. CDTC staff provides a significant amount of technical assistance to members and other local agencies under Task 5.51. In 2007/08, this task will continue to include contractual support of the Town of Colonie's FGEIS implementation in the Airport area.

TASK 5.83 Development of Post Processors for Travel Demand Models (new NYSMPO Shared Cost Initiative)

CDTC will hold the contract for a NYSMPO Shared Cost Initiative which will result in the creation of a tool to provide consistent output for both air quality and energy analyses from regional travel demand models. This effort will involve the development of a post processor that will estimate emissions and energy usage by transportation link to meet air quality modeling requirements and those of the NYS Energy Plan. Accordingly, this output will meet the needs and requirements of the both the NYSDOT Environmental Analysis Bureau (EAB) and the Interagency Consultation Group (ICG). The consultant will review features in existing post processors currently used by NYS MPOs and if appropriate incorporate them into a new program that is available for use with multiple modeling platforms and by the state’s MPOs both large and small.

Consultant Total: $50,000 ($25,000 SPR , $25,000 PL/MPP)

TASK 5.87 Hudson River Crossing (new task, STP funded)

This new task will be a joint CDTC-NYSDOT planning effort to study the system implications of alternative scopes for a potential Patroon Island Bridge replacement within the context of the other major Hudson River crossings in the region. The purpose of the study is to develop an understanding of the regional function of the Patroon Island Bridge as well as the adjacent Hudson River crossings serving the overall needs of the Capital District.

This long-range planning effort will help determine the future capacity needs on the bridge from a “systems context” perspective to ensure that the region is positioned appropriately to make sound infrastructure investment decisions. An important aspect of this study is that along with examining the Patroon Island Bridge and adjacent Hudson River crossings, evaluation of related transportation features will by included; these consist of, but are not limited to, major interstate interchanges near the bridge, mainline capacity along I-90 on both sides of the Patroon Island Bridge, rail and transit plans/needs and the role of ITS infrastructure in addressing overall system demands. Results of this study will then feed into both the formal scoping/design process for the Patroon Island Bridge project and CDTC’s New Visions update.

CDTC will hold the contract for this study, which will be jointly administered with NYSDOT.

Consultant Total: $200,000 (plus $50,000 STP and $20,000 PL for staff support)

TASK 5.01 Albany County/Towns of Colonie and Guilderland: Railroad Avenue Corridor Study

(new task)

CDTC will assist Albany County and the Towns of Colonie and Guilderland on a consultant study to develop a plan to overhaul the physical image of the Railroad Avenue area. This plan will identify desirable and feasible changes to the streetscape and other transportation improvements that will include roadway and pedestrian improvements, improved multi-modal transportation connections to the University at Albany/Albany NanoTech area and resources such as the Six Mile Waterworks. Opportunities for better bicycle connections between bikeable bus routes and the Railroad Avenue corridor via Fuller Road or through Northway Mall will also be identified. In addition, concepts involving development of a gateway that identifies this corridor as a business park location attractive to both new and growing businesses will be developed.

This study will primarily focus on transportation issues as the land use vision for this area has been developed through the comprehensive plans for the two towns. This study will also be coordinated with Albany County’s Fuller Road rehabilitation project which is a $12 million effort.

Consultant Total: $25,000 ($18,750 federal, $6,250 local cash match [$2,500 Albany County, $2,500 Town of Colonie, $1,250 Town of Guilderland])

TASK 5.02 Village of Menands: Broadway (Route 32) Transportation, Access and Land Use

Improvement Study (new task)

CDTC will assist the Village of Menands with a small consultant study to develop conceptual plans related to three site specific issues in the Broadway Corridor adjacent to NYS Route 378. The three issues include access improvement into the Menands Farmers Market/True Value Hardware Store, a review of potential access points into a developing recreation trail/nature area east of Broadway, and a multi-modal concept for improving the Route 378 west exit ramp along with access management for Broadway in the vicinity of the Price Chopper development.

This effort will support a recently awarded Quality Communities Grant for the recreation trail/nature area, the adopted Broadway Corridor study and redevelopment efforts in the Broadway/NY 378 area.

Consultant Total: $18,000 ($13,500 federal, $4,500 local cash match)

TASK 5.03 Town of Guilderland: Neighborhood Master Plan for the Hamlet of Guilderland

Center (new task)

CDTC will assist the Town of Guilderland with a consultant study to create a neighborhood master plan for Guilderland Center, a follow-up study identified in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan centered on the NYS Route 146 and School Road area. The Hamlet contains a variety of residential, commercial, industrial, educational, recreational, cultural, and historic resources. The study seeks to link these resources in a cohesive manner and to assist with the evolution of the community in a way that maximizes its potential. Access management, land use conflicts, streetscape and architectural guidelines, the buffering of residential areas and the development of a complementary mix of uses consistent with the concept of a country hamlet will be addressed. This study will support TIP project A465: Guilderland Center Pedestrian Safety.

Consultant Total: $30,800 ($23,100 federal, $7,700 local cash match) Additional CDTC staff technical assistance: $6,000.

TASK 5.04 Town of Clifton Park/Town of Halfmoon: Exit 9 Land Use and Transportation

Plan (new task)

CDTC will assist the Towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon with a consultant study to provide short and long term land use and transportation strategies for the Exit 9 area of NYS Route 146. As the primary commercial area and gateway to both towns, this study will develop a long-range vision, land use and transportation recommendations, as well as short-term tools such as design standards to help guide future development and transportation improvements within the area.

This study will provide the basis for taking a balanced look at transportation needs, providing increased connectivity and further integrating sidewalks and pathways into a balanced multi-modal system within the area, which is of critical importance. Public and private gathering places are also recognized as a significant aspect of sense of place and will also be looked at within the context of the study. Potential zoning or land use changes to implement the plan will also be evaluated.

Consultant Total: $65,000 ($48,750 federal, $16,250 local cash match [$8,125 Town of Clifton Park, $8,125 Town of Halfmoon])

TASK 5.05 Town of Rotterdam: NYS Thruway Exit 26 and I-890 Land Use and Transportation Study

(new task)

CDTC will assist the Town of Rotterdam with a consultant study to prepare a land use and transportation management plan for the area around NYS Thruway Exit 26, I-890 and NYS Route 5S. The study area is along the Mohawk River and contains a mix of both public and private properties. This effort will assist the Town in implementing its Comprehensive Plan recommendations and to develop access management and driveway consolidation policies, and conceptual pedestrian/bicycle improvement plans. The study should provide clear expectations, development standards and identify specific improvements that can be incorporated into site plan review. The study will also provide recommendations for additional conceptual roadway improvements such as parallel service roads. Zoning and subdivision regulations will also be considered.

Consultant Total: $25,000 ($18,750 federal, $6,250 local cash match)