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DISCUSSION The MDF is intended to provide partial funding for prioritized projects in the SEP that are ready to compete for grant funding and/or provide additional funding during the design or construction phase. Staff recommends the use of$2.65 million in TVTDF funds toward the design phase of the Sunol Interchange Project. The PA&ED phase requires a preliminary design be completed to analyze the potential environmental impacts the project poses to the immediate and surrounding area. In late 2021, CalTrans headquarters introduced a new study requirement for all projects, to be completed within the PA&ED phase, which delayed the PA&ED phase. CalTrans now requires that a safety analysis consistent with its Highway Safety Manual (HSM) be completed. This new analysis identifies safety concerns within the project boundaries that ultimately inform the necessary interchange design elements for safe travel; the safety analysis must be completed prior to completing preliminary design and ultimately environmental review. The Sunol project was one of the first projects in the district to experience the new safety analysis requirement, and Caltrans staff assigned to the project required additional training for the safety analysis. Further, the multi-step analysis consists of an agreed-upon study approach, data needs, and assumptions for the HSM, prior to completing the analysis. In April 2023, a virtual public meeting was held to present the project and associated studies and findings; approximately 14 members of the public attended the virtual meeting. The comment period for the draft environmental document was from April 5 to May 8, 2023, with five comments submitted by the deadline. A response to comments matrix was developed, and the draft environmental document received some minor updates. A draft project report and draft environmental document, in the form of an IS/MND, was submitted to CalTrans for final approval, which is anticipated in September 2023. Staff recommends AECOM continue with the design phase of the project as the firm has extensive experience and knowledge of the project. Since preliminary design took place in the PA&ED phase, the project has an approved early design (equating to 35 percent design). With that, based on available funds for design, including TVTDF funds, staff recommends proceeding with six of the eight tasks included in AECOM's proposed scope (Tasks 1-4 and 7-8), for a cost of$4,340,332. The tasks selected will provide approximately 95 percent design plans. Tasks 1 and 2, include work that are foundational needs to support project design. This work includes civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, soil testing, surveying, and mapping. Tasks 3 and 4 are required to complete 65 percent and 95 percent design, respectively. Typically, the work during the 65 percent and 95 percent phases involves additional civil and structural engineering analysis and design as required by the project development team. Tasks 7 and 8 are project support work for right-of-way analysis and environmental requirements. Tasks 5 and 6 bring the final design to 100% and can be completed as additional Traffic Impact Fee funds are received. Page 4 of 5