Consent Agenda Item 3t
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brian Issa, Director of Public Works/City Engineer THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Acceptance of State Coastal Conservancy Grant Funding and Adoption of Resolution Approving Grant Funds for the Great Redwood Trail Development - State Route 36 to Fernbridge Project
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt Resolution 2026-29 approving acceptance of grant funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the Great Redwood Trail Development - State Route 36 to Fernbridge Project.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all grant agreements, amendments, certifications, and related documents necessary to implement the grant.
3. Authorize establishment of the project budget upon execution of the grant agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The Great Redwood Trail is a planned multi-use trail along the former Northwestern Pacific Railroad corridor intended to improve recreation, active transportation, environmental stewardship, and economic development throughout Northern California. The City of Fortuna has been coordinating with the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA), Humboldt County, Tribal governments, and other stakeholders regarding trail development within and adjacent to the City.
On June 18, 2026, the California State Coastal Conservancy authorized a grant of up to $922,000 to the City of Fortuna for the Great Redwood Trail Development – State Route 36 to Fernbridge Project. The grant will fund tribal coordination, community engagement, resource studies, vegetation management, and preparation of 30 percent design plans for approximately 6.2 miles of trail corridor between State Route 36 and Fernbridge.
The award is part of a broader $50 million Proposition 4 Climate Bond allocation supporting Great Redwood Trail implementation throughout the North Coast. The Fortuna segment has been identified as a priority project, and timely acceptance of the grant will help position the City for future design and construction funding opportunities.
DISCUSSION:
The grant will advance planning and preliminary engineering for a priority Great Redwood Trail segment while providing the technical foundation needed for future environmental review, final design, permitting, and construction funding. The project supports regional efforts to expand active transportation and recreation opportunities and remains consistent with ongoing implementation of the Great Redwood Trail throughout Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity Counties. Acceptance of the grant Consent Agenda Item 3t
will allow the City to remain aligned with regional partners and statewide implementation schedules as the project moves forward.
COUNCIL STRATEGIC VISION ALIGNMENT:
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Supports long-term planning for a regional active transportation corridor that will improve connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, employment centers, recreational facilities, and regional destinations.
• Economic Development: Advances a project expected to increase visitation to Fortuna, support local businesses, and strengthen Fortuna's role as a gateway community along the Great Redwood Trail corridor.
• Quality of Life: Expands opportunities for recreation, walking, bicycling, and healthy outdoor activities for residents and visitors.
• Environmental Stewardship: Supports development of a non-motorized transportation facility while incorporating environmental and cultural resource evaluation during project development. • Regional Partnerships: Strengthens collaboration among the City of Fortuna, GRTA, State Coastal Conservancy, Humboldt County, Tribal governments, and community stakeholders. • Regional Leadership and External Funding: Leverages state climate bond funding and State Coastal Conservancy investment to advance a priority trail segment while positioning Fortuna to compete for future transportation, recreation, tourism, environmental restoration, and trail construction funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The State Coastal Conservancy has authorized up to $922,000 for the project. Acceptance of the grant will provide substantial external funding for planning and preliminary engineering activities that would otherwise require local resources.
CONCLUSION:
Acceptance of the State Coastal Conservancy grant will secure $922,000 in external funding to advance planning and preliminary engineering for a priority Great Redwood Trail segment between State Route 36 and Fernbridge. As part of a broader $50 million Proposition 4 Climate Bond investment supporting Great Redwood Trail implementation throughout the North Coast, the project positions the City to advance a regionally significant transportation and recreation corridor, maintain momentum with state and regional partners, and compete for future design and construction funding opportunities. Staff therefore recommends adoption of the resolution and acceptance of the grant award.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Alternative 1 – Adopt the Resolution (Recommended)
Adopt the resolution and accept up to $922,000 in State Coastal Conservancy funding to advance planning and preliminary design of the Great Redwood Trail corridor between State Route 36 and Fernbridge.
Alternative 2 – Decline the Grant (Not Recommended)
Decline the grant funding. This alternative is not recommended because it would forgo $922,000 in external funding and delay planning and preliminary engineering needed to advance the Fortuna segment toward future design and construction.
Consent Agenda Item 3t
Alternative 3 – Continue the Item or Delay Action (Not Recommended) Continue the matter and direct staff to return with the item at a future meeting. This alternative is not recommended because the Fortuna segment has been identified as a priority Great Redwood Trail project and is part of the initial deployment of Proposition 4 Climate Bond funding. Delaying acceptance could slow project initiation and coordination with state and regional partners.
Alternative 4 – Provide Alternative Direction
Provide alternative direction to staff regarding grant administration or project implementation consistent with the requirements of the State Coastal Conservancy grant program.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
1. Receive staff report and review Council questions with staff
2. Open and close Public Comments
3. Make a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-29, and read by title only, authorize the City Manager to execute all grant agreements, amendments, certifications, and related documents necessary to implement the grant, and authorize establishment of the project budget upon execution of the grant agreement. Consent Agenda vote.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution 2026-29, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fortuna Approving the Grant of Funds from the State Coastal Conservancy For Great Redwood Trail Development - State Route 36 to Fernbridge
2. State Coastal Conservancy Staff Recommendation - Great Redwood Trail Development: State Route 36 to Fernbridge
3. Project Location Map