DATE:
August 20, 2024
TO:
Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer SUBJECT:
Acceptance of San Bernardino County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Funds
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize and adopt Resolution No. 2024-040 and 2024-041, authorizing the acceptance of San Bernardino County ARPA grant funds of $750,000 for the Ranchero Road Corridor Project, and $625,000 for Traffic Signal Construction at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Street, respectively.
BACKGROUND
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. This bill contained a $350 billion allocation for state and local government aid, known as Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFRF). According to the ARPA guidelines, funding commitments for projects utilizing ARPA funds must be executed by December 31, 2024 in order to avoid the return of previously allocated grant funds. Further, ARPA funds must be fully expended by December 31, 2026.
The County of San Bernardino (County) recently contacted the City regarding an interest in partnering with the City by utilizing County ARPA funds for the benefit of Hesperia residents, including $750,000 for the Ranchero Road Corridor Project and $625,000 for the construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Street, for a combined total of $1,375,000 in ARPA funds.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Ranchero Road Corridor Project consists of various improvements to Ranchero Road, including the widening of Ranchero Road from two lanes to four lanes, from Mariposa Road to Seventh Avenue. In order to accommodate additional lanes, the bridge crossing the Department of Water Resources (DWR) aqueduct will be removed and replaced with a new structure to accommodate the ultimate future configuration of three lanes in each direction. The new bridge is a vital component to traffic circulation, and the bridge phase of the project includes catch basin inlets, a new storm drain pipe within the bridge and a detention basin to address multiple longstanding issues related to stormwater flows in the vicinity of the aqueduct, as well as upsizing the potable water pipeline in the bridge. If approved, the $750,000 in County ARPA funding will be used toward this integral part of the project.
The traffic signal construction project will include improving the intersection at Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Street with a new signal, lighting, and any necessary roadway widening in order to accommodate turn pockets. Establishing a signalized intersection will improve safety, as well as traffic movements at this vital intersection within the community, and will better meet circulation goals. If approved, the $625,000 in County ARPA funding will be used toward design engineering for the project and the purchase of signal poles with mast arms.
In order to accept the County’s ARPA funds for use in the construction of the Ranchero Road Corridor Project ($750,000) and the traffic signal on Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Street ($625,000), agreements must be executed between the City and the County, identifying the City as the contractor for the projects.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Capital Improvement – Continually evaluate capital improvement priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of the combined $1,375,000 in San Bernardino County ARPA funding will provide $750,000 in grant funds for the Ranchero Road Corridor Project, and $625,000 in grant funds for the construction of a traffic signal at Seventh Avenue and Sequoia Street. An amendment to the FY 2024-25 Budget for the related project expenditures will be presented during the First Quarter Budget Review, as needed.
ALTERNATIVES
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 2024-040
2. Exhibit A - Scope of Expenditures - Traffic Signal
3. Traffic Signal Contract 052
4. Resolution No. 2024-041
5. Exhibit A - Scope of Expenditures - Ranchero Corridor
6. Ranchero Corridor Contract 053
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and City Council Members
Acceptance of San Bernardino County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant Funds August 20, 2024