DATE:
December 2, 2025
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Kevin Sin, Deputy City Engineer
Tina Souza, Senior Project Manager
Deanna Lestina, Project Manager
SUBJECT:
Establishment of the Highway 395 Waterline Relocation Project as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and Appropriating of Funding for Waterline Upsizing
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council and Board of Directors of the Water District:
Adopt Joint Resolution No. 2025-50 and Hesperia Water District Resolution No. 2025-17 amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Capital Improvement Budget by appropriating $250,000 to Water Capital Fund 701 (Fund 701); and Approve the establishment of the Highway 395 Waterline Relocation Project as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP).
BACKGROUND
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), in coordination with Caltrans, is moving forward with major transportation improvements along the Highway 395 corridor, a designated “Priority Interregional Highway” that carries approximately 30,000 vehicles per day and serves as a key route for goods movement and future regional mobility, including access to the planned Brightline West High Speed Rail station at Joshua Street. Within Hesperia, the project includes roadway widening, new turn pockets, and drainage improvements, which require the relocation of several existing City waterlines. Because these waterlines have prior rights, SBCTA will fund all required relocation work.
The affected segments were identified in the City’s 2008 Water Master Plan and recommended for upsizing to 12 inches in 2012 to meet future capacity needs and improve system reliability. While SBCTA will cover the full cost of the required relocation, the City is responsible only for the betterment cost, between the existing 6-inch and 8-inch lines and the proposed 12-inch upgrade. This coordinated effort ensures system improvements are completed efficiently while supporting the overall Highway 395 Improvements Project.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The estimated cost to upsize the waterline to a 12-inch main is $250,000, covering the additional material and installation costs to upgrade from the existing 6-inch and 8-inch lines. SBCTA will fund all other relocation costs associated with the project. Implementation of the relocation and upsizing will be coordinated with SBCTA’s design and construction schedule to minimize service disruptions and ensure timely completion. This approach provides a cost-effective, practical solution that addresses both the immediate relocation needs and supports the City’s long-term water system goals at a reduced cost to the City.
Should the City Council and Water Board not approve this project, the future watermain upsizing project would require Caltrans approval. It is estimated that such a project would cost at minimum $2.5M, as the City would be responsible for all design and construction costs.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety – Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
Future Development – Facilitate balanced growth to ensure cohesive community development and pursue economic development.
Financial Health – Maintain a balanced budget and adequate reserves.
Capital Improvement – Continually evaluate capital improvement priorities.
FISCAL IMPACT
Should the City Council approve, funding for the project will require amending the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program Budget by appropriating $250,000 to the Water Capital Fund (Fund 701) and establishing a Construction Order.
All other relocation costs associated with the project, including design, construction, and restoration, will be funded by SBCTA.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Do not fund the upsizing at this time. The waterline would be relocated in-kind to match the existing 6-inch and 8-inch pipe sizes, with SBCTA covering all relocation costs. Upsizing would be the City’s responsibility in the future.
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Joint Resolution No. 2025-50 and HWD No. 2025-17
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 Council Members, Chair and Board Members, Hesperia Water District Establishment of the Highway 395 Waterline Relocation Project as a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) and Appropriating of Funding for Waterline Upsizing December 2, 2025