Item No. 12
STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 9, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Fermin Preciado, Director of Development Services L.K fo R • P PREPARED BY: Landon Kern, Assistant City Engineer W,
Benjamin J. Matlock, Deputy Director of Community Developmentgi_— - SUBJECT: Letter of Support for the City of Beaumont's Fiscal Year 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Requests
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Authorize the Mayor to submit a letter of support regarding the City of Beaumont's funding requests from the federal government to support key infrastructure within the San Gorgonio Pass area; or
2. Provide further direction to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The City of Beaumont is currently seeking funding for three priority projects through Congress and has requested support from adjoining agencies to help with those efforts. While the proposed projects do not directly impact the City of Yucaipa, the proposed letter of support can help to secure funding required to complete projects that will result in regional benefits such as traffic congestion, improved emergency access, and enhanced public safety. One of the projects that offers regional benefits is the Pennsylvania Avenue Grade Separation Project. This project will eliminate the existing at -grade intersection at the street/railroad crossing, resulting in improved traffic circulation, traffic safety, and improved emergency vehicle access along a busy trade corridor.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommendation does not result in a fiscal impact.
Attachment(s):
1. Letter of Support
ATTACHMENT 1
The Honorable Alex Padilla
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Adam Schiff
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Raul Ruiz
2342 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: Support for the City of Beaumont's Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding / Congressionally Directed Spending Requests
I write in strong support of funding for several priority projects submitted by the City of Beaumont, California, through the FY27 appropriations process. These projects will significantly enhance public safety, strengthen regional transportation infrastructure, and promote economic vitality in Riverside County and the Inland Empire.
Pennsylvania Avenue Grade Separation Project
The Pennsylvania Avenue Grade Separation Project will eliminate an at -grade railroad crossing along the Union Pacific Yuma Subdivision by constructing an underpass and improving the adjacent Interstate 10 interchange. Approximately 34 freight trains pass through this corridor daily, resulting in roughly 85 minutes of gate arm downtime each day and causing significant traffic delays. When trains stop on the tracks, emergency access to the southern portion of the City, including senior housing and all local schools, is fully blocked. This project will enhance public safety, improve freight mobility along a major goods movement corridor connecting the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to inland distribution hubs, and support continued regional economic growth.
Downtown Beaumont Economic Revitalization Project
The Downtown Beaumont Economic Revitalization Project will enhance walkability, accessibility, and economic activity along 6th Street and Grace Street, connecting the City - owned Pass Area Business Resource Center to the historic downtown core. Planned City of Yucaipa
34272 Yucaipa Blvd, Yucaipa, CA 92399
909-797-2489
improvements include pedestrian lighting, sidewalk upgrades, outdoor dining buffers, and landscaping. These infrastructure enhancements will complement ongoing investments in workforce development and small business support, increase foot traffic, attract new private investment, and strengthen local entrepreneurship in a historically significant commercial corridor.
Regional Animal Shelter and Animal Services Center
The City of Beaumont is seeking support to establish a Regional Animal Shelter and Animal Services Center to address rising stray animal populations, increased animal control calls, and limited shelter capacity affecting communities throughout the San Gorgonio Pass region.
Existing facilities are operating under strain, and the region lacks sufficient humane sheltering infrastructure. The proposed facility will provide modern kennel space, intake and quarantine areas, medical and adoption services, and community education resources. This investment will expand regional shelter capacity, reduce overcrowding, improve public safety, and create a sustainable long-term solution for multiple jurisdictions.
Each of these projects represents a strategic federal investment in infrastructure, safety, and economic resilience for a rapidly growing region of Southern California. I respectfully request your favorable consideration of these funding requests.
On behalf of the City of Yucaipa City Council, thank you for your leadership and commitment to supporting communities like Beaumont.
Sincerely,
Chris Venable, Mayor