The project, funded through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), spans from Riverside Drive to Johnstonville Rd. and is set to include the installation of sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and solar lights.
The original scope of work included $500,000 worth of landscaping. Still, as City Administrator Dan Newton explained, a big chunk of federal spending was pulled from the program, no longer accommodating this part of the project.
The city council was presented with three options to use city funds. These options ranged from $170k to $300k.
Councilmember Mendy Schuster said, “it’s time to make some kind of move on this,” emphasizing that if landscaping is not critical, a decision does not need to be made immediately.
The council made no decision other than to move forward with setting the infrastructure in place, such as conduit, to frame the proposed oak trees that will line the highway.
An opportunity to secure another Clean CA grant is also a consideration or utilizing ARPA funds.
Construction on the project will begin in the spring of next year.
