REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 18, 2025
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the State Street Widening Project in the Muscoy area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Certify that the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (State Clearinghouse No. 2025070438) for the State Street Widening Project, in the Muscoy area, has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered prior to approving the project, and that the report reflects the independent judgment of the Board of Supervisors.
2. Adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the State Street Widening Project in the Muscoy area.
3. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the State Street Widening Project, in the Muscoy area, as provided in Section 5 of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.
4. Approve the State Street Widening Project as defined in the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.
5. Direct the Department of Public Works to file the Notice of Determination in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The State Street Widening Project in the Muscoy area (Project) is funded by Measure I Arterial Funds, administered by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and developer fees for the design and environmental phase of the Project. The requested administrative actions have minimal financial impact on the Department of Public Works (Department). Sufficient revenue and appropriation are included in the Department’s 2025-26 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15233) and will be included in future recommended budgets as necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The proposed Project involves roadway and safety improvements along the west side of State Street between Adams Street and Darby Street in the unincorporated Muscoy area. The Project extends approximately 0.61 miles and includes limited excavation at select locations, with a maximum depth of approximately 48 inches for streetlight installation.
The County is designing the proposed Project to conform with the General Plan Transportation and Mobility Element (TME) Policy Maps, which serve as the County’s long-range planning framework for the transportation network. The TME Policy Maps identify the hierarchy of roadways throughout the unincorporated areas, including freeways, major and secondary highways, collector roads, and local streets, and establish ultimate right-of-way widths, lane configurations, and multimodal design standards to accommodate vehicles, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit mobility. These maps guide the design and classification of County roadways to ensure that all future improvements are consistent with regional connectivity, safety, and circulation objectives.
Under the TME, State Street is designated as a Major Highway (Standard Plan No. 101), a four-lane divided highway with at-grade intersections and controlled access. To minimize right-of-way acquisition and potential encroachments into residential setbacks, while addressing current and projected mobility needs, the proposed project focuses on widening only the west side of the existing roadway. The improvements will include an interim geometric section accommodating:
• A 12-foot median to support left-turn movements at intersections and midblock parcel access;
• A 12-foot southbound through lane;
• An 8-foot shoulder for on-street parking and refuse collection; and
• A 5-foot parkway for sidewalk, driveway approaches, and streetscape enhancements.
The Project also provides for the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant ramps, curb and gutter, and street lighting consistent with County standards for safety and accessibility. The inclusion of ADA-compliant curb ramps, curb and gutter, and street lighting is also addressed.
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines §§15074-15075, environmental review must be completed before project initiation. The Department’s environmental consultant, SummitWest Environmental Inc., prepared a draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and a Notice of Intent/Notice of Availability for the proposed IS/MND, which was circulated for review by state agencies for a period of 30 days beginning on July 11, 2025, through the Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse. A Notice of Intent was also distributed to responsible and trustee agencies, interested parties, and surrounding property owners, with the completed draft of the IS/MND for the same 30-day period beginning on July 11, 2025.
All potential environmental impacts were assessed and, where necessary, mitigation measures were identified and incorporated to reduce potential impacts to the lowest level possible. These measures are documented in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, included as Section 5, “Summary of Mitigation Measures,” of the IS/MND.
The Project will meet the County’s and Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of ensuring the development of a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable county and providing for the safety, health and social service needs of county residents by streamlining traffic movements and providing pedestrian safety improvements.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 14, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on October 30, 2025.