REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 18, 2025
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Grant Application to the United States Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All to Construct Pedestrian Safety Improvements and Infrastructure in the Fontana Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the submission of a grant application to the United States Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary grant program, in the amount of $2,368,560, to implement pedestrian infrastructure in the Fontana area.
2. Authorize the Director of the Department of Public Works to electronically sign and submit the grant application, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Director of the Department of Public Works to transmit the grant application to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of submission.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Create, Maintain and Grow Jobs and Economic Value in the County.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
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). This item requests approval to submit a grant application to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) to request federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) funds for safety improvements. Should the grant application prove successful, the County must provide a 20% local match, which will be funded by the Department of Public Works (Department) Gas Tax set aside to be used for required local matching funds. The total project costs, funding request, and required local match is as follows:
|
Project |
Total Cost Estimate |
SS4A Grant Award |
Non-Federal Match and Source |
|
Conversion of a three-lane cross-section to accommodate two-way left-turn lane and the installation of edge lines and pavement markers on Arrow Route, from Hickory Avenue to Cherry Avenue, in the Fontana area. |
$2,960,700 |
$2,368,560 |
$592,140, Gas Tax |
Sufficient appropriation and revenue for the required local match have been included in the Department’s 2025-26 budget and will be included in future recommended budgets.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The SS4A is a discretionary grant program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by US DOT, with $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next five years. For 2025, the SS4A program authorizes and appropriates $1 billion to be awarded by the DOT. The SS4A program supports planning, infrastructure, behavioral, and operational initiatives designed to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users.
The SS4A program provides funding for two types of grants: 1) Action Plan Grants, for the initial development of a comprehensive safety action plan, and 2) Implementation Grants, for the development, completion or supplementing of an existing safety action plan. Implementation Grants are intended to implement safety strategies that are consistent with an agency’s approved Action Plan. Approval of this item will authorize the electronic submission of an Implementation grant application under the SS4A program.
In 2021, the County received a $180,000 grant from the California Transportation Commission to develop the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). The LRSP analyzed multiple locations with identified safety concerns and recommended improvements to enhance roadway safety. The proposed project aligns with the LRSP and qualifies for funding under the SS4A Implementation Grant program. The County’s grant application seeks funding to implement safety improvements at selected sites supporting the SS4A initiative to reduce roadway collisions for all users. Improvements include construction of a three-lane cross-section to accommodate a two-way left-turn lane, and installation of edge lines and pavement markers along Arrow Route, from Hickory Avenue to Cherry Avenue, in the Fontana area.
On March 23, 2025, the DOT announced the SS4A call-for-project proposals. Because SS4A is a competitive grant program, submission of an application is not a guarantee of funding. The terms included in the grant application require a local match. Therefore, pursuant to County Policy No. 5-13, approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board) is required. The application is due June 26, 2025 and will be submitted electronically upon Board approval.
Additionally, should grant funds be awarded, the Department will return to the Board, within 12 months of award announcement, to request approval to enter into a detailed grant agreement with the DOT.
This action aligns with the County’s and the Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives of operating in a fiscally responsible and business-like manner by seeking grant funding for projects. The action helps ensure the development of a well-planned, balanced, and sustainable county by constructing facilities that encourage walking, as well as constructing facilities that promote health and social activities.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 29, 2025; Finance (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on June 2, 2025; and County Finance and Administration (Paloma Hernandez-Barker, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on June 2, 2025.