REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 3, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
State of California Program Supplement Agreement to Master Agreement for Surface Transportation Block Grant Program Funds for US 95 Havasu Lake Road Intersection Improvement Project in the Needles Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve State of California Program Supplement Agreement No. F179 to Master Agreement No. 08-5954F15 with the State of California Department of Transportation, which provides $788,000 of federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds as reimbursement toward the initial estimated $890,100 in construction costs, for a contract term effective upon execution and continuing through final reimbursement and completion and close out of the project, for the proposed addition of the southbound dedicated left turn pocket at the intersection of US 95 and Havasu Lake Road in the Needles area.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
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COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The United States Highway 95 Havasu Lake Road Intersection Improvement Project in the Needles Area (Project) has an estimated total cost of $1,400,000. The Board of Supervisors (Board) approved $1,100,000 in upfront funding from the Third District’s Board of Supervisors Discretionary Fund - District Specific Priorities Program (Priorities Program) funds on October 20, 2026, Item No. 55.
Under Funding Agreement No. 27-1003499 with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), which is being considered by the Board in a related item on today’s agenda, the County will be eligible for reimbursement of up to $788,000 in eligible construction costs from various Public Share funding sources under SBCTA's control, potentially including federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The initial estimated Project construction cost of $890,100 would require a local match of 11.47% ($102,100) where STBG funds are utilized for reimbursement by SBCTA; this match would be provided using Priorities Program funds. Public Share reimbursements received under the agreement will offset Priorities Program funds advanced for the Project, and any Priorities Program funds remaining following the completion of the Project and receipt of final reimbursement will be returned to the Third District for allocation to future projects.
Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department of Public Works (Department) 2026-27 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15280) and will be included in future recommended budgets as needed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Project will construct a dedicated southbound left-turn lane at the intersection of US 95 and Havasu Lake Road in the Needles area. The improvement is intended to enhance traffic operations and safety by providing a dedicated lane for southbound vehicles turning left from US 95 onto Havasu Lake Road.
SBCTA allocates federal STBG funds to the Colorado River Subarea for projects on federally eligible roadways. The intersection of US 95 and Havasu Lake Road is located within the Colorado River Subarea. US 95 is a roadway of regional significance that supports local and regional travel, provides access between Interstate 40 and surrounding communities, and serves regional goods movement. SBCTA has identified the Project as eligible for up to $788,000 in Public Share funding for construction, which may include STBG funds.
A separate funding agreement, Funding Agreement No. 27-1003499, between the County and SBCTA establishes the parties’ funding and administrative responsibilities for the Project and will be introduced for the Board of Supervisors’ consideration in a separate related item.
On July 26, 2016 (Item No. 29), the Board approved Agreement No. 16-578 with Caltrans, Master Agreement No. 08-5954F15 which established the terms and conditions applicable when receiving federal funds for a designated project. Approval of Program Supplement Agreement No. F179 (PSA) to the Master Agreement will incorporate the terms of that agreement and will set forth the project-specific requirements for federal reimbursement for the Project and allow the County to invoice Caltrans for eligible Project costs. Construction of the Project is anticipated to begin in November 2026.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 27, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on October 16, 2026.