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
Project Funding Agreement with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for the United States Highway 95 Havasu Lake Road Intersection Improvement Project in the Needles Area
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Approve Project Funding Agreement (No. 27-1003499) between San Bernardino County and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, effective October 7, 2026 until final reimbursement is received or December 31, 2027, whichever occurs first, to provide for reimbursement to San Bernardino County, in an amount not to exceed $788,000, 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)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
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 Project Funding Agreement No. 27-1003499 (Agreement) with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), the County will be eligible for reimbursement up to $788,000 in eligible construction costs from various Public Share funding sources under SBCTA's control, potentially including Measure I Major Local Highway Projects Program funds, State Transportation Improvement Program funds, or federal Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funds administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Reimbursements received under the Agreement will offset Priorities Program funds advanced for the Project. STBG funds require a local match of 11.47%; in the event that these funds are utilized by SBCTA, this match will be provided using Priorities Program funds. 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 eligible projects on federal-aid 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.
Under the Measure I 2010-2040 Strategic Plan, Major Local High Program funds are identified as a Public Share funding source and may be combined with other eligible Public Share sources, including STBG funds, State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds, and other SBCTA-controlled funds. The Agreement will make up to $788,000 in Public Share funding available to reimburse the County for eligible Project construction costs, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement.
Approval of the Agreement will allow the County to partner with SBCTA to secure federal funding for the Project and advance an improvement that supports safe and efficient travel in the Needles area. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026. SBCTA executed the Agreement at its Board of Directors meeting on October 7, 2026.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 22, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on October 16, 2026.