REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: JILL M. GORMLEY, TE, Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
CHERYL L. BURNS, MPA, Business Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application for $5,550,000 in Grant Funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board and Authorizing Execution of Grant Related Documents for the Partial Funding of Construction of Phase 1 of the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project. (Council District 2)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for $5,550,000 in grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board and authorize the Public Works Director or Designee to execute all grant related documents for the construction of Phase 1 of the River West Trail Extension Project.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is requesting Council authorization to apply for grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) for the construction of the “Core Project” portion of the Trail Extension Project, also known as Phase 1, which includes improvements relating to the extension of the Lewis S. Eaton Trail and a new parking facility near Perrin Avenue and State Route 41. This grant application will partially fund this phase of work, the balance of the cost will be secured through additional grant opportunities. Approval of the WCB grant application will allow the City of Fresno to apply for this initial funding for the Core Project. When complete, the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project will extend the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail approximately 2.4 miles, starting at the Perrin Avenue alignment near State Route 41 and ending at the City’s Spano Park, add new parking facilities near Perrin Avenue and State Route 41, and other amenities and improvements to the trail system and park.
BACKGROUND
In 2018, the San Joaquin River Conservancy updated the San Joaquin River Parkway Interim Master
Plan (Master Plan) that was originally adopted in 1997. The updated Master Plan describes public access and recreational improvements along a 22-mile stretch of the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam at Millerton Lake and State Route 99. This update provided a plan to guide future improvements that would improve public access and provide recreational facilities in the area located along the south side of the San Joaquin River and the Palm Bluffs, starting at Spano Park, near the intersection of Nees Avenue and Palm Avenue, and State Route 41.
The River West Eaton Trail Extension Project (Project) will provide enhanced public access by extending the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail in the City of Fresno, including approximately 2.4 miles of a new multipurpose 22' wide trail, three separate trailhead parking lots, various trail amenities, and a bus parking area. The Project has been divided into two phases of construction due to funding limitations. Phase 1 of the Project, also referred to as the “Core Project”, will add the entire 2.4 miles of multipurpose trail, a new vehicular access point at the east entrance ('Woodward West parking"), a stairway with bike rail for pedestrian/bicycle access from the City's Spano Park at the northern terminus of Palm Avenue to the Fresno River West area, and sidewalk improvements at the undercrossing of State Route 41 to connect to the existing Lewis S. Eaton Trail network at the City-owned Woodward Park. The "Core Project'' will also include new fire hydrants, one two-vault restroom at the Woodward West access, and other amenities such as lighting, picnic areas, gates, and signage.
The Core Project also includes Habitat Restoration & Revegetation. Subsequent phases will add two additional vehicular access points, a bus turnaround with access roads, a second two-vault restroom and other trail amenities. When complete, the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project will provide increased public access to the river for all residents of the City of Fresno and visitors to the area.
The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Trail Extension Project was approved by the San Joaquin River Conservancy on August 12, 2020, and the San Joaquin River Conservancy Board approved the River West Eaton Trail Extension planning grant application on September 1, 2021. The Wildlife Conservation Board approved the grant on November 18, 2021.
On December 9, 2021, the City Council approved the application for grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board and authorized the execution of all grant related documents for the River West Eaton Trail Extension Planning Project. The River West Eaton Trail Extension Planning grant was for the Project’s preliminary engineering activities such as planning, engineering design, and permitting. A Notice to Proceed was issued on January 7, 2022, to commence the preliminary engineering phase activities relating to the Project.
On February 27, 2025, the City Council approved the application for grant funds from the Wildlife Conservation Board and authorized the execution of all grant related documents for the Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan (HRRP) in support of the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project. The Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued during the construction phase of the Trail Extension Project in the summer of 2026.
To date, WCB has awarded $3,276,831 to the River West Eaton Trail Extension Project.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item is not a project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The River West Eaton Trail Extension Project is located in Council District 2. This resolution will have no impact on the General Fund. No funds will be expended prior to City Council’s acceptance of funding when approved, WCB allocation, and formal notice to proceed documentation is received, ensuring the availability of funds before costs are incurred.
Attachments:
Resolution - Application Grant Fund
Vicinity Map