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, Grants Development Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic & Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the Submission of Grant Application to the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Transportation for the 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program and Authorizing the Execution of Grant Application and Grant Agreement Documents by the Public Works Director or Designee (Subject to Mayor’s Veto) (Council District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program by the Public Works Department and authorize the execution of all grant application and grant agreement documents by the Public Works Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Public Works Department is seeking authorization to submit a grant application to the BUILD Grant Program in the amount of $25 million dollars. The purpose of the BUILD program is to fund eligible surface transportation projects that will have a significant local or regional impact that advance the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) priorities of safety, workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, consistent with law, as described in the DOT Strategic Plan and in executive orders.
BACKGROUND
Adopted in 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) authorized and appropriated $1.5 billion annually to be awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) from FY 2022 - FY 2026 for Local and Regional Project Assistance Program Grants under National Infrastructure Investments. The program is codified at 49 U.S.C. 6702. The BIL requires the DOT to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) no later than 60 days after funds are made available for the program, which for FY 2026 was November 1, 2025. In order to comply with this requirement, this NOFO solicits applications for projects to be funded under the Local and Regional Project Assistance Program, known as the BUILD Grant program.
The goal of the BUILD program is to fund eligible surface transportation projects that will have a significant local or regional impact that advance the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) priorities of safety, workforce development, job quality, and wealth creation, consistent with law, as described in the DOT Strategic Plan and in executive orders. Applications are due on February 24, 2026. Projects selected for funding must be able to enter into an agreement with the DOT Office of the Secretary by September 30, 2030, and expend the funds no later than September 30, 2035.
The City of Fresno’s 2016 Downtown Neighborhoods Community Plan (DNCP) first identified the Parkway Drive Pedestrian Bridge (“Project”) as part of the community vision for improving community connectivity and encouraging walking, bicycling, and overall pedestrian access to and from the Jane Addams Neighborhood (“Neighborhood”) to Roeding Park.
The Project’s general location is west of SR 99 between Olive Avenue and Belmont Avenue. The Neighborhood is largely disconnected from the east and south by SR 99, SR 180, and the Union Pacific Railroad. Specifically, SR 99 and its infrastructure create a significant barrier to mobility, access, and economic development for residents of the Neighborhood and effectually isolate the Neighborhood from Downtown and other parts of Fresno.
Historically, the Neighborhood largely lacks curbs, sidewalks, street trees, green spaces in general, and there are no bus stops in the Neighborhood, which further limits mobility and connectivity. Aside from Roeding Park, the nearest parks and open spaces are located approximately two (2) miles from this Neighborhood.
The reconnection of the Neighborhood to Roeding Park via the proposed pedestrian bridge will provide residents with the needed access to parkland and services, as well as increased business opportunities that have been lacking since the installation of SR 99 (constructed in the 1950’s) and the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way.
The Project is shovel-ready and the Public Works Department will be applying for a BUILD capital project to construct the pedestrian bridge. The Project is in a census tract that has been designated by DOT as an Area of Persistent Poverty and is therefore eligible to request up to 100% federal funding.
The Grant Application must be submitted no later than February 24, 2026.
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This action is not subject to CEQA at this time. This action involves an application for funding, and it is uncertain if funding will be awarded. If sufficient funds are awarded to complete a future project, the appropriate CEQA analysis will be prepared and brought to Council for approval along with formal project approval.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no impact on the General Fund. If awarded, no local match will be required for the Parkway Drive Pedestrian Bridge Project.
Attachments:
Resolution
Location Map