Beaumont City Council updates on Stewart Park phase 2 grant and construction pause

In a recent Beaumont City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the Stewart Park Phase 2 project and its associated funding challenges. The council received an update from Mr. Storey regarding the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) grant, which is crucial for the continuation of the park's development. The city had previously allocated $3.1 million as a matching fund for this federal grant, which is administered through the state of California.

The council learned that the city was one of 14 selected to advance in the grant application process. However, complications arose when the state requested a halt to all construction activities at Stewart Park until the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. This unexpected directive has raised concerns about potential delays and the risk of forfeiting the grant.

Mr. Storey outlined several options for the council to consider in response to the state’s request. The first option involves pausing all construction for an estimated 180 days to ensure compliance with federal requirements. The second option would allow the city to proceed with construction at its own risk, potentially jeopardizing the grant. Other options included revising the scope of Phase 2 to fit within the existing budget or seeking additional funding sources to complete the project as originally planned.

Council members expressed varying opinions on how to proceed. Some advocated for pausing construction to maintain grant compliance, while others suggested moving forward with the project to avoid complications with contractors and timelines. The discussions highlighted the delicate balance between adhering to federal requirements and the practicalities of ongoing construction.

In addition to the Stewart Park discussions, the council also reviewed a public works agreement for sidewalk repairs on Beaumont Avenue, which is set to begin in June, and a briefing on a solar generation project at the wastewater treatment plant aimed at reducing energy costs.

The meeting underscored the complexities of municipal project funding and the importance of strategic decision-making in navigating federal and state regulations. As the council weighs its options, the outcome of the Stewart Park project remains uncertain, with potential implications for the community's recreational resources and the city's financial planning. The council plans to reconvene to further discuss the next steps in the coming weeks.