Council Advances Project Decision on $36.7M Fund Reallocation for Sewer Improvements

In a pivotal meeting on August 14, 2025, the Paradise Town Council took significant steps towards advancing critical infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on the reallocation of funds to enhance the town's sewer system. The council is poised to adopt a resolution that would allocate $36.7 million from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to expedite the sewer project, a move that has sparked intense discussion among council members regarding safety and funding priorities.

Council members expressed concerns about the implications of this funding shift, particularly regarding the Oliver Curve project, which aims to improve safety for children in the area. One council member voiced a pressing dilemma: “You’re asking me to postpone Oliver Curve and just take the risk that we aren’t gonna kill anybody on that road.” This highlights the tension between immediate safety needs and long-term infrastructure goals.

The resolution, which is set to be voted on, includes three key components: advancing the sewer project, engaging with funding partners, and ensuring that the town retains $33 million in California Transportation Commission funds. The council emphasized the importance of moving forward efficiently with environmental and design efforts to avoid further delays, which have already set the project back by several months.

While the council is committed to the sewer project, they also acknowledged the need to revisit the Oliver Curve project in future meetings. The decision to prioritize the sewer system reflects a broader strategy to address urgent infrastructure needs while balancing safety concerns for the community.

As the council prepares to finalize the resolution, the outcome could significantly impact both the town's infrastructure development and the safety of its residents. The next steps will involve detailed discussions on how to best allocate remaining funds and ensure that all projects align with the town's priorities.