Planning Commission confirms draft capital improvement program; commissioners debate Pendleton low-water crossing and major interchange funding

The Yucaipa Planning Commission on May 21 reviewed the draft capital improvement program (CIP) that staff included in the city’s draft budget and confirmed it conforms with the City’s General Plan and applicable specific plans. Commissioners then recommended that council adopt the findings; at the meeting the commission approved the findings with one recorded opposition on the voice vote.

Staff presentation: scope, funding mix, and new projects Planning staff and Assistant City Engineer Landon Kern presented a high-level overview of the CIP, describing it as a multi-year plan of city infrastructure and public-facilities investments. The draft program covers roughly $193 million in investment over a 20-year horizon; staff said about 47% of program funding over that period comes from federal or state grants and interagency partnerships, with other dedicated revenue streams and restricted funds making up the balance. Staff noted the general fund comprises a small portion of CIP financing.

Staff walked commissioners through CIP categories and sample projects: the Pavement Management Program (PNP) with about $3.7 million budgeted in the coming fiscal year for resurfacing and sidewalk work; drainage projects tied to fire- and storm-event recovery; traffic and intersection projects (for example County Line Road corridor and long-range interchange planning); public facilities projects including completion of a relocated…