Council authorizes repairs to Pemel Street bridge after encampment damage; project funded with county/agency support
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Summary
Council authorized staff to proceed with bridge repairs on Pemel Street following damage linked to unauthorized encampments. Staff said two bridges would be repaired at an estimated combined cost of about $300,000 with external grant/agency funding covering major portions; vote was unanimous.
Porterville City Council authorized city staff to proceed with repairs to the Pemel Street bridge and related bridge work after city public‑works and police officials reported damage linked to unauthorized encampments beneath bridges.
Vice Mayor Ed McCurvey thanked staff for securing grant support and for keeping the project from rising to a larger, multi‑million dollar scope. Interim city staff said early estimates and negotiations with partner agencies reduced anticipated costs; the project will repair two affected bridge structures and address safety and accessibility concerns.
Council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation to proceed and authorized required expenditures and contracting steps. Staff said crews would coordinate with the police department and public works to keep the site secure during construction and that additional patrols and inspections of critical infrastructure will be part of the follow‑up.
