Clear Lake Council backs $16.9 million SS4A grant application and commits to local match for Lakeshore Drive safety project

The Clear Lake City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution endorsing the Lakeshore Drive safety enhancement project and authorizing application to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program.

Public works staff presented the proposed application for infrastructure and roadway safety improvements designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety, manage traffic and reduce crashes along Lakeshore Drive. The staff presentation said the city will reapply to SS4A after a near‑miss on score last year; staff reported the prior application fell short by 1.8 points and that reviewers’ feedback was being incorporated.

The grant request is for about $16,900,000 in federal funds, with a required non‑federal match of approximately $3,900,000. Staff said potential match sources could include Measure V, additional grants, gas tax funds or other local revenue, but they had not identified a single committed source at the time of the hearing. "If I didn't feel confident we could make the match, it wouldn't be our application," a staff member said when asked about match availability.

Resident Bruno Sabatier told the council he supported the project and said the county board of supervisors planned to send a letter of support. After brief questions from council members, Vice Mayor Slotin moved and Council Member Wilson seconded the resolution authorizing the application and commitment to a local match; the council approved the motion by unanimous vote.

Staff said committing to a match in the resolution strengthens the application. No specific timeline for construction or project phases was provided in the presentation recorded in the transcript; staff said they would identify funding sources if the grant were awarded and return to the council with details.