Planning commission approves mitigated negative declaration for Picacho Road Bridge replacement
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Summary
The Imperial County Planning Commission approved Initial Study 24‑0037 for the replacement of the Picacho Road Bridge over the Yuma Main Canal, finding the project would have no significant environmental impacts with mitigation. The commission noted coordination with tribal representatives and utility agencies and said the county is seeking federal
The Imperial County Planning Commission approved Initial Study 24‑0037 on a motion and roll call after a staff presentation of the project and mitigation measures.
County planner Luis Vercano and consultant Scott Malloy (NV5) said the existing timber Picacho Road Bridge is dilapidated and closed to traffic, and that the replacement bridge would be a precast, prestressed concrete span about 48 feet, 11 inches wide, providing two travel lanes, shoulders and a six‑foot sidewalk. Malloy said the bridge serves as an east–west collector for agricultural traffic and cross‑border traffic and estimated construction would take about eight to 12 months.
"The existing bridge is in need of replacement. It's dilapidated and currently closed. You cannot drive on it," Malloy said during the presentation.
Staff described the environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), noting the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) identifies potential impacts to agricultural resources, biological and cultural resources, geology/seismic hazards, hazardous materials and stormwater, and includes mitigation monitoring and reporting. Malloy said the county revised biological mitigation measures after comment letters from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and incorporated additional measures for burrowing owls, bats and rare plants.
Commissioners asked whether the county would cover project costs or pursue federal Bridge Investment Program funds. Robert Daniel III, the Department of Public Works representative, said the county has an application outstanding for federal funding and estimated the project cost at about $9,000,000, up from roughly $8.4 million in earlier estimates.
The commission voted to approve consideration of Initial Study 24‑0037 and to proceed with circulation and project permitting. The chair said the MND may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors by filing a written appeal and paying the appropriate fees within the appeal period.
