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Watsonville outlines $15.3M six‑year pavement plan, seeks RTC grants for Year 2 projects
Summary
Public Works presented a six‑year pavement management plan totaling approximately $15.3 million; staff will request $4 million from the Regional Transportation Commission for Year‑2 rehabilitation projects including Freedom Boulevard, Pennsylvania Drive and Clifford Drive phased work.
City staff outlined a six‑year pavement‑management program at the Aug. 26 council meeting that combines preventive maintenance and rehabilitation and seeks regional grants to fund Year‑2 priorities.
Project highlights include a proposed Freedom Boulevard reconstruction (Green Valley Road to Airport Boulevard) estimated at $4.7 million, for which staff plan to use a $1 million California Air Resources Board (CARB) grant, $1.9 million from local transportation funds (Measure D/Measure R/SB‑1), and a $1.8 million request to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Other Year‑2 projects include Pennsylvania Drive and two phases of Clifford Drive reconstruction. The combined six‑year estimate is about $15.3 million.
Public Works indicated they will submit draft grant applications to the RTC (applications due mid‑September) and expect RTC recommendations in December. Staff warned that if RTC awards fall short, the city may need to defer or scale back projects; they said they would prioritize the Freedom Boulevard project because CARB funds for that work have an expenditure deadline.
Why it matters: Roadway projects involve multi‑year planning, design and right‑of‑way work. Funding outcomes will determine which rehabilitation projects proceed at the proposed scope or whether the city prioritizes maintenance over full reconstruction in some corridors.
Key fiscal context
• Total requested from RTC for the presented Year‑2 package: roughly $4.0 million; staff said they would ask to maximize eligible funding but did not guarantee full receipt.
• If RTC funds are not available, staff estimated a $10 million shortfall against all proposed projects and said the city might need to defer some projects or reduce scopes.
Next steps: Staff will refine grant applications and return to council with results after the RTC funding cycle. Council discussion included reminders to keep recently improved roads in good condition through ongoing maintenance to avoid early rehabilitation needs.
Sources: Presentation by Public Works and Utilities Director Courtney Lindbergh and Murray Fonts at the Aug. 26 council meeting.
