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Riverside council backs pilot agreement with Caltrans to clean and manage state rights-of-way encampments
Summary
Council supported a staff-recommended pilot with Caltrans to coordinate cleanup and outreach on state rights-of-way; staff said the pilot could include state reimbursement of about $400,000 and emphasized coordination on permits and notification.
City staff presented a proposed pilot maintenance agreement with Caltrans to address encampments and associated public-safety and hygiene concerns on state rights-of-way that border Riverside.
Nathan Mustafa and other staff described the pilot as a forum-based agreement that would allow city-contracted crews and outreach teams to perform targeted cleanups and services on Caltrans property with prior coordination. Staff stressed Caltrans retains permitting authority for state right-of-way and that the agreement is structured to coordinate notification and permitting standards rather than displace Caltrans responsibilities.
Council members asked how the city would secure access, what notice contractors would need and how long the pilot would run. Staff said they expect coordination steps including a follow-up policy meeting with Caltrans in Sacramento, and that contractors would operate under a permit framework to avoid ad hoc access issues.
A councilmember noted the state had indicated an initial reimbursement amount for eligible cleanup activities; staff referenced $400,000 as a figure the state could provide to support the pilot. City members discussed prioritization of locations and cautioned that $400,000 could be spent quickly depending on the number and complexity of sites.
The council approved the staff recommendation to authorize the pilot and related agreements and instructed staff to return with implementation details and any permit schedules.
