Willows City votes 5‑0 to apply for 2025 CDBG sidewalk rehabilitation grant
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Summary
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing submission of a 2025 state CDBG application for sidewalk rehabilitation, aiming to maximize a $3.3 million infrastructure slot; staff presented an engineer estimate of $2,926,700 to replace roughly 44,500 sq ft of sidewalks and ADA ramps.
The Willows City Council voted 5–0 on Jan. 27 to authorize submission of a 2025 state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for a sidewalk rehabilitation and ADA accessibility project.
Community Development Director Joe Bettencourt outlined the project and the program: federal CDBG funds flow from HUD through state housing agencies; the 2025 NOFA is competitive and the state’s infrastructure project funding cap is $3,300,000 per successful application. Bettencourt said the city qualifies under a jurisdiction‑wide low/moderate income benefit (51.3% low/moderate residents) and proposed using the city’s infrastructure slot for sidewalk and curb‑ramp improvements that target safe routes to school and downtown areas.
Bettencourt presented an engineer’s cost estimate of $2,926,700 to replace approximately 44,500 square feet of sidewalk, driveways, curb and gutter and to reconstruct ADA curb ramps. He said the city would plan for on‑site inspection and allowable administrative costs under the program and projected a Feb. 2 application opening, an April 3 deadline, and a September 2026 award announcement.
Council discussion covered project locations, standard engineered details, the extent of additional engineering required (staff said preapproved city standard drawings would be used), and use of available program income (approximately $1,700,000 from a loan repayment) to supplement local planning or match needs. Bettencourt said the conceptual work from 2024 could be reused, reducing preapplication costs.
Votes and motions: Council member Bridal moved to adopt a resolution authorizing submittal of the application and execution of the standard agreement and related documents; Council member Hanson seconded. The motion carried 5–0.
What happens next: If the application is submitted and Willows is awarded funds, staff expects to move into design in late 2026 and begin construction in 2027, with projects typically completing within the three‑year maximum from award to finish. If the city is not awarded funding, staff will request a debrief from HCD to improve future applications.