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Half Moon Bay approves contract up to $758,231 for East Side Parallel Trail Segment 2 design
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Summary
Council authorized a professional services agreement with CSW Stuber Stroh Engineering Group for up to $758,231 to complete preliminary engineering, environmental review (CEQA/NEPA), and final design for the East Side Parallel Trail Segment 2, a federally funded project that includes a 200-foot bridge over Frenchman's Creek and intersection improvements. Council noted permitting and endangered-species considerations and the need to obligate additional federal funds by September 2026.
The Half Moon Bay City Council voted March 17 to authorize a professional services agreement not to exceed $758,231 with CSW Stuber Stroh Engineering Group for preliminary engineering, environmental review and final design of East Side Parallel Trail Segment 2.
Interim City Engineer Dale Leta laid out the project scope: a roughly 200-foot bridge over Frenchman's Creek, intersection improvements at Russo Francais and Spindrift, retaining wall repairs and other trail connections. Leta said the location includes sensitive habitat for steelhead, red-legged frogs and the San Francisco garter snake and will require permits from multiple agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Army Corps of Engineers, the State Water Board and a coastal development permit subject to Coastal Commission appeal.
The design phase is funded in part by a $2 million congressional earmark secured in 2023; staff previously sought to obligate $1.5 million and said the remaining funds must be obligated by September 2026 to avoid losing them. Leta told council early coordination with Caltrans and the Coastal Commission will be key, and said Caltrans provided a project manager to join the selection interviews.
Staff described a qualifications-based selection process and recommended CSW Stuber Stroh based on its bridge and coastal experience and public‑engagement approach. Council discussed trail width, separation of modes, permitting timelines and hydrology concerns (100‑year flood clearance and scour design). Council also asked about the project schedule and risk; staff said the design is aggressive but aims to be bid-ready in mid‑2027.
The council vote to authorize the agreement was unanimous. Following the vote, staff said they will move to negotiate final fees and will continue coordination with Caltrans, the funding agencies and permitting bodies. If negotiated successfully, staff will obligate the federal funds and bring the fully executed professional services agreement back for administrative processing.
