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Board approves start of Sanz Valley Trail work and acceptance of $1.426 million federal grant
Summary
The board authorized staff to advance the Sanz Valley River Trail project, accepted an FHWA Active Transportation Infrastructure grant transfer of $1,426,000 from the tribe, and authorized staff to finalize MOUs and agreements after legal review; members emphasized outreach, safety and maintenance planning.
The Santa Barbara County Association of Governments on June 25 approved staff recommendations to advance the Sanz Valley River Trail project and to accept $1,426,000 in federal Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIP) funds that were awarded to the tribal grant recipient.
Fred Luna, executive director, said the project will establish a roughly nine‑mile multi‑use trail connecting Riverview Park (Builtin) east toward Highway 154 and will be delivered in segments tied to the available funding. "This project is a collaboration…our intent today is to do a quick overview of the project description and then give the board an update on what we've accomplished over the last six months," Luna said.
Tom Vo, planning division staff, described the outreach plan and schedule: preliminary Builtin alignments are expected this fall; environmental and 30% design work for the Builtin segment are planned this year. Staff reported approximately $2.6 million is available for planning, outreach, design and environmental work across segments, with the FHWA funds used to advance preliminary engineering and environmental studies.
The board asked about easements, equestrian accommodations and maintenance. Staff said Builtin has many easements already preserved for the trail while other segments will require alignment decisions through public outreach. Mayor (Director) Mosby and others urged that safety, patrol and long‑term maintenance be integrated into project planning and budgets.
During public comment, Sarah Ayanna, executive director of Move Santa Barbara County, praised the tribal leadership and urged creation of a front‑loaded public‑safety and access stakeholder working group to address ADA, enforcement and long‑term maintenance needs during design.
Director Me moved to approve staff recommendations to receive the presentation, authorize outreach activities, and authorize the executive director to execute an MOU with the tribe and an agreement designating SB CAG as the primary recipient of the $1,426,000 ATIP funds, subject to legal review; Director Hartman seconded and the motion passed on roll call.
Next steps: staff will finalize agreements with the tribal recipient and FHWA, proceed with the public engagement plan this summer, and begin 30% design and environmental screening for the Builtin segment.
