Board approves appraisals to begin right‑of‑way negotiations for Kettleman City pedestrian bridge project

Mitchell Cabrera, chief engineer with the public works department, asked the board to approve appraisal summaries and authorize the public works director to sign just‑compensation forms for eight properties required for the Kettleman City pedestrian bridge project. He said the project is approximately 90% through design and that right‑of‑way acquisition costs for the eight properties total $342,125, which includes a 25% negotiation allowance to allow consultants to complete negotiations with owners. "Approval of the appraisal summaries is crucial to keep the project shovel ready for 2027," Cabrera told the board.

Cabrera outlined the project budget as presented: an estimated $12,500,000 total project cost with consultant design of about $1.3 million, construction estimated at roughly $9.5 million plus a 15% contingency, and construction engineering at approximately $1.4 million. He said SB 170 funds ($2,000,000) fully fund design and right‑of‑way and that AB 179 funds are proposed to cover $6,000,000 of construction; if negotiations exceed the current right‑of‑way allocation, staff will return to the board for revised approvals or to begin condemnation if needed. The motion to approve appraisal summaries passed; one recorded 'no' vote was noted during the roll call.