PREPARED BY: AMANDA BOOTH DATE OF MEETING: 06/01/2026
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO (1) APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR APPROXIMATELY $4 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY’S (CNRA) CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS URBAN GREENING PROGRAM FOR THE SAN PABLO BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT (0202); (2) CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; (3) ACCEPTING AND APPROPRIATING GRANT FUNDING, IF AWARDED; AND (4) AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY FOR CITY PARTICIPATION IN THIS GRANT PROGRAM
CEQA: Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the adoption of the subject resolution authorizing Public Works to submit a grant application is exempt from CEQA requirements. Under Guidelines section 15378, “project” does not include the creation of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2023-2025 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Enhance Community Resilience: Priority 202 Identify and Implement Long-Term Environmental Stewardship Goals is a major policy goal contained in the FY 2023-25 City Council Priority Workplan, effective April 7, 2025.
BACKGROUND
On November 5, 2024, California voters approved Proposition 4, authorizing $10 billion in bond funding for projects that address climate change and improve community resilience. California Public Resources Code Section 92530 allocates funding to the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) for the Urban Greening Grant Program, which supports nature-based projects, expanded green spaces, and increased urban canopy coverage. Funded projects are intended to provide additional benefits, including carbon sequestration, stormwater management, habitat preservation, public health protection, equity improvements, and workforce opportunities.
The San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement Project (CIP Project No. 0202) is a major capital improvement project that will replace the existing bridge at the intersection of San Pablo Avenue, 23rd Street, and Road 20. Constructed in 1926, the nearly 100-year-old bridge was identified as “structurally deficient” and “functionally obsolete” in the 2020 Caltrans Bridge Inspection Report. The existing configuration, which converges five roadways, creates a complex and high-conflict intersection for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.
The project has secured $12 million in funding; however, it currently has a $15 million funding gap for construction. The project includes several eligible urban greening elements, including creek restoration, bioretention facilities, tree planting, native landscaping, and bicycle and pedestrian enhancements. These elements align well with the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Urban Greening Grant Program objectives. Grant applications are due June 4, 2026, with awards anticipated in Fall 2026.
To help close the project funding gap, Public Works staff is seeking Council authorization to submit an application to CNRA’s Urban Greening Grant Program for approximately $4 million in funding for the San Pablo Avenue Bridge Replacement Project (CIP Project No. 0202). Staff also requests authorization for the City Manager to execute all agreements necessary to implement the grant and, if awarded, to accept and appropriate the grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no required matching contribution for this grant program. The only fiscal impact associated with the application is staff time required to prepare and submit the grant materials, estimated at approximately 10 hours.
If the City is awarded the grant, the Public Works Department will accept and appropriate the funds as outlined below:
|
Action |
Description |
Accept TO: Fund/Account |
Appropriate TO: Fund/Account |
Amount |
|
Accept & Appropriate |
CNRA Urban Greening Grant Program Funds |
320-0202-33404-CNR-227 |
320-0202-43604-CNR-227 |
$4,000,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$4,000,000 |
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A. Resolution