Such a situation leads to the federal funds available through Caltrans, noted Wilkinson, and a preliminary estimate is that the bridge would cost about $500,000, with the city’s share being $100,000 from street funds.A bonus would be that nearby residents would get relief from mandatory insurance once the area is taken out of the flood zone category. An alternative, which Wilkinson opposed, would be to install an additional culvert which would cost about $150,000 from street funds and be subject to plugging.Wilkinson noted that this is a “Good year to apply,” for such funds, as “Project obligations have slipped and Caltrans it out beating the bushes for proposals. An investment of a few thousand dollars in an application has a high likelihood of a favorable return.”Hawks & Associates of Ventura will handle the application, scope of project, field review and concept plan for a fee of $2,500.
Council approves application for Santa Paula St. bridge over Fagan Barranca
April 13, 2001
Santa Paula City Council
Investing a few thousand dollars in an application that has a high likelihood of a favorable return - which means a bridge on Santa Paula Street over Fagan Barranca - was approved by the City Council at the April 2 meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesInvesting a few thousand dollars in an application that has a high likelihood of a favorable return - which means a bridge on Santa Paula Street over Fagan Barranca - was approved by the City Council at the April 2 meeting.According to the report by Public Works Director/City Engineer Norm Wilkinson, Caltrans has federal grant funds for projects targeting the rehabilitation or replacement of highway bridges. “We have never participated in this program because the city does not own any structures meeting the definition of a bridge,” with a 20-foot span or longer. But a small part of the federal program does allow for new construction of bridges at low water crossings, and the Santa Paula Street crossing of Fagan Barranca fits the bill.The existing crossing is flooded on a regular basis - every 5 to 10 years - because the culvert is too small and requires a bridge: Wilkinson noted that in 1980 a car was swept away by the flood waters, although “Fortunately, the driver got out first. . .”The situation is an “Existing deficiency that cannot be included,” in traffic impact fees or in mandatory development contributions as the latter would divert funds from other more pressing needs.
