In preparation for applying for a Round 5 Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Grant Program, the City of Bakersfield compiled a list of proposed projects, focusing the implementation lens on investing in Southeast Bakersfield. Through a robust community outreach process, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Complete Streets was identified as a priority for key stakeholders and community members.
On February 22, 2023, the City entered into Agreement No. 2023-048 with Toole Design Group to provide 30% design of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Corridor Improvements Project. These Complete Street improvements will include enhanced pedestrian, bicycle, and other multimodal safety and capacity improvements; improved signage and street lighting; storm drainage; striping and pavement markings; and aesthetic improvements to landscaping and hardscaping.
Staff have worked and will continue to work closely with the community throughout the design process. The Economic and Community Development Department has hosted several community events throughout 2022 and 2023 to ensure that the projects submitted, as well as their scopes, are a collaborative effort between the City and the Southeast community.
On August 1, 2023, in conjunction with the Economic and Community Development Department, Staff successfully submitted the Southeast Strong Project for the TCC grant. As of that submission, construction costs are estimated to be $8,302,031. If awarded, the State Grant Funding would provide $3,859,432, requiring $1,500,000 of City contributions. In conjunction with a $5,000,000 Federal Appropriation through the Office of Congressman David Valadao, the project will be sufficiently funded to construct.
Amendment No. 1 will expand the scope of work to include 100% plans, specifications, & estimates, environmental documentation, and bid and construction support. The amendment will also increase the not-to-exceed compensation amount by $588,140 to $817,120.
In Fiscal Years 2022/23 and 2023/24, $750,000 in Capital Outlay Funds and $90,000 in Public Safety and Vital Services Measure Funding was budgeted for the design of this project. Unencumbered design funds will be used for construction.