Pleasanton's City Council has laid out a fiscal plan to plug the holes left by last year's storms. On April 16, a green light was given to funnel funds into repairing storm drain systems ravaged by the 2023 storms. According to an announcement from the City of Pleasanton, the approved contract will bankroll the design of three projects with FEMA picking up part of the tab, and two additional infrastructure improvements funded entirely by the city to mend the damage done from December 2022 through March 2023.
The City Council, grappling with the aftermath of the storms, has had to play a balancing act, diverting much-needed cash from other projects. Patchwork repairs kept the storm drain systems on life support throughout the 2023-2024 rainy season. Working with FEMA and Cal OES, as well as on-call consultants, the City completed assessments and mapped out the scope for permanent fixes at critical sites.
FEMA's reimbursement process, although covering a reasonable 75% of the project costs, does not guarantee when the City will see the funds, which leaves a significant gap in the budget. Additionally, amidst the financial turbulence, the City has to self-fund two pivotal projects crucial for the safety of public streets and trails, which are not covered by federal assistance.
Previously outlined city improvements took a backseat as approximately $18.9 million from the Capital Improvement Program had to be reallocated. This funding shuffle meant deferring several projects, including uplifting the Ken Mercer Skate Park and renovating the historical Century House facility, according to statements provided by the City's officials.
The financial deluge from necessary stormwater system improvements has carved out an estimated cost of $9.5 million to $16 million, which includes the City's investment in the federally aided projects. Concrete details of the plan can be found in the original press statement released by the City of Pleasanton. With this move, the City Council aims to solidify the storm drain infrastructure against potential future calamities while navigating the challenging financial waters left in the storm's wake.
