Oxnard seeks $12 million BUILD grant for US‑101/Del Norte interchange preconstruction

Debbie O'Leary, transportation planner in public works, asked the Oxnard City Council to authorize submission of a $12,000,000 U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant application to fund preconstruction work on the US‑101/Del Norte Boulevard interchange. "Recommendation that the City Council approve and authorize the submission of a grant application for $12,000,000 with a $3,000,000 (20%) match requirement," O'Leary said.

O'Leary said staff is recommending the planning and project development category of the BUILD program, which funds feasibility studies, project initiation documents, environmental review (PA&ED), final plans, specifications and estimates, and other preconstruction activities. She noted the BUILD program is highly competitive and that California has received BUILD awards for urban projects; she said the nationwide planning pool is about $75 million while construction/right‑of‑way awards total about $750 million.

The preconstruction phase for the US‑101/Del Norte Boulevard interchange is estimated at $15,000,000, of which O'Leary recommended requesting $12,000,000 from BUILD and providing a $3,000,000 non‑federal match from the traffic circulation development impact fee fund 350, subfund 8040. O'Leary said $250,000 of that match was previously appropriated to project C 2,213.

Staff identified the project because Caltrans had "determined the bridge is in need of upgrading," O'Leary said, describing the structure as outdated and substandard with one travel lane each direction and stop‑controlled on and off ramps. She said those deficiencies limit operational efficiency and safety for passenger and freight vehicles.

Planned preconstruction work includes updating the 2007 draft environmental document (PA&ED), revising the 2008 project report, and initiating preliminary engineering (PE) and final design (PS&E). O'Leary said no operating, maintenance or new staffing costs are expected for the PE phase. If the grant is awarded, she said staff would return to the City Council to recommend recognizing and appropriating the grant and the required local match.

The presentation included administrative requests that, if the Council approves the application, would authorize the city manager or designee to execute grant agreements and assign the chief financial officer and public works director (or their designees) to submit financial and non‑financial reports, respectively. The transcript records the recommendation and funding details but does not record a Council vote or formal decision on the application.