Kingsburg authorizes ATP grant application to close trail gap; council asks staff to pursue details

The Kingsburg City Council on May 6 directed staff to prepare and submit an application to the California Active Transportation Program (ATP) to close a 1,000‑foot gap in the North–South Kingsburg trail.

City engineer (Dave) described two options for closing the gap: acquiring right of way from a residential parcel at Cam and Madsen and building a separated class‑I trail, or acquiring ROW on the east side from agricultural property and converting that strip into an 8–10‑foot separated trail with a crosswalk and rapid‑flashing beacons at Azalea. "Option 2 is a little simpler," the engineer said, but both approaches could require ROW acquisition and potentially relocation of power poles.

Staff estimated the trail gap project at "about a $1,400,000 project," and described a separate Central Kingsburg Neighborhood Sidewalk Project at approximately "$4.5 million," noting the larger sidewalk program would likely require phased implementation and extensive public outreach. Council members raised concerns about contacting property owners if federal rules apply; staff said federal funding often requires impartial third‑party ROW outreach and that the city would rely on on‑call ROW consultants and budget for compensation.

Resident Chris Peterson urged safety improvements at the Cam‑Madsen teardrop area and supported trail amenities such as benches and shade. Council discussed annexation implications for a county parcel near the gap and asked staff to return with answers as needed prior to final application submission.

A motion to authorize staff to prepare and submit the ATP application for the North–South Kingsburg Trail Gap Project was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.