Needles City reports about $28 million in grants since 2021 and previews Route 66 centennial events

The city manager reported that Needles has secured approximately $28 million in grants since 2021 for projects including housing-element updates, circulation and transportation updates and water-infrastructure work.

"We've received $28 million worth of grants since 2021," the city manager said. The manager added that the awards include about $14 million tied to infrastructure improvements and around $425,000 associated with prohousing designation funds, noting that securing grants is only the first step and the city must still execute the projects.

The manager also updated commissioners about public-works activity on Needles Highway (work from David Road to Nacho Road), crime-reporting resources with an anonymous tip/reward line, and multiple upcoming community events: the Route 66 centennial (with sponsorships, fireworks and a beer garden), Run for the Wall (a motorcycle rally expected May 13), upcoming Memorial Day activities including a flag-placing event at Needles Riverview Cemetery, and summer programs at the aquatic center.

Staff asked for volunteers and sponsors for centennial events and encouraged use of city resources such as the library and summer camps. No council action was taken; the manager presented updates and outreach requests.