Needles council OKs CEQA exemption for off‑highway vehicle staging-area project tied to nearly $9M grant

The Needles City Council adopted Resolution 2026‑26 determining that the proposed off‑highway motor vehicle (OHMV) staging‑area project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and authorized staff to file a Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the State Clearinghouse and San Bernardino County. Staff said this determination is required by the grant application that would fund the staging-area improvements.

City staff said the project — located at the Clary and San Clemeni area identified in the city master plan — is intended to improve public safety, reduce informal roadside parking and establish a designated parking/staging area for OHMV users to support outdoor recreation and tourism. Staff characterized the project as supporting the city’s outdoor-recreation master plan and noted several exemptions in CEQA that staff believes apply; the resolution directs staff to complete the NOE filing required by the grantors.

The city manager described the project as a grant-driven milestone that would advance the city’s long-term tourism and safety goals. Council voted to adopt the resolution. Staff said the grant is substantial (described in the packet as nearly $9 million) and that the requested action is a procedural step for the grant application and project implementation.

What’s next: staff will file the Notice of Exemption and proceed with grant requirements; project design and construction steps will follow pending grant award and any required permitting.