Logo courtesy of the City of Gridley

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - More than a dozen grant-funded projects are moving forward or awaiting funding decisions as Gridley seeks outside money for infrastructure, parks, transportation, public safety and other community improvements.

The city's grant portfolio includes more than $14.8 million in awarded funding, several pending applications and future opportunities that could support additional projects without relying entirely on local revenues.

Finance Director Martin Pineda last week presented the report after a council member requested an update at a previous meeting on grants the city had pursued, received or was still awaiting.

The largest award is up to $11 million from the California State Water Resources Control Board to replace the city's aging wastewater sewer crossing beneath the Feather River. The work includes exploratory borings on both sides of the river and installation of a new sewer pipeline using microtunneling technology.

Other awarded funding includes $3 million from California State Parks for the Gridley Sports Complex, $400,000 for pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Highway 99 through the REAP 2.0 Complete Streets program, nearly $178,000 for tennis court reconstruction and other improvements at Manuel Vierra Park, $36,000 to implement the city's Local Roadway Safety Plan and a $5,000 CalRecycle grant for city parks.

The city also continues to receive annual SB 1 funding for street maintenance, receiving nearly $194,000 in the latest allocation.

"That one's ongoing," Pineda said. "As long as we meet the requirements every year, we'll keep getting that funding."

Several applications remain under review, including a $508,000 request for engineering work on Cherry Street and East Gridley Road improvements, a $320,000 transportation safety planning grant, a $250,000 cybersecurity grant, nearly $40,000 for updated Fire Department extrication equipment and a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to help cover drainage costs at the Gridley Sports Complex.

Pineda said the city is also preparing future applications for a community resilience center, drinking water improvements, clean energy projects, wildfire prevention, active transportation, highway safety and construction of the Feather River sewer crossing.

Not every application has succeeded. The city was denied a $3 million California Department of Justice grant intended to reduce illegal tobacco sales to minors through enforcement and education.