Sidewalk Repair is important to maintain the health of our environment and to beautify our communities, but not everything is done within the budget in your community. If you’re looking for more tips, Native Sidewalk Repair has it for you. How does the City manage sidewalk repair? In this two-year bi-year capital budget, 2021-2021, funds for sidewalk repair come from three areas: Measure B/ BB Localities and Tax Increase, which are used for major projects; Measure A/B Local Prevailing Funds which are available for smaller projects; and TIFI (Trinity River Irrigation Program), which provide additional funds to the City from the federal government based on the percentage of residents who choose to have the sewage treatment facility for their water supply. It is important to understand how City can use the funds from these programs for sidewalk repairs

The current bi-year budget will fund sidewalk repair through two categories: One is for major projects and the other is for minor repairs. If your sidewalk repair involves a larger task that is outside the funds in the budget, then you should talk with the project manager of the project to find out what options you have. The project manager may be able to recommend ways to use the funds to make the project more efficient such as hiring a contractor who is certified in the city code or the county where you live and working in close cooperation with the contractor so there is a level of communication amongst the three parties. Sometimes, the project manager can help you negotiate a payment schedule that is agreeable to both the City and the contractor.

Some of the projects that will receive sidewalk repair funding in the upcoming two years include sidewalk paving improvements around the perimeter of the City’s business districts, new sidewalks on block certain sites and repair of existing sidewalks, curbs and stormwater drain connections in the areas of the sidewalk system, new landscaping design for business front yards and parking lots, sidewalk construction and the installation of new street trees and new tree plantings. These projects should all receive their funding before the end of the current grant period due to the anticipation that they will see continued increases in the amount of traffic and foot traffic to the property and revenue generated by these improvements. It is important to apply for these funds as soon as possible, as the funds are limited and the applicant must demonstrate to the assessor that the funds are needed immediately.