community impact assessment checklist

Community Impact Assessment Checklist for the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project

City of Yuba City/City of Marysville,

Sutter County/Yuba County, California

3-SUT/YUB-BHLS-5163(025)

Prepared for:

Caltrans, District 3 703 B Street

Marysville, California 95901

Prepared on Behalf of:

The City of Yuba City 1201 Civic Center Blvd.

Yuba City, California 95993

August 2011

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Community Impact Assessment has been prepared for the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project (project). The project proponent is the City of Yuba City which is also the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the lead agency for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Compliance with federal environmental regulations is necessitated by the planned use of federal funds for project development. This Community Impact Assessment has considered how the proposed project may affect the people, institutions, neighborhoods, communities, organizations, and larger social and economic systems. The purpose of the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project is to replace a structurally deficient and seismically inadequate bridge (the bridge is included in the State Mandatory Retrofit Program) located on one of the two bridges over the Feather River connecting Yuba City with Marysville. The secondary purpose is to increase the capacity of the bridge in order to improve levels of service, facility operation, and safety for both the current and future conditions. The project is needed to provide a safer vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle crossing over the Feather River. The project will improve safety by providing a new bridge which meets American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials shoulder width standards, current structural requirements, and Caltrans seismic safety standards. The 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project was evaluated for potential community impacts. Community impacts were analyzed under the broad categories of social, economic, planning, and growth impacts. Planning, census, economic, tax, parcel, and project design information were used to develop the conclusions in this report. Community impacts would be minimal since the proposed project is to replace a seismically deficient bridge. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities included in the new bridge design would improve access and community continuity. The project would require a small amount of land acquisition to accommodate the new bridge and would result in the loss of one residential property; however, the acquisition of one residential property is not anticipated to have substantial affects to the community within the project area. The existing conditions would, for the most part, remain the same after construction and the most significant community impacts would be associated with temporary construction activities. The proposed project would not have a substantial adverse effect on minority or low income populations, affordable housing, air quality, crime or future development.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................. i

– INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION........................................ 4 CHAPTER 1.01.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4 1.2 Project Description .................................................................................................. 4 1.3 Project Purpose and Need ....................................................................................... 8 1.4 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 9

– SOCIAL IMPACTS.......................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER 2.02.1 Would people be displaced from their homes? ..................................................... 10 2.2 Would the availability of affordable housing be reduced? ................................... 10 2.3 Would the community or neighborhood be substantially altered? ....................... 11 2.4 Would minority or low-income populations be disproportionately affected? ...... 12 2.5 Would those who gain from the project be different from those who pay the costs

and/or bear the effects? ......................................................................................... 12 2.6 Would health, safety, or crime become worse? .................................................... 13 2.7 Would public service delivery, such as fire, medical, police, or education, be

disrupted? .............................................................................................................. 13 2.8 Would aesthetics (including landscaping, lighting, noise, and odor) be noticeably

altered? .................................................................................................................. 13 2.9 Would property values and/or the quality of life deteriorate? .............................. 14

– ECONOMIC IMPACTS ................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 3.03.1 Would businesses be removed? ............................................................................ 15 3.2 Would parking be substantially reduced? ............................................................. 15 3.3 Would businesses gain or lose opportunities because of changes in traffic patterns

or visibility? .......................................................................................................... 15 3.4 Would jobs or opportunities be changed? ............................................................. 16 3.5 Would the tax base be altered (with secondary effects on public services)? ........ 17 3.6 Would construction of the project affect the local economy? .............................. 17

– PLANNING AND GROWTH IMPACTS ....................................................... 18 CHAPTER 4.04.1 Would the project affect (or be inconsistent with) any relevant state, regional, or

local plans?............................................................................................................ 18 4.2 Would the population increase substantially as a result of the project? ............... 18 4.3 Would the housing supply increase as a result of the project? ............................. 18 4.4 Would employment or business activity increase? ............................................... 18 4.5 Would development opportunities be enhanced? ................................................. 18 4.6 Would the location of where growth occurs shift? ............................................... 19

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4.7 Would through-traffic in a residential neighborhood increase? ........................... 19 4.8 Would the project result in a loss of prime farmland, unique farmland, or

farmland of state or local importance, or lands covered by the Williamson Act? 19 4.9 Would the capacity of other services such as utilities or schools be pressured as a

result of growth? ................................................................................................... 19 4.10 Would the project, in conjunction with other projects, result in cumulative growth

effects? .................................................................................................................. 19

– RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS .................................................................. 20 CHAPTER 5.0

– PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS........................................................... 21 CHAPTER 6.0

– LIST OF PREPARERS .................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 7.0

.............................................................................................................................. 22 CHAPTER 8.0

– REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 23 CHAPTER 9.0

FIGURES Figure 1: Project Vicinity................................................................................................................6 Figure 2: Project Area .....................................................................................................................7

5th Street Bridge Replacement Project Community Impact Assessment Checklist Page 4

– CHAPTER 1.0INTRODUCTION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This Community Impact Assessment has been prepared for the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project (project). The project proponent is the City of Yuba City which is also the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is the lead agency for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Compliance with federal environmental regulations is necessitated by the planned use of federal funds for project development. This Community Impact Assessment has considered how the proposed project may affect the people, institutions, neighborhoods, communities, organizations, and larger social and economic systems. The proposed project is consistent with applicable state, regional, and local planning documents and is anticipated as a part of an overall development strategy necessary to provide a safe transportation system between the Cities of Yuba City and Marysville, and throughout Yuba and Sutter Counties. The proposed project would comply with Federal (23 USC 109(h), NEPA, American Disability Act of 1990, Council on Environmental Quality Regulations Section 1508.14, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970) and State (CEQA) Laws, Regulations, and Guidance. The proposed project is consistent with the General Plans of Yuba City and Marysville.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City of Yuba City, in cooperation with the City of Marysville, proposes to replace the 5th Street Bridge (Bridge Number 18C-0012) over the Feather River and improve approach roadways to the bridge. The 5th Street Bridge is a major arterial connector between the two cities serving local, commercial, commuter, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. Built in 1958, the prestressed concrete stringer bridge is approximately 1,865 feet long, 42 feet wide, and carries two 12-foot lanes of traffic across the river. A 10-foot Class I pedestrian and bicycle path is located next to the two vehicular lanes on the north side of the bridge deck. The existing facility is located between Sutter and Yuba Counties and connects Bridge Street in Yuba City to 5th Street in Marysville. Project limits in the City of Marysville span from 5th and I Street to I and 3rd Street in the south, portions of River Front Park in the west and continuing over the Feather River into the City of Yuba City limits. Project limits within the City of Yuba City include the roadway along 2nd Street, small portions of Sutter, Yolo and Boyd Streets in the south and the western expanse of Bridge Street at the intersection with 2nd street and terminating just past the intersection at Shasta Street.


In 2008 the Bridge was found to be seismically vulnerable to soil liquefaction and was recommended for replacement. The project would replace the existing bridge over the Feather River in order to resolve seismic safety concerns and improve traffic operations. A combination of Local Agency and Federal (Highway Bridge Program, Regional Surface Transportation Project, and High Priority Project) funds have been approved for the 5th Street Bridge Replacement project. Description of work to be done would include:

Construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Feather River;

Construction of a new four-lane bridge over 2nd Street;

Expansion of 5th Street from two lanes to four lanes between the new bridge and J Street in Marysville, including four lanes under the Union Pacific Railroad;

Improvements to the 5th Street and J Street Intersection in Marysville including a new eastbound dedicated right turn lane on to J Street and reconstruction of sidewalks and curb ramps to current ADA standards;

Removal of stop logs on the top of the Marysville levee and construction of a short three foot floodwall extension from the bridge. Installation of a levee cut-off wall through the central portion of the levee;

Widening of the 5th Street approach roadway between 2nd Street and Shasta Street from two lanes to four lanes;

Realignment of 2nd Street under the bridge, construction of raised median, and extension of the left turn lane from 2nd Street to westbound Bridge Street;

Reconstruction of the eastbound approach to the bridge and removal of the abandoned UPR overpass above the on-ramps; and

Add signalized intersections at the 2nd Street intersections with Bridge Street and the westbound ramps at the intersection of Sutter Street and 2nd Street in Yuba City.

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Project Vicinity

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PROJECT VICINITYFIGURE 1

Federal Project No. BHLS-5163(025)Fifth Street Bridge over theFeather River

City of Yuba City, City of Marysville, Yuba County, and Sutter County, California

Source: Digital Globe 2/1/2008; Dokken Engineering 5/6/2011; Created By: T. Chamberlain

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FIGURE 2Project Area

5th Street Bridge Replacement ProjectFederal Project No. BHLS-5163(025)City of Yuba City, City of Marysville,

Yuba County and Sutter County, California0 500 1,000 1,500Feet

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5th Street Bridge River Front Park

Feather River


It is anticipated that the maximum depth of excavation would be 15 feet for the pier foundations and 10 feet deep at the bridge abutments to prepare the location for fill and placement of footings and piles that would support the new bridge. The project includes a Class I multi-use trail over the river with expanded connectivity in Yuba City. This trail would provide pedestrian and bicycle access over the river between Yuba City and Marysville. The Class I trail would be separated from 5th Street by a barrier and would be constructed with a flatter profile than the roadway. Minor relocation of utilities are expected on the bridge approach roadways. The new bridge would contain conduits for bridge lighting, communications and future uses. The new bridge may contain a water line connecting the two independent City systems for use in emergency situations. The connector roadway from 2nd Street to westbound Bridge Street would cross the Gilsizer County Drainage District stormwater detention facility. Some roadway embankment would be placed in the southeast end of the basin. The detention capacity lost to the new embankment would be replaced with additional capacity by developing an adjacent basin in the center of the westbound loop off-ramp. Because of the size of the project and the nature of expanding the crossing from two lanes to four, most of the staging areas are included in the proposed construction footprint. However additional staging areas may be used as necessary for project construction located in the following places: 1) a paved parking area north of the bridge in Riverfront Park and 2) a portion of the old Feather River Mill Site at the southeast corner of Shasta and Bridge Streets. Both of these areas are included in the project area. While the proposed project includes a four lane crossing of the Feather River, the design would consider the possibility of phasing the construction. Dependent upon the timing of construction funds, the first phase would be a new two-lane crossing, followed by the widening to a four-lane crossing in a second construction package.

1.3 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED

Purpose The purpose of the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project is to replace a structurally deficient and seismically inadequate bridge in order to:


Enhance safety on one of the two major east-west connection corridors which link Yuba City and Marysville by providing a safer vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle crossing over the Feather River;

Provide a transportation facility consistent with Caltrans Standards, as well as local, regional, and statewide plans.

Improve levels of service by adding two additional through lanes across the Feather River.

Need The existing 5th Street Bridge is rated “structurally deficient” by Caltrans under Federal Highway Administration prescribed inspection criteria. Full replacement of the bridge is needed because the current structure does not meet structural design standards. It is included in the State Mandatory Retrofit Program since Caltrans has identified the bridge as being subject to collapse in a large seismic event. Additional Capacity is needed because traffic forecasts show intersection and roadway segments operating at failing levels of service by 2035.

1.4 CONCLUSION

Community impacts would be minimal since the proposed project is to replace a seismically deficient bridge. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities included in the new bridge design would improve access and community continuity. The project would require a small amount of land acquisition to accommodate the new bridge and would result in the loss of one residential property; however, the acquisition of one residential property and one commercial property is not anticipated to have substantial affects to the community within the project area. The existing conditions would, for the most part, remain the same after construction and the most significant community impacts would be associated with temporary construction activities. The proposed project would not have a substantial adverse effect on minority or low income populations, affordable housing, air quality, crime or future development.


– CHAPTER 2.0SOCIAL IMPACTS

2.1 WOULD PEOPLE BE DISPLACED FROM THEIR HOMES?

The proposed 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project will require the acquisition of one residential home. The home is located within Sutter County and Yuba City, just north of the westbound on ramp to Bridge Street. The home would be acquired due to the expansion of the 5th street on ramp, which will help reduce traffic at the intersection of Bridge Street and 2nd Street.

2.2 WOULD THE AVAILABILITY OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING BE REDUCED?

No. As discussed in question 2.1, the implementation of the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project will result in the acquisition of one existing home just north of the westbound on ramp to Bridge Street. The reduction of one housing unit does not constitute a substantial reduction in affordable housing in the area when considering the relative property values and income levels in the same and nearby Census 2000 Tracts and Counties (see Table 1 below). Also, there are other housing options (homes for sale and rent; as well as apartments for rent) available within 3 miles from the project area (Google Maps, 2011). The 2000 U.S. Census provides demographic data by Census Tract, Block Groups and Blocks. Census Tracts are larger areas with populations ranging from 1,500 to 8,000 people, which are further broken down into Block Groups that contain multiple Block units. Blocks are the smallest areas that are usually bounded by streets, roads or creeks. In cities, a census block may correspond to a City Block. The project passes through 2 Census Tracts (Tract 502.2 and 401) and numerous Census Block Groups (See Table 1 below).


Table 1: Census 2000 Tract and Housing Data

Sutter County, California

Yuba County, California

Census Tract 502.2 City of Yuba

Census Tract 401 City of Marysville

Total Households 28,336 22,636 13,912 4,999 Household Income < $25,000 8,806 8,288 5,039 2,032 Household Income $25,000-$50,000 8,080 7,107 4,216 1,517 Household Income $50,000-$100,000

7,752 4,203 3,251 914

Household Income > $100,000 2,460 954 846 213 Median Household Income $38,375 $30,460 $28,494 $32,858 Per Capita Income $17,428 $14,124 $15,315 $15,928 Occupied Housing Units 27,033 20,535 13,290 4,687 Vacant Housing Units 1,286 2,101 622 312 Median Rent Asked $506 $488 $496 $480 Median Value of home $120,700 $89,700 $115,700 $89,000 Value of home < $50,000 244 415 135 37 Value of home $50,000-$99,999 3,852 4,481 1,807 1,239 Value of home $100,000-$149,999 6,264 1,618 2,393 430 Value of home > $150,000 3,634 1,239 1,292 95 Minority % (races other than Caucasian)

39.2% 34.7% 41% 34.2%

Age % (65 and above) 12.4% 10.6% 12.2% 13% Source: Census Bureau, 2000

2.3 WOULD THE COMMUNITY OR NEIGHBORHOOD BE SUBSTANTIALLY ALTERED?

No. The proposed project would be constructed adjacent to the existing facility; therefore no divisions or disruptions to neighborhoods or communities would occur. However, the project would increase traffic along 5th Street and Bridge Street which would impact the communities along these streets. These communities would also be affected by an increase of traffic related noise. These impacts to the community would be planned for in the project plans using best management practices (BMPs). An example of BMPs used to reduce noise during construction would be to turn off equipment that is going to be stationary and idling for more than 10 minutes at a time (for more information see the Noise Study Report). In order to ensure that the route is not compromised during construction, the existing bridge will be kept in use during construction,


until the newly constructed bridge is able to be used. This will ensure that the community would not be substantially affected by the project.

2.4 WOULD MINORITY1 OR LOW-INCOME2 POPULATIONS BE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED?

No. The project does not anticipate to disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations. Project impacts to residents of Yuba City and Marysville City are not anticipated to be substantial and the project has been designed to minimize any potential for impacts. Any reasonably foreseeable adverse social, economic and environmental impacts would not affect disproportionately minority or low-income populations. The project is designed to improve safety for users of the 5th Street Bridge and improve pedestrian and bicycle access in the project area. Temporary impacts associated with construction and benefits from project completion would affect all users of the bridge equally.

2.5 WOULD THOSE WHO GAIN FROM THE PROJECT BE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE WHO PAY THE COSTS AND/OR BEAR THE EFFECTS?

The project is expected to be paid for by Federal Funds (Highway Bridge Program, Regional Surface Transportation Plan, and High Priority Project) and local tax payers (local match). The primary negative impacts would be associated with temporary construction impacts, such as increases in traffic and noise. The property owners and users of the transportation facility would bear the negative effects of the temporary construction impacts. Users of the facility would benefit from the project since the permanent improvement of the structure would improve safety, as well as pedestrian and bicycle access, while ensuring Level-of-Service (LOS) does not fail by

1 The Council of Environmental Quality defines the term “minority” as persons from any of the following groups: Black/African American; Hispanic, regardless of race; Asian; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, for the purposes of this analysis, “minority” also includes all other nonwhite racial categories such as “some other race” and “two or more races.” The Interagency Federal Working Group on Environmental Justice guidance states that a “minority population” may be present in an area if the minority population percentage in the area of interest is “meaningfully greater” than the minority population in the general population/populace. 2 In accordance with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration Western Resource Center Guidance, a low-income population is defined as one whose median household income is at or below the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines. In 2000, the poverty threshold for a family was calculated to range from $8,860 for a one-person family to $30,420 for a family of eight.


the design year. Since the route is primarily used by residents of the City of Yuba City as well as the City of Marysville (taxpayers), those that gain from the project would predominantly be the same as those who pay the costs and/or bear the effects.

2.6 WOULD HEALTH, SAFETY, OR CRIME BECOME WORSE?

Implementation of the proposed project would improve the safety of the 5th Street Bridge for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The existing bridge would be replaced with a more seismically stable bridge and would include improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Standard construction measures and BMP will be implemented to ensure that the temporary conditions during construction would not create a health or safety concern. Crime is not expected to become worse as a result of the project. The project would improve emergency access along 5th Street, so police response would not be negatively impacted.

2.7 WOULD PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY, SUCH AS FIRE, MEDICAL, POLICE, OR EDUCATION, BE DISRUPTED?

Changes in access, within Yuba City, on Bridge Street south of the connection with the 5th Street Bridge will include, Bridge Street between Shasta Street and Boyd Street, becoming a one-way East bound street. However, this change in public vehicular access will not have substantial effects on emergency access, because emergency vehicles could travel against the flow of the one way street using sirens during an emergency. The roadway realignment work may require a temporary closure of the existing roadways or “ramps” leading vehicles onto or off of the bridge. Appropriate detour access would be provided including signage and flag persons as necessary. Implementation of the proposed project would improve the ability of medical and police services to serve the community. The proposed project would reduce congestion in the area, which would reduce response times for fire, medical, and police services. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project would not disrupt these public services.

2.8 WOULD AESTHETICS (INCLUDING LANDSCAPING, LIGHTING, NOISE, AND ODOR) BE NOTICEABLY ALTERED?

This project will be replacing the existing 5th Street Bridge with a new structure spanning the Feather River. The Feather River is a scenic resource and therefore the proposed project will require a Visual Impact Assessment to evaluate impacts to the visual environment. There is the potential that sound walls will be used to abate increases in noise. These walls could impact views and these impacts will be evaluated in the Visual Impact Assessment.


The project is considered Type 1 as defined in 23 CFR 772.5 (h): [construction of the proposed project is expected to increase capacity, change the horizontal/vertical alignment and increase the number of through-traffic lanes on the existing facility]. Also, adverse construction-related noise impacts would occur, including potential noise derived from pile driving during bridge construction. There are sensitive noise receptors, east on 5th Street and the community adjacent to 2nd Street, in close proximity to where construction will take place. In order to evaluate and ensure potential noise impacts are minimized a Noise Study Report will be prepared and completed in accordance with Standard Environmental Reference (SER) guidance.

2.9 WOULD PROPERTY VALUES AND/OR THE QUALITY OF LIFE DETERIORATE?

It is not likely that this project would have a substantial community impact to any land other than the existing residential parcels. While the project would provide a more direct route for the local residents onto the 5th Street Bridge, there are some potential impacts which could deteriorate the property values of parcels directly adjacent or in close proximity to the project. Impacts that could affect property values positively include improvements to local congestion and air quality. Impacts that could affect property values negatively include additional noise and impacts to aesthetics. Due to the multiple factors associated with changing property values, it is difficult to assess what effect the proposed project would have on local property values at this time. It is reasonable to assume that some property values might be impacted negatively as a result of this project, however, the scope of the project and number of properties affected would not be a substantial community impact. Quality of life may include, but is not limited to, physical and mental health and the well-being of local residents. The proposed project would create additional noise, would change the aesthetics of the region and would allow more vehicle trips along 5th street. However, the proposed project would also improve traffic flow, improve air quality, and enhance motorist, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and it is unlikely that the proposed project would result in net deterioration in the quality of life for the greater region.


– CHAPTER 3.0ECONOMIC IMPACTS

3.1 WOULD BUSINESSES BE REMOVED?

The proposed project has identified California Check Cashing Store, Hague Water, and 7 to 7 Smog which may require relocations. A Relocation Impact Memorandum will be prepared to evaluate potential properties requiring relocation and any impacts these relocations could have on the businesses, residences and community.

3.2 WOULD PARKING BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED?

Roadway improvements on the Yuba City side of the project may require some parking to be relocated, but no net loss is anticipated. While the roadway improvements on the Marysville side would result in the loss of three parking spaces on 5th street just west of the intersection with J Street. While there would be a net loss in parking on the Marysville side of the 5th Street Bridge, it is not expected that the project would substantially reduce parking within the project area.

3.3 WOULD BUSINESSES GAIN OR LOSE OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN TRAFFIC PATTERNS OR VISIBILITY?

Implementation of the proposed project would improve the carrying capacity and connectivity of the existing circulation system and would allow for more traffic to access businesses adjacent to the proposed project. Construction activities could create short term impacts to access for businesses adjacent to the project, however, these temporary impacts would not be considered substantial. Therefore, businesses would likely gain opportunities as a result of the proposed project. However, the proposed project also has potential to cause disruption to the roads involved/adjacent to the project site. Changes in local traffic patterns may change after construction completion and some businesses may be affected. Changes in access, within Yuba City on Bridge Street, South of the connection with 5th Street Bridge will include, Bridge Street between Shasta Street and Boyd Street, becoming one-way East bound. Currently, the local business Carpet Clearance has been identified as being potentially affected by changes in property access. This change in access is because currently every car (traveling east bound) accessing the 5th Street Bridge is forced to pass Carpet Clearance before accessing the 5th Street Bridge. After completion of the project cars wishing to travel on the 5th Street Bridge will have the option of accessing the Bridge immediately following Shasta Street, which would potentially cut down on the amount of traffic passing the Carpet Clearance business. However, there would still be access to Carpet Clearance traveling East bound on


Bridge Street, which would allow for cars wishing to visit Carpet Clearance easy access to the business. Therefore, implementation of the proposed project is not expected to have a substantial negative impact on overall businesses within Yuba City. As described in question 3.1 above, on the Marysville City side California Check Cashing Store, Hague Water and 7 to 7 Smog may require relocations due to the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project. Therefore, a Relocation Impact Memorandum will be prepared to evaluate potential properties requiring relocation and any impacts these relocations could have on the businesses, residences and community.

3.4 WOULD JOBS OR OPPORTUNITIES BE CHANGED?

As described in the response to question 3.1 above, implementation of the proposed project has the potential to relocate California Check Cashing Store, Hague water, and 7 to 7 Smog. Therefore, a Relocation Impact Memorandum will be prepared to evaluate potential properties requiring relocation and any impacts these relocations could have on the businesses. By ensuring that businesses are relocated within the vicinity, no jobs or opportunities would be negatively affected by the bridge replacement project The 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project may result in direct and indirect job creation. The project has the potential to create approximately 50 to 75 new jobs during the construction of the 5th Street Bridge (City of Yuba City, 2010). The Sacramento Valley specifically within Sutter and Yuba Counties is famous for its agriculture prosperity. Yuba City and Marysville City strive to be the center of agricultural activity including: processing, equipment repair, supply sales, and banking for the surrounding agricultural region. However, the congestion experienced in Marysville at the intersections of State Route 70 with 3rd and 5th Street and State Route 20 deter the agricultural support services from locating and economically supporting the regions two major cities (City of Yuba City, 2010). Construction of the 5th Street Bridge has the potential to encourage redevelopment activities within the City of Yuba City and Marysville City. This redevelopment would revitalize the Cities’ business corridors and allow for expansion, hiring, as well as growth of privately driven activities. According to studies conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for every $1 Billion dollars spent on highway and bridge projects, 27,800 jobs are created in order to support construction related activities (City of Yuba City, 2010). As a result of the 5th Street Bridge Project an estimated 1760 jobs would be created within the City of Yuba City and Marysville City in the next 20 years (Congressional Research Service, 2009). Thus, the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project has the potential to substantially affect job opportunities within the area.


3.5 WOULD THE TAX BASE BE ALTERED (WITH SECONDARY EFFECTS ON PUBLIC SERVICES)?

As described in the responses to questions 2.1 and 3.1 above, implementation of the proposed project has the potential to displace one residential home as well as several small businesses (California Check Cashing Store, Hague Water, and 7 to 7 Smog). Some small takes of other residential properties may be required. Conversion of private property to public right-of-way in the case of partial takes may result in a minor reduction in property taxes for local jurisdictions. As discussed in question 3.4 the project would support construction of future residences or businesses in the area by providing better access to the undeveloped land. This could also result in an increase in property value due to greater suitability for planned development. Implementation of the proposed project is not expected to have a substantial impact, if any, on the existing tax base.

3.6 WOULD CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT AFFECT THE LOCAL ECONOMY?

As discussed in question 3.4 implementation of the proposed project would allow improved access to existing businesses, as well as potentially increase redevelopment within the City of Yuba City and City of Marysville, and in doing so, increasing job opportunities. Therefore, the proposed project has the potential to change the existing economic conditions.


– CHAPTER 4.0PLANNING AND GROWTH IMPACTS

4.1 WOULD THE PROJECT AFFECT (OR BE INCONSISTENT WITH) ANY RELEVANT STATE, REGIONAL, OR LOCAL PLANS?

The proposed project is consistent with the general plans from the City of Yuba City, the City of Marysville, the County of Sutter and the County of Yuba. The project is also included within SACOG MTP and MTIP, implementation of the proposed project would not conflict with any applicable state, regional, or local plans.

4.2 WOULD THE POPULATION INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT?

Implementation of the proposed project would improve the carrying capacity and connectivity of the existing circulation system, but would have no direct effect on regional population growth.

4.3 WOULD THE HOUSING SUPPLY INCREASE AS A RESULT OF THE PROJECT?

As described in question 4.2 above, implementation of the proposed project is not expected to impact growth or increase the development of additional housing.

4.4 WOULD EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS ACTIVITY INCREASE?

The proposed project is not expected to increase the amount of businesses. While, implementation of the proposed project would allow improved access to existing businesses, it is not expected that the project would substantially change the existing economic conditions.

4.5 WOULD DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES BE ENHANCED?

The proposed project is not expected to change development opportunities.


4.6 WOULD THE LOCATION OF WHERE GROWTH OCCURS SHIFT?

The project would not likely shift the location of future growth in the surrounding area. The majority of the area within two and a half miles of the project has already been developed. As a result, implementation of the proposed project is not expected to shift the locations of planned growth in the surrounding area.

4.7 WOULD THROUGH-TRAFFIC IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD INCREASE?

The project is increasing the carrying capacity of the 5th Street Bridge from a 2-lane bridge to a 4-lane bridge. Therefore, the project is expected to increase the amount of traffic on 5th Street (City of Marysville) and Bridge Street (Yuba City); however, this route is designed as a major arterial in the Yuba City General Plan. Therefore, the increase in traffic would not primarily affect residences and is anticipated in the local planning documents. As a result, project impacts to residential neighborhoods would not be substantial community impacts.

4.8 WOULD THE PROJECT RESULT IN A LOSS OF PRIME FARMLAND, UNIQUE FARMLAND, OR FARMLAND OF STATE OR LOCAL IMPORTANCE, OR LANDS COVERED BY THE WILLIAMSON ACT?

Agricultural lands are absent from the project area and therefore impacts to farmlands would not occur.

4.9 WOULD THE CAPACITY OF OTHER SERVICES SUCH AS UTILITIES OR SCHOOLS BE PRESSURED AS A RESULT OF GROWTH?

There are public utilities located in the proposed project area and they will likely require relocation and or/reconstruction. However, as discussed in question 4.6, the project is not expected to change growth, thus services such as utilities or schools would not be affected by increased demand as a result of this project.

4.10 WOULD THE PROJECT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER PROJECTS, RESULT IN CUMULATIVE GROWTH EFFECTS?

As discussed in question 4.6, the project is not expected to change growth, nor would it result in cumulative growth effects.


– CHAPTER 5.0RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The 5th Street Bridge Project is consistent with applicable state, regional, and local planning documents and is anticipated as a part of an overall development strategy necessary to capture growth that has already occurred. The project is needed to improve safety on the existing seismically deficient bridge. The project would also improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities. The associated improvements would benefit both residents of the communities adjacent to the project as well those traveling from SR 99, east along Bridge St in Yuba City, crossing the Feather River along 5th/3rd Street in Marysville to SR 70. Reconstruction or modification of the existing 5th Street Bridge and Railroad Trestle would provide a four lane crossing of the Feather River between Yuba City and the City of Marysville as well as providing improvements to connector roads from east to west. Those that benefit from the project are in general the same as those that would be inconvenienced during construction. Implementation of the proposed project would allow improved access to existing businesses. It would also improve emergency service access by increasing the 5th Street Bridge from 2-lanes to 4-lanes, which would also improve air quality through relieving congestion. The project would affect all users of the bridge equally and would not have any potential to disproportionately affect minority or low income populations. The project is not anticipated to impact growth in the area even though the capacity is being changed from 2-lanes to 4-lanes. Economic impacts would include possible relocations of California Check Cashing Store, Hague water, and 7 to 7 Smog. Therefore, a Relocation Impact Memorandum will be prepared to evaluate potential properties requiring relocation and any impacts these relocations could have on the businesses, residences and community. It is not expected that the project would substantially change the existing economic conditions. The proposed project would not affect farmland, minority populations, affordable housing, crime, or future development. Overall, the project is not expected to have any substantial negative impacts to the community and would be beneficial to all those who use the bridge.


– CHAPTER 6.0PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

During the review of the environmental process public outreach meetings will be scheduled to consult with interested parties for the 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project for the City of Yuba City. A Project Development Team (PDT) has been established and will meet to keep all involved organizations (Caltrans, City of Yuba City, City of Marysville etc.) updated on the status of the project, as well as answer questions, and address concerns throughout the environmental process. Please refer to Appendix A for copy of the Press Release for the project as well as Public Meeting information.


– CHAPTER 7.0LIST OF PREPARERS

CHAPTER 8.0Namat Hosseinion, Senior Environmental Planner. B.A., Anthropology from University of California,

San Diego and M.A. Archaeology from Sacramento State University; 12 years environmental

planning experience. Contribution: Reviewer of the Community Impact Assessment Checklist.

Tim Chamberlain, Environmental Planner. B.A. Political Science from University of California, Los

Angeles; 5 years of Land Use and Environmental Planning Experience. Contribution: Co-author

of the Community Impact Assessment Checklist.

Carlene Grecco, Environmental Planner. B.S. in Environmental Science from Valparaiso University and a

M.S. in Environment and Sustainable Development from University College London; 2 years

Environmental Planning Experience. Contribution: Co-author of the Community Impact

Assessment Checklist.


– CHAPTER 9.0REFERENCES

Census Bureau. 2000. American FactFinder: http://www.census.gov/. City of Yuba City. Tiger II Grant Application: 5th Street Bridge Replacement Project. 2010. Congressional Research Service. Job Loss and Infrastructure Job Creation During the Recession. March, 2009. Dokken Engineering. Project design information. Google Maps, Available Housing Information, March 2011. Sacramento Area Council of Governments. Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (2011/14). Sutter County, General Plan: 2010 http://www.co.sutter.ca.us/pdf/cs/ps/gp/documents/eir/06-07_Cultural_Resources.pdf. Yuba County, Yuba County General Plan: 1994 http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/departments/Community%20Development/Planning/documents/General%20Plan/1996/Volume%20I/Section%2015%20-%20Cultural%20Resources.pdf.

Appendix A – Public Meeting Notices

J:\1858_5th_St_BR\200_Proj_Dev\250_Public Outreach\press release - 5th St Bridge Darin.docx

CityofYUBA CITY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

1201 CIVIC CENTER BOULEVARD, YUBA CITY, CA 95993 · (530) 822-4626 · FAX (530) 822-4694

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

YUBA CITY TO COMMENCE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF5TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

On Tuesday, September 21, the City Council of the City of Yuba City approved a professionalservices agreement with Dokken Engineering of Folsom, CA to prepare a Project Study Reportand environmental document for the replacement and expansion of the 5th Street Bridge to four-lanes over the Feather River. Various alignments within the immediate vicinity of the existingstructure will be evaluated along with potential improvements to both the Marysville and YubaCity approaches. The existing railroad bridge will also be included in the study.

Mayor Kash Gill stated, “The Yuba Sutter region has discussed the need for an additional thirdbridge across the Feather River for 50 years. Although not a third bridge, the design, expansionand reconstruction of the 5th Street Bridge will add two new lanes of travel across the river.Through this effort, we will significantly improve traffic flows between our two counties andimprove the economic vitality of our region.

Councilmember Leslie McBride and Chairperson of the Sacramento Area Council ofGovernments (SACOG) thanked all those who are participating in the funding of this project,including support from SACOG for a $12 million Tiger II grant application. “We are eagerlywaiting to hear if the City will be awarded this grant. Yuba Sutter residents have discussedadding lanes across the river my entire life and we are finally one step closer to meet this goal.

The estimated $1 million cost to perform the study and prepare the environmental document willbe funded by a federal grant provided through the High Priority Projects program (80%) andlocal matching funds (20%).

Public workshops will be scheduled during the study to discuss the overall project and solicitpublic input on various design issues. Mayor Gill continued, “We look forward to working withboth residents and effected businesses in the area to ensure the successful design of thishistoric transportation project in Yuba City” Additional information regarding the project will beposted to the City of Yuba City website (http://www.yubacity.net) during the next month.

Media Contact:

George MusallamYuba City Public Works822-4626

community impact assessment checklist

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