The City of Fullerton has released a draft of its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), a strategic blueprint designed to guide both short- and long-term capital projects and development initiatives. This program aims to connect the city’s financial planning with its physical growth.

Officials have outlined the funding sources for the upcoming fiscal year, highlighting that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to projects that are slated for design completion or for which construction contracts are expected to be awarded by June 30. However, city leaders acknowledge that several capital projects are still underway and will need to be extended into the following fiscal year.

A key aspect of the CIP is its reliance on restricted funds, which cannot be used for general operational expenses. The focus remains on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Fullerton’s infrastructure and citywide facilities, underlining the city’s commitment to maintaining and improving essential services and amenities for its residents.

A full presentation will be given at the City of Fullerton Infrastructure and Natural Resources Advisory Committee on April 21, 2025 at 5pm in the City Hall, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton. Click here for the meeting agenda.

See the full report here: Item 3 - CIP Budget FY2025-30-v4

City Prioritizes Annual Street Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Projects

To improve the quality of its roadways, the city has embarked on its annual street reconstruction, rehabilitation, and repair program. This ongoing initiative aims to address significant pavement deficiencies identified through the Pavement Management Plan (PMP), which assesses factors such as Average Daily Traffic (ADT) and maintenance service requests. The program also takes into account upcoming water, sewer, and drainage projects, along with input from staff surveys and collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions.

As part of this multi-year endeavor, local street priorities have been aligned with these essential utility projects, although updates to the list of targeted areas will be made as funding and priorities evolve. The city emphasizes that work will focus on significant rehabilitation efforts aimed at improving overall pavement conditions across its street system.

Upcoming projects will focus on various local and arterial streets, including significant areas such as the Sunny Hills-Twilight Area and Candlewood Area, as well as key routes like Raymond Avenue from Burton to Orangethorpe and State College Boulevard north of Yorba Linda Boulevard.

Moreover, a citywide slurry seal program is planned to enhance road longevity. Importantly, the funds allocated for these street improvement and rehabilitation efforts, sourced from Measure M2, are required to be utilized within three years of receipt, ensuring that improvements are timely and effectively executed.

City Begins Curb, Gutter, and Sidewalk Reconstruction Program for FY 25-26

In an effort to enhance public safety and improve urban infrastructure, the city has launched a new program for the reconstruction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks slated for Fiscal Year 25-26. The initiative aims to address long-standing issues of drainage and unsightly water ponding while also replacing damaged sidewalks that pose a risk to pedestrians.

City officials have highlighted that replacing curbs and gutters will not only improve drainage but also extend the lifespan of adjacent asphalt concrete pavements. By proactively repairing sidewalks, the city hopes to mitigate its exposure to potential liability claims arising from injuries caused by sidewalk disrepair.

The locations selected for repairs will be determined by a comprehensive Citywide sidewalk evaluation, alongside notifications from residents and staff regarding areas of concern. This program represents a commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and enhancing the safety and usability of public walkways for all residents.

Pavement Management Plan Update: Ensuring Roadway Safety and Funding Compliance

City officials are ramping up efforts to maintain the integrity of both arterial and residential streets through an ongoing Pavement Management Plan, which emphasizes regular inspections. This initiative is crucial for qualifying for Measure M2 funding from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

Under the current regulations, arterial streets must be inspected at least once every two years, while residential and local streets are subject to inspections every six years. These assessments play a vital role in detailing the current conditions of the pavement, with comprehensive reports submitted to OCTA biennially.

In order to carry out these inspections, city personnel must undergo specialized training and certification from OCTA, ensuring that assessments are both thorough and accurate. As the city prioritizes roadway safety and funding compliance, the Pavement Management Plan stands as a pivotal element in sustaining the condition of its streets for the community.

City Launches Annual Sewer Replacement Program to Address Aging Infrastructure

As part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining robust public utilities, the city has unveiled an Annual Sewer Replacement Program aimed at tackling a series of critical deficiencies within the sewer system. This initiative, driven by findings from the Sewer Master Plan, focuses on replacing high-maintenance sewer mains that are plagued by leaks, cracks, root intrusion, and settlement issues.

According to the California Regional Water Quality Board’s waste discharge requirement, agencies operating sewer systems must secure adequate funding to address both immediate and long-term deficiencies. In response, the Public Works Maintenance division has prioritized the most problematic areas within the sewer network.

Highlighted projects in the program include the replacement of aging brick manholes and a significant overhaul in the Chapman-Victoria-Wilshire area, where steel pipes may be replaced and realignment of the system is on the table. Additionally, the Valley View area will see pipe rehabilitation efforts, while the Chapman Avenue Alley Area is set for pipe abandonment and necessary lateral modifications.

The program also includes plans for the Basque/Commonwealth intersection, which will undergo a system realignment. Meanwhile, design work for the replacement of the Euclid-Malvern siphon is scheduled, along with essential pipe repairs and frame replacements that will coincide with ongoing street projects.

It’s important to note that project locations may shift as priorities evolve and funding becomes available, ensuring that the city can adapt to the ever-changing needs of its infrastructure. This proactive approach aims to enhance sewer reliability and safety for all residents.

City Initiates Improvements to Storm Drain System

Enhancing urban infrastructure, the City has announced ongoing improvements to its storm drain system as part of an annual project. This initiative follows the recent completion of the updated Sewer Master Plan, which highlights crucial recommendations aimed at addressing existing deficiencies within the sewer system.

The focus of this project will primarily be on upsizing pipelines to tackle capacity issues that have long plagued the city’s drainage system. By implementing these recommendations, city officials aim to ensure better performance and reliability during heavy rain events, reducing the risk of flooding and associated damage.

Future projects are expected to align with the strategies outlined in the Sewer Master Plan, spotlighting the city’s commitment to maintaining and improving essential public utilities for the well-being of its residents. As these improvements unfold, the community can anticipate a more resilient infrastructure capable of meeting current and future demands.