Second phase of construction on Highway 62 approved by Twentynine Palms City Council
The City Council approved phase two of construction on Highway 62 between Encelia and Larrea Avenues unanimously. But Councilwoman April Ramirez did ask for clarification from City Manager Kevin Cole as to why an extension was necessary. He said the delay was due to CalTrans, the state Department of Transportation, requesting additional studies before construction could continue. Those studies are cultural, archeological, and environmental as well as studying the traffic itself.
Construction will take place on the north side of the route. It will add curbs, gutters, and sidewalks between Encelia and Larrea Avenues and extend the median in front of Stater Brothers to Larrea Ave as well. It will also widen the north side of the highway a small amount and add a pedestrian bridge near the box culvert. There is no official start date yet, but the City Manager said it is expected to begin soon.
He also provided an update to infrastructure projects done around the city by ClimateTech. The city paid the company back in 2020 to make the city more climate friendly with money obtained through a low interest loan. He said the most recent update showed the city saving around $121,000 a year and around $2.7 million over the 30-year project lifespan. He also updated the council that the city financial department passed its most recent independent audit.
During public comment, Solid Waste and Recycling Manager Eli Marshall provided an update on a study related to organic waste management. A member of the local waste management group was able to prove the city doesn’t produce as much organic waste as the state estimated. The state levies fines on cities to reduce the amount of organic waste in landfills which are then passed on to local residents and businesses. Since the study was able to prove the state’s estimated organic waste was too high, Marshall said costs related to waste management are likely to fall as the state fines go down.
Mayor Pro Tem Octavious Scott also presented a check to the high school girls’ volleyball and soccer teams for their participation in the Trash for Cash program. The volleyball team said they cleaned up Sunny Slope in Ocotillo while the soccer team said they cleaned up near Circle K. The volleyball team also shouted out that they’re heading to quarterfinals. They play at Buena Park High School tomorrow at 5 p.m. over near Anaheim.
