Redlands awarded $1M grant to complete Orange Blossom Trail

REDLANDS, Calif. — The final segment of the Orange Blossom Trail will soon be completed following the City Council’s acceptance of a $1,282,000 Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program grant. 

Why it matters: With the help of this grant, the city can continue to work towards expanding the current bikeway network and connecting sections of the trail to form a more seamless experience for cyclists and joggers. 

Details: The city submitted an application in July of 2023 for supplemental funding through the Transportation Development Act Article 3 grant program to complete phase four of the trail on the west side of Redlands. 

Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department staff were notified in October, 2023, that they were awarded $1,089,700 in grant funding, which requires 15%, or $192,300, in local matching funds. This brings the total project cost to $1,282,000. 

The local funding will be drawn from the Public Benefit Trail Reserve, specifically using proceeds from the sale of Nevada Palmetto Grove. Council also approved an additional appropriation of $1,089,700 from the Transportation Development Act Fund, which will be reimbursed by the grant. 

Moving forward: Residents can expect the project to be completed within six months of receiving the awarded funds, as is required by the guidelines of the grant. 

Municipal Utilities and Engineering Department staff will manage all project elements, including compliance with City policies and grant requirements. 

About the trail: The Orange Blossom Trail has been a decade-long effort to convert abandoned rail beds running through Redlands from the old Santa Fe route into a bicycle trail connecting the west and east sides of the city. The path cuts through the center of Redlands and was first created thanks to the advocacy of the Redlands Conservancy.