Infrastructure recovery

Infrastructure Recovery Projects

By Colette Curtis

Assistant to the Town Manager

As we navigate recovery from the Camp Fire, the Town of Paradise is working on some major projects that will improve the quality of life in our community.

Sewer – economic recovery and opportunity

Since our incorporation in 1979, the Town of Paradise has sought a wastewater treatment solution, with a focus primarily on commercial and densely-populated residential areas – the portions of Paradise most vulnerable to groundwater degradation and economic stagnation due to sewer limitations. In the wake of the Camp Fire, it has become clear a full recovery is not possible without a sewer for the proposed sewer service area. The town is currently working on the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), before moving on to design and then construction. The project is expected to cost about $183 million and take about 5 years to complete.

Early Warning System, safety in an emergency

With the safety of our residents as our primary focus, the Town of Paradise has utilized funding from FEMA to design an Early Warning System which would include 21 sirens throughout town to help communicate through voice and siren sounds emergency information when necessary. The Town has submitted an application to FEMA for funding to construct the system, and if that funding is received we will begin construction on the Early Warning System immediately. This project is a Tier 1 town-led project in the Long Term Community Recovery Plan.

Broadband Services will provide increased access

Understanding the need for strong internet connectivity and service for our residents and businesses, the town is moving forward with providing broadband in town. We completed a feasibility study earlier this year through partial funding from the North Valley Community Foundation and are now investigating private sector and/or public-private partnership opportunities to bring this service to Paradise.

Full size rendering can be viewed on www.townofparadise.com

Transportation Master Plan to address future evacuation routes and road improvements

The town is actively working on our Transportation Master plan, a holistic analysis of the Paradise transportation network. This plan is outlining critical gaps in infrastructure, conflicts, pinch points and other barriers to potential future evacuation events. Using this information, the study will identify priorities and a plan for town-wide safety and circulation improvements. This important study requires public input, and there are several opportunities for public feedback this summer. In addition to the Transportation Master Plan, the Town received $77 million in Federal funding to improve all public roads in town. This exciting infrastructure restoration project will begin once major underground work and the majority of tree removal is complete in 3-4 years.

A centralized sewer in the sewer service areas has many benefits to Paradise and the region:

• Provide wastewater disposal surety to help businesses and jobs return to Paradise and stimulate recovery. • Improve Paradise groundwater quality by decreasing septic tank discharges. • Allow for more densely populated residential development in Town to help increase affordable housing. • Create a wastewater solution supported by the Central

Valley Water Quality Control Board and partner agencies.

You can find more information and a map of the sewer service area on the project website www.paradisesewer.com.

TOWN MEETINGS THE PUBLIC IS INVITED

Infrastructure Recovery Update

Thursday June 3, 2021, 6:00p.m.

Downtown and Clark Rd. Design Standards

Thursday July 15 2021, 6:00p.m.

Roadway and Traffic Evacuation Planning

Tuesday June 22, 2021, 6:00p.m.

Bicycling and Walking Network Review

Thursday August 12, 2021, 6:00p.m. Meetings hosted virtually and recorded for posting on the Town website. Optional in-person attendance at Paradise Town Hall – 5555 Skyway. For additional information and links to join, please visit www.townofparadise.com/recovery. PARADISE RISING Resource Guide for the Ridge 2021/22.................................................................................................................41