Supervisors Asked to Approve Bonita Utility Undergrounding

Item 5 on the next Board of Supervisors meeting (Wednesday, May 7) is about Bonita.

NOTICED PUBLIC HEARING: SET A HEARING FOR MAY 7, 2025: ADOPT A RESOLUTION AND ORDINANCE FOR THE FORMATION OF THE UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT (UUD) FOR BONITA ROAD PHASE 4 IN THE COMMUNITY OF SWEETWATER AND RELATED CEQA FINDING (5/7/25 - FIRST READING; 05/21/25 - SECOND READING AND ADOPTION) (DISTRICT: 1)

The Department of Public Works (DPW) recommends forming a Underground Utility District (UUD) in Sweetwater on Bonita Road between 400 feet southwest of Frisbie Street and San Miguel Road to complete the fourth and final phase of undergrounding on Bonita Road which will create a continuous stretch of underground utilities along Bonita Road. This UUD represents a collaborative effort supported by the UUAC and Sweetwater Community Planning Group. Creating the UUD before June 8, 2025 will make this an active 20A Program project which allows the project to utilize available 20A Program credits paid by SDG&E. SDG&E has confirmed that they are prepared to add this project to their list of active 20A Program projects and will initiate the work when directed by DPW staff, following the UUD creation.

EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT The proposed Underground Utility District (UUD) falls within an underserved community within the Southeastern San Diego Live Well Community. The Live Well San Diego program has identified long-standing inequities and disparities in social indicators of health, safety, and the ability to thrive. The project will remove utility poles and overhead wires, thereby creating a more scenic and aesthetic roadway for all residents, businesses, and visitors to the area.

FISCAL IMPACT Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 CAO Recommended Operational Plan in the Department of Public Works (DPW) General Fund. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of $50,000 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 for DPW staff time to establish the Underground Utility District (UUD), conduct outreach, and coordinate with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The funding source is existing General Purpose Revenue (GPR) in DPW.

Translation: The County is footing the bill, not the taxpayers.

You can read the details at Land Use Legistlative Session (05.07.25 at 9AM). Item 5 runs from pages 12 - 15 (pages 16-19 on the sidebar).