Warden considers development agreement with Port of Warden

CORRECTION: The proposed project would not include sidewalks, curbs or gutters which would deviate from current city standards. This correction has been integrated below.

WARDEN — During a city council meeting Tuesday, the Warden City Council listened to a presentation regarding potential road developments that may facilitate an infrastructure project in partnership with the Port of Warden.

Although no decisions were reached during the meeting, the Port of Warden announced its intent to move forward with the project regardless of city council approval, according to Kevin Richards, a representative from Western Pacific Engineering who was hired by the Port to coordinate the project.  

The proposed road upgrade project, divided into four phases, aims to enhance industrial access for the port. Richards presented the plan, emphasizing the aim of the development agreement is to facilitate future industry growth within the area. The proposed project would not include sidewalks, curb or gutters which deviates from city standards.

The port has confirmed $5 million dollars in funding. However, it is working on several other grants to get funding for this project up to around $10 million.  

"The Port District's primary mission is to create jobs, and by opening up this corridor, we would allow access for industries that require larger parcels of land," Richards said. 

The first phase of the project involves constructing a street from South Madison Avenue to Road T.3 Southeast, aligning with West Tenth Street. This phase includes the installation of a cul-de-sac and a gate at South Madison Avenue designed to prevent general vehicle traffic from entering the city. The gate will serve as an emergency exit and entrance for first responders. Otherwise, the gate will remain closed to stop industrial traffic from entering the city near the only park in town.  

"The cul-de-sac will create a safe opportunity for drivers to turn around. It will also serve as an emergency access point for first responders," Richards said. 

Phase one also involves further redesign of Road T.3 Southeast to connect with Warden city streets. The turns would be rounded instead of at ninety-degree angles to allow trucks to turn onto the roads more easily, explained Richards.  

"Ultimately, this phase is about facilitating industrial traffic while minimizing disruption to residential areas," Richards said. 

The second phase focuses on extending Road T.3 Southeast westward to connect with Road U Southeast. In the third phase, work will continue on Road T.3 Southeast, establishing an additional connection to Road U Southeast. The final phase, anticipated to take five to ten years, will add a new railroad crossing parallel to Roosevelt Street. 

“If we don’t reach a development agreement, we will simply proceed with the project on our own terms,” Richards said. “We would have to subtract the areas under city jurisdiction from our plans.” 

The city's jurisdiction would impact both phase one and phase four of the plan. The city has jurisdiction where the road would connect to Madison Street and anything north of Taft Street where there is a potential connection between Road T.3 Southeast and other roads.  

Council members raised concerns about traffic impacts and safety issues for residents.  

“With the heavy truck traffic that will inevitably move through the area, we need to ensure that our roads can handle the stress,” Council Member Agapito Gonzalez said.  

Richards said measures are in place to address the city’s infrastructure needs.  

“We plan to construct an asphalt street with an integrated sewer and water system,” Richards said. “The quality of the road will be at or above the mandates of the city.” 

Some council members questioned whether deviations from current standards could compromise the integrity of existing city roads.  

“I understand the desire to expedite this project, but we also have concerns over our local infrastructure and quality of roads,” Gonzalez said.  

The port reiterated its commitment to ensuring the planned roads are built to withstand heavy industrial traffic.  

"The intent is to avoid any premature failure of the roadway and to maintain high structural integrity," Richards said, saying that they would adhere to city standards while evaluating the feasibility of further enhancements. 

The Port of Warden’s push to advance the project indicates a robust commitment to industrial growth that could reshape the economic landscape of Warden, Richards said.  

“As mayor, I would have to think about it,” said Mayor Rosaelia Martinez.  

Richards said next steps include the city council deciding if they want to enter into the development agreement. If not, the port will restructure its plan. 

If the council decides to enter into an agreement, it will be drafted and negotiated. Afterward, the council will have two public meetings regarding the development agreement, allowing for public comment. Then it would go to a council vote.  

“I am hoping for the best,” Richards said. “I think the City of Warden has a huge possibility of having an expansion here that could really be helpful for the citizens, and I hope they take that opportunity seriously and allow us to build this road.”  

    The Warden City Council is considering a development agreement with the Port of Warden. The red lines show where new roads will be built by the port, if the agreement is approved by the council.
  

    During Tuesday’s meeting a representative from Western Pacific Engineering, Kevin Richards explained the development plan the Port of Warden would like to pursue. Since some of the land is within city jurisdiction, to continue with the plan a development agreement needs to be created and passed by the city council to do any construction in city limits.