BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — City officials plan to apply for a state grant to help fund its major urban greening project proposed in central Bakersfield, according to the City Council’s Wednesday meeting agenda.
The California Natural Resources Agency announced funding available through the Urban Greening Grant Program for 2026. It’s to support projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide several environmental and community benefits, the agenda read.
The City Council is being asked to approve submitting a grant application to CNRA requesting $1,750,000 to fund a portion of the city’s Central City Corridor Tree Canopy Project, according to the agenda.
The proposed project is estimated to cost $16 million in total.
The project is meant to improve Chester Avenue from Brundage Lane to Truxtun Avenue, as well as on Truxtun Avenue from Myrtle Street to V Street. City staff called these key downtown corridors.
Staff said this area is considered disadvantaged with less than 1% of tree canopy coverage and some of the highest environmental and heat burdens in the state.
The proposed project suggests planting about 435 climate-ready trees and 3,500 shrubs, perennials and grasses, according to the agenda.
It also includes installing about 30,000 square feet of bioswales, converting turf to drought-tolerant landscaping, adding smart irrigation improvements and replacing failing trees.
“These improvements are intended to significantly expand the city’s urban tree canopy, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, enhance stormwater management, sequester carbon and create a more comfortable and walkable downtown environment for residents, employees and visitors,” the agenda read.
The improvements also are intended as part of the city’s downtown revitalization goals as the city prepares for increased activity from the future California High-Speed Rail station, staff said.
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According to city officials, this project is the second major phase of Bakersfield’s 2024 Central City Tree Plan.
While projects are fluid, the first phase includes improvement work that is underway on 18th and 19th streets, officials said.
The meeting is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Aug. 26 at 1501 Truxtun Ave.
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