Reward CAPM

The State Route 58 Reward Capital Preventative Maintenance Project involves essential roadway improvements to a 9.4-mile segment of SR 58 in Kern County, located between post mile 6.0 and post mile 15.4 west of McKittrick. The scope of work includes resurfacing the two-lane roadway, upgrading and installing new road signs, installing a new traffic count station, replenishing gravel on the 3-foot wide shoulder backing, and the replacement or rehabilitation of eight culverts. Managed by Caltrans District 6, the project underwent environmental review resulting in a negative declaration, indicating no significant environmental effects within the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. A critical component of this project is the management of potential impacts on the San Joaquin antelope squirrel and the San Joaquin kit fox, both of which are listed as threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. Potential impacts include habitat disturbance, burrow destruction, or mortality from vehicle strikes. To mitigate these effects, the permittee must either provide permanent protection and management for one acre of compensatory habitat or purchase a single species credit from an approved mitigation or conservation bank. Amendment No. 1 has extended the mitigation deadline to September 29, 2026, and the permit expiration date to December 31, 2026, to ensure sufficient time for the fulfillment of these compensatory mitigation requirements.