The City is using some of its $15.2 million allocation from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to repair damaged sidewalks citywide. ARPA is the federal stimulus program that allocates $1.9 trillion over the next three years to help state and local governments respond to the economic and public health of impacts of COVID-19.

Upland allocated a large chunk of this one-time funding to local infrastructure projects, including an extra $500,000 in FY 2021-22 and an extra $500,000 in FY 2022-23 to repairing broken sidewalks, said Richard Smiderle, Operations Manager for the City of Upland Public Works Department. This extra $1 million over a two year period is in addition to the regular annual budget of $500,000 for sidewalk repairs. 

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"We are finally getting ahead of the game or at least making a big dent in the challenge," Smiderle said.

Residents have reported some 800 to 900 broken sidewalks needing repair or replacement throughout the city. In most cases, roots from large, older trees are to blame for the busted concrete. The repair work began in February and workers are moving from south of Foothill Boulevard northward. The work involves removing the broken concrete, trimming back the tree roots while trying to save the tree, then installing a new sidewalk at street level. If you would like to report an issue, visit www.uplandca.gov/make-a-public-works-request or call Public Work Department directly at (909) 291-2930, during office hours Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

The Public Works Operations Division is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of public areas. This includes public parks, City street lighting, sidewalks, City trees, street pavements, storm drains, medians and public right of way.

To report a concern regarding an issue within the publicly maintained areas listed above, you may submit a Public Works Request. To submit a request, click here.