Humboldt County explores funding options to repair "poor condition" roads
EUREKA, Calif. — The most recent pavement management program report found that Humboldt County roads are in "poor condition." The report shows the county needs over $570 million over the next 10 years to improve county roads. The Board of Supervisors, on Tuesday, discussed options to find that funding.
"Our rural roads are just atrocious at this point and we got to do something," Humboldt County District 5 Supervisor Steve Madrone said. "On average, every car owner spends $900 a year related to road damage to their car."
The most recent pavement management program update states without additional funding, the county's roads are at risk of going from "poor condition" to "failing."
The Board of Supervisors Tuesday explored funding options, including a possible half-cent sales tax which needs to be approved by voters.
"The county's biggest need is basic road maintenance. It's not big new projects. And all the federal funds going up to the current federal bill, they are all talking fix it first, there is no program at the federal level that gives money to counties and cities to maintain roads," Humboldt County Public Works Director Tom Mattson said.
Other options on the table include an allocation from the general fund or reducing the mileage of county-maintained roads.
Colin Fiske, the executive director for the Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities voiced some concerns during the meeting with the sales tax option.
"There is a huge and growing road maintenance deficit," Fiske said. "Even if the full revenue of a half-cent sales tax were devoted to that purpose, it would cover maybe about a fifth of the deficit and I suspect that road conditions would continue to decline."
Currently, the county has about $336,000 set aside to research this and three other issues in the community.
You can view the fill 2021-2022 Humboldt County Pavement Management Program Update,here.
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