In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the pressing issue of infrastructure funding, particularly the urgent need to tackle potholes and road cave-ins. With Congress unable to pass a bill for refunds, local leaders emphasized the necessity of taking immediate action to resolve these problems independently.

One proposed solution involves amending Ordinance D, which would allow for a streamlined process to allocate funds for infrastructure repairs. The amendment process requires demonstrating the necessity of the repairs, after which the proposal would be submitted to the four city councils and the board of supervisors for approval. This could lead to temporary funding solutions lasting one to two years.

Currently, 8% of infrastructure funds are allocated to rail corridor options and studies, which has seen expenditures reach $1 billion. Officials suggested reallocating a portion of these funds—potentially half—to support cities and counties in addressing their immediate infrastructure needs.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted a potential partnership with FEMA, proposing a matching fund initiative. Local leaders indicated that if they could secure $4.5 million, they would seek FEMA's support to match that amount, alongside a separate request for $5 million for broader infrastructure improvements. This strategy aims to ensure that local governments can effectively manage and repair critical infrastructure without relying solely on federal assistance.