Supervisor Daniels questions funding impact on local road rehabilitation program

Budget constraints are threatening the County of Monterey's local road rehabilitation efforts, as highlighted during the Board of Supervisors budget hearings on May 28, 2025. Director Ishii warned that reduced funding could lead to diminished service levels for public road maintenance, potentially resulting in long-term repercussions for the county's infrastructure.

Supervisor Daniels raised concerns about the relationship between regular road maintenance and the costly need for future reconstruction. Ishii explained that maintaining roads through less expensive treatments, such as seal coats, is crucial for prolonging their lifespan. He noted that while seal coats cost around $500,000 per mile, full road reconstruction can exceed $2 million per mile. The county aims to balance these maintenance needs with commitments made under Measure X, a local sales tax initiative aimed at improving road conditions.

The discussion also touched on specific projects, including the CSA 17 project in Tierra Grande, which is currently straddling two fiscal years. Funding for the first half of the project is secured, but uncertainty looms over the second half due to potential funding cuts in the upcoming fiscal year. This could lead to project delays or suspensions, raising alarms among board members about the future of local road improvements.

As the board deliberates on the budget, the implications of these funding decisions could significantly impact the county's ability to maintain its roads and fulfill promises made to the community. The urgency for a fully funded road rehabilitation program is clear, as the county seeks to avoid the more expensive consequences of neglecting road maintenance.