Del Norte supervisors approve transfer of Rule 20A undergrounding credits to Crescent City

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing transfer of the county's Rule 20A undergrounding credits to the City of Crescent City to support an undergrounding and streetscape project on Front Street.

City Manager Eric Weir told the board the Front Street project covers about 10 blocks in multiple phases and that the transfer would allow the city to underground distribution lines that currently run above ground along the project corridor. Weir said the city holds approximately $400,000 in Rule 20A credits and that the county has accumulated roughly $2,400,000 in credits. He told the board both sets of credits will expire unless an active project is in place by June 8.

The resolution authorizes the county to transfer its credits to the city so the credits can be used for undergrounding work that is part of the Front Street improvements. City attorney Martha Rice outlined steps the city is taking to meet program requirements: creating an underground district, getting a cost estimate from the power company, and notifying affected property owners.

Board members asked for clarifications on the scope of work. Weir said transmission mains — higher-voltage lines — cannot be undergrounded, but distribution lines and service drops to businesses within about 100 feet of the mainline could be placed underground and that the funding would cover those costs without charging adjacent property owners. He also said the Front Street district could be expanded in the future to include portions of K Street, Third Street and H Street.

During public comment on the item, at least one resident questioned whether using the credits for Front Street primarily addresses aesthetics rather than system hardening; another resident said removing poles would reduce vehicle collisions at a nearby curve. Board members voiced support for the transfer and for meeting the deadline so the funds are not lost.

Supervisor action: a board member moved to adopt the resolution and a second was recorded; the clerk called the roll. Supervisors Wilson, Short, Starkey and Chair Borges voted yes and the motion carried.

The board’s approval directs the county administration to proceed with the transfer so the city can meet the utility program’s timing and district-formation requirements. The city will continue work on the underground district steps described by its attorney and report back as required.

Votes at a glance: the board adopted the resolution as stated under agenda item 9 by unanimous roll-call vote.