Board approves $800,000 amendment for disaster engineering as residents press for road maintenance
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Summary
The board approved an amendment to increase the cap on a consultant agreement for disaster engineering by $800,000 to produce designs and support FEMA and FHWA reimbursement work for storm-damaged routes, while residents urged low-cost maintenance for local roads such as Lake Mountain Road.
The Trinity County Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to increase the maximum payable under an agreement with Wood Rogers Inc. by $800,000 to provide disaster engineering services for severely damaged county roads.
Supervisor Brownfield asked transportation staff to explain the size of the amendment and its funding sources. Transportation Department staff said the consultant is preparing designs and documentation for damaged segments on Ruth Xenia Road, Van Dusen Road and other sites; the county is using Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funds up front while awaiting FEMA and Federal Highway (ER/FA) approvals and reimbursements. Staff cautioned that federal reimbursement can take multiple years and that delaying work could worsen damage.
"If that area goes south, there would be no connection to State Route 36," a county transportation representative said regarding a slide area on Van Dusen Road, stressing the urgency for engineering and temporary repairs. The transportation representative said RMRA funds are being used now to allow work to proceed under advanced-construction authority while reimbursement is pursued.
During public comment, a resident identified as Dan urged the board to consider lower-cost, recurring maintenance for Lake Mountain Road, estimating materials and fuel could keep the route usable at a small yearly cost and questioning other local budget increases. The board approved the amendment and related consent items during roll call.
