Mendocino wins largest climate-adaptation award in cycle for 2-mile Retemeyer Road extension

Mendocino Council of Governments staff on a field tour told attendees that Mendocino County’s proposed Retemeyer Road extension — a roughly two-mile secondary access that includes a bridge over the Russian River and a railroad crossing — is budgeted at about $56 million and will include bicycle lanes and evacuation benefits.

The project won a major climate-adaptation grant: “Mendocino County actually received the largest grant in the whole program … $39,000,000,” said Alicia Winneker, deputy director of the engineering division for Mendocino County Department of Transportation, summarizing the award and the county’s success in a competitive grant cycle. The county’s packet notes the award was among the largest in that funding round.

Why it matters: Staff and board members framed the road as a secondary evacuation route for parts of the Ukiah Valley that currently have a single in-and-out route. Backers said the new north–south connection will improve access during fires, floods or a hypothetical collapse of U.S. 101.

Project status and timing: Winneker said geotechnical and tribal cultural investigations are underway and that environmental clearance, right-of-way appraisal and property acquisition remain. The schedule staff discussed targets construction beginning in 2029, but they cautioned the cultural-resource review and environmental permitting could push that timeline later.

Funding and scope: Presenters described the $56 million total as covering roadway, bridge and associated structures; most construction funding is expected from the mix of the climate-adaptation grant and other state and local sources. Staff said the county’s readiness — including prior feasibility and planning work funded in earlier years — enabled its successful grant application.

Next steps: Staff will continue geotechnical and cultural studies, pursue right-of-way appraisals and advance environmental review. No formal board vote or appropriation occurred on the tour; staff framed this as an informational site visit preceding future design and right-of-way actions.