SFPUC maintenance pact covering Caltrans right-of-way for Southern Skyline Ridge Trail recommended to full board

The Budget and Finance Committee on Sept. 27 recommended that the full Board of Supervisors approve a no-cost, project-specific maintenance agreement between the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for improvements associated with the Southern Skyline Boulevard Ridge Trail extension.

SFPUC project manager Mary Teekin told the committee the maintenance agreement is required to secure a Caltrans encroachment permit for roughly 18 locations where trail elements—including small retaining walls, a pedestrian-bridge end, trail segments and access gates—will be constructed on Caltrans right-of-way. Teekin said the arrangement is "really at no cost to the PUC" and that ongoing maintenance of assets constructed by the project will be part of SFPUC's water enterprise operations budget. She said Caltrans will continue to be responsible for vegetation management within its easement.

Supervisor Asha Safai pressed staff on Caltrans' past performance in maintaining assets inside San Francisco, saying the agency had not always been a "good partner" on upkeep. John Forney, a water operations analyst, said Caltrans performs hazard inspections, vegetation and litter management, erosion control and hardscape repairs in the relevant stretch and that recent guardrail improvements show active Caltrans work.

No public speakers registered opposition to the agreement beyond requests for clearer disclosure of project funding sources; Chair Supervisor Connie Chien moved to forward the resolution to the full board with a positive recommendation and the committee recorded three ayes. The full board will take up the resolution on its Oct. 3 agenda unless stated otherwise.