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Board asks staff to explore restoration and funding options for County Road 41 after erosion threatens connectivity
Summary
After an update on washouts and erosion on County Road 41 (the gravel extension into Colusa County), the board unanimously directed staff to monitor erosion, revisit the issue after a planned bridge replacement, and investigate full restoration/realignment and funding options.
The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 13 directed staff to pursue a two-track approach to County Road 41: continue monitoring erosion and pursue an investigation of options to reestablish connectivity and safety for the corridor.
Public Works Director Todd Riddio summarized on-the-ground visits and maps showing where the paved route ends and a two-mile gravel section continues toward the Colusa County line as Sand Creek Road. He showed historic photos and aerial imagery that documented progressive erosion near a private residence and explained three board-directed alternatives evaluated in 2021: rebuild in the creek, realign through private property (previously discouraged by current owners), or a longer alternative (alternative 3) around the property. Staff estimated preliminary study and design for a realignment could require seed funding (a few hundred thousand dollars) and total construction costs could be on the order of $1.5 million or more depending on scope and environmental work.
Capay Valley Fire Protection District Chief Jesse Capitano told the board the road historically provided the district an additional ingress/egress option and urged preserving an evacuation option. "This road constitutes the only county road that leads in or out of the Capay Valley," he said, arguing that removing it as a potential evacuation route would reduce options for residents and responders.
After discussion about environmental permitting, property-owner concerns, emergency-use expectations, and the prospect of grant funding for fire resilience, the board voted unanimously to combine two staff recommendations: continue to monitor Cache Creek erosion and revisit the matter after the Ramsey Bridge replacement, and investigate full restoration/realignment options (including staff exploration of funding and environmental steps) while keeping the gates closed for public safety. The motion passed on a unanimous roll-call vote.
Ending: Staff will study alignment options (including costs and environmental permitting), identify potential grant sources, consult property owners, and return with a timeline and next steps.
