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Measure O funds expand road work and match millions in grant funding, county says
Summary
Public Works reports Measure O enabled a six‑fold increase in chip‑seal miles and tripled local investment through grant matches; board accepted the presentation and approved planned FY26–27 programming and projects.
Humboldt County Public Works briefed the Board of Supervisors on the first full year of Measure O spending and on proposed projects for the coming fiscal year, reporting substantial increases in surfacing, grant leverage and maintenance capacity.
Public Works Director Tom Mattson said Measure O has allowed the county to scale up surfacing from roughly 7 miles a year to more than 40 miles in the current cycle and to capture roughly $43 million in grant awards by providing local match funding. He noted the department replaced an aging rock crusher and is proposing purchases of heavy equipment to maintain productive operations and reduce rental costs.
Mattson listed grant‑matched major projects proposed for FY26–27, including Bald Hills phase 2, Central Avenue, Liscome Hill Road, Elk River Road and Mattole Road. He also described complete‑streets work, ADA curb ramp funding and planned crosswalk enhancements in towns that lack lighting.
Supervisors praised the work and emphasized the importance of leveraging Measure O to win competitive grants. Chambers, lodging and regional tourism groups spoke in public comment to express concern about future changes to tourism funding but also to thank the county for road improvements that support the visitor economy.
Supervisor Bushnell moved to accept the presentation; the motion passed by unanimous consent. Public Works said staff will continue to bring project details back to the board as grant matches firm up and highlighted a recommended $1 million target of complete‑streets funding for FY26–27 drawn from Measure O match and program dollars.
What’s next: Public Works will continue to execute surfacing and match‑funded projects and return with detailed project schedules and budget allocations.
