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Policy advisory member highlights grants, US 197/199 STAA project and defensible‑space disposal day
Summary
Policy advisory member Tasha Alstrand briefed the commission on grant opportunities, a new US 197/199 STAA project fact sheet and website, and preliminary results from a defensible‑space disposal day that collected about 285 loads (~2,400 cubic yards) in partnership with Cal Fire.
Policy advisory member Tasha Alstrand reported several items to the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission on May 5: recent and upcoming grant opportunities, project outreach for the US 197/199 STAA highway improvement project, and results from a community defensible‑space disposal day.
Alstrand said the 2026 Urban Greening grant program opened its concept proposal solicitation on May 4 and that applications for Safe Streets for All close May 26. She noted the local Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) planning and supplemental planning application window will open late spring to early summer and that USDOT's Federal Highway Administration may release additional transportation grant opportunities soon.
Regarding the US 197/199 STAA project, Alstrand said staff created a two‑page fact sheet with an overview, a map showing construction areas and 4‑hour closures, and a new project website with more information; she said staff will share the fact sheet and a link in the meeting chat. Commissioners asked about the timing of closures; staff said dates are fluid (reports ranged from late May to late July) but Caltrans has promised at least two weeks' notice for multi‑hour closures and that closures will be limited to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Alstrand also summarized preliminary figures from a defensible‑space disposal day held at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds in partnership with Cal Fire: 285 total loads of material and an estimated 2,400 cubic yards — roughly equivalent to about three semi trucks. She said event feedback will help staff decide whether to host similar events in the future.
Alstrand additionally mentioned completed "Clean California" monuments and upcoming ribbon‑cutting logistics with Caltrans, and noted a Caltrans District 1 open house scheduled in Eureka on June 16 at the Aquatic Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The commission took no formal votes on these reports but adopted the advisory committee's actions as a group before adjourning.
