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County staff to study dirt‑road pilot after commissioners request alternatives to paving
Summary
Staff described hundreds of unimproved roads and identified 27 county‑maintained dirt roads; commissioners asked for a 90‑day pilot study of alternative treatments (geo‑mesh, stabilization) and asked staff to return with cost estimates and public outreach plans.
Josh Bellotti, an engineering department official, briefed the board on the county’s inventory of dirt and unimproved roads. Bellotti said most are privately owned or platted rights‑of‑way that have not been accepted for county maintenance; only 27 dirt roads (about 7.5 miles) are currently accepted for county dirt‑road maintenance.
Paving an unimproved road typically triggers full road‑construction design, permitting and stormwater mitigation — costs that far exceed simple resurfacing. Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda asked staff to explore lower‑cost alternatives (including geo‑mesh or other permeable stabilization treatments) and to return in 90 days with a pilot proposal, estimated costs and a public‑engagement plan. Bellotti agreed to include community input and a cost estimate for a pilot.
The board received the report and approved the pilot evaluation request (motion carried 7‑0). Staff will provide cost estimates and a recommended pilot site for board consideration.
