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Board discusses 2026 legislative platform; members push pilot-tunnel idea and signal opposition to Pelican Bay closure
Summary
County staff previewed a draft 2026 legislative platform; supervisors discussed adding aviation fuel tax ideas, seeking pilot-tunnel authorization or expedited coastal review for a major tunneling project, and preparing to oppose any closure of Pelican Bay State Prison due to local economic impacts.
County staff presented a draft 2026 legislative platform Wednesday and asked the Board of Supervisors for direction ahead of a planned adoption in December.
Assistant county administrative staff described an inclusive drafting process that involved departments, state and federal advocates, and local stakeholders. The draft is intended to be in place when the state legislature reconvenes in January.
Supervisor Howard urged the board to include language that would allow the county to seek an exemption or a legislative remedy to accelerate or credit 10 years of environmental review work for a major Caltrans tunnel project, citing lessons from a recent trip to Japan. He and other board members discussed the concept of a smaller pilot tunnel to reduce geotechnical uncertainty and lower initial cost, which Supervisor Howard said could inform the large project at a fraction of the expense.
Board members also discussed aviation fuel tax and potential partnerships (including tribal partners) to capture fuel revenue for reinvestment in local airport and runway infrastructure.
Supervisor Howard said the county is gearing up to oppose any closure of Pelican Bay State Prison because of expected impacts to local employment and the economy. "We will oppose any type of closure with Pelican Bay because of the effect that it will have just on our community and our economy," he said.
Staff agreed to incorporate additions suggested by members, including pilot-tunnel language and positions requested by Supervisor Howard, and to return the platform to the board for a vote in December.
The board heard several public comments about the pilot-tunnel idea and coastal permitting concerns; one commenter asked how the county would avoid being lax on environmental protections if it sought an exception or accelerated review.
