Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ada Transition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff estimate curb‑ramp and sidewalk backlog approaching $600 million, say full fix could take 25 years
Summary
At the July 16 work session staff told the Planning Commission that curb‑ramp deficiencies are estimated at about $42.5 million and that about 2.2 million linear feet of sidewalks are missing; using an assumed $311 per linear‑foot cost, staff estimated the missing sidewalks could cost roughly $600 million and said completing these fixes could take about 25 years.
Michael Salas presented Appendix L (ADA transition plan) and told commissioners the county has substantial curb‑ramp and sidewalk deficiencies.
Salas said the estimated cost to correct curb ramps (deficiencies identified in the appendix) is roughly $42.5 million. He also said staff identified about 2,200,000 linear feet of missing sidewalks; at an assumed $311 per linear foot, Salas said the countywide estimated cost to construct those sidewalks would come to just under $600,000,000.
Staff emphasized these are planning‑level estimates and that detailed project scoping, coordination with Public Works and prioritization criteria will determine what can be done within the 20‑year planning horizon. Salas said the full program to fix curb ramps and missing sidewalks at the identified scope could realistically take about 25 years under projected staffing and funding assumptions.
Commissioners asked whether ADA work could be coordinated with new accessible housing and transit routes and how staff will prioritize high‑need corridors (for example, routes to bus stops, grocery stores, or medical services). Salas said staff will use a public survey and coordinate with Public Works and transit providers to help prioritize projects that serve people with mobility needs.
No formal action was taken at the work session; staff will refine prioritization criteria and return more detailed schedules and funding options during the adoption process.
