To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Regarding the Functional Classification of Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt the attached resolution regarding the functional classification of Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310); and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one (1) fully executed copy of the attached resolution to the Department of Public Works for submission to California Department of Transportation.
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STRATEGIC PLAN:
This action supports the following areas of your Board’s Strategic Plan.
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1007 - Improve the transportation network to be multi-model, safe, sustainable and equitable
DISCUSSION:
Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) has the functional classification of “Local Road.” This designation means that the road’s primary purpose is to provide access to multiple properties. Originally constructed in 1930’s as a two lane state highway, Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) was handed over to the county in the 1970’s when the current Highway 101 was constructed. Currently Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) is the primary connection between the City of Trinidad, the Trinidad Rancheria and Highway 101 and provides access to beaches, restaurants, short stay accommodations and private residents.
Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) is prone to storm damage and in the past several years the road has been subjected to closures and vehicle restrictions. The road damages are often denied funding by Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) due to pre-existing conditions or the repair is limited in scope and costs. This has resulted in portions of the road being very rough and narrow and in constant need of maintenance. By changing the functional classification to major collector, Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) will qualify for federal aid funding through California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) and Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”). FHWA’s Emergency Relief (“ER”) program is one source that provides funding road repairs due to natural disasters. The ER program will fund repairs that are based on engineering and geotechnical recommendations. FHWA offers several federal aid programs that help maintain and improve the roadway for all users including pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles.
Recent traffic counts warrant the change in functional classification. Traffic counts range from 1250 vehicles per day at the southerly end to 2000 vehicles per day at the northerly end. The range of 1250 to 2000 vehicles falls within the recommended range for major collector according to FHWA’s publication: Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures, 2023 Edition.
The functional classification change will benefit the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria located adjacent to Trinidad City limits. The Trinidad Rancheria is a federally recognized rancheria established in 1906 for California Indians. The Rancheria operates the Cher-Ae Heights Casino, Sunset Restaurant and library and has plans to develop a cultural center and tribal museum.
On May 14, 2024, the City of Trinidad’s Council approved a similar resolution that will reclassify the city’s portion of Trinidad Scenic Drive from local road to major collector. Accordingly, Public Works recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt the attached resolution regarding the functional classification of Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310).
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
California Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Financial Impact:
Current storm damage projects on Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310) are funded by Cal OES and FEMA. FEMA covers 75% of project costs and the remaining is covered by Cal OES 18.75% and County Road Fund 6.25%. Future projects with the functional classification change will be funded by Caltrans and FHWA. FHWA ER program cover 88.53% of project costs and the remaining is covered by Cal OES 8.60% and County Road Fund (1200) 2.87%.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impact:
No staffing impacts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, California Office of Emergency Services
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board could choose not to approve the attached resolution regarding the functional classification change to Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310). However, this alternative is not recommended since this will make available federal aid funding for road maintenance and improvement projects.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution Regarding the Functional Classification of Trinidad Scenic Drive (4M310)
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A