To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Rex Bohn
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
State Highway 255 (Supervisor Rex Bohn)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Direct the Department of Public Works to develop and return to the Board with a feasibility analysis of the relinquishment of State Highway 255 to the County of Humboldt.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Road Fund - 1200
DISCUSSION:
State Highway 255 from New Navy Base Road to the City of Arcata is an access controlled highway under the authority of the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). As such, it is subject to many restrictions that could impact the development of the incoming fiber line which needs to be placed within the State Right of Way. There are seven design exceptions that will be required for this encroachment to be allowed. If the road is relinquished to the county the proposed encroachment will be permittable under the county encroachment process which does not have these restrictions.
It is recommended that concurrent with the design exception process currently underway that the county look into the feasibility of taking over local control of this section of the State Highway and return to the Board with a report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the general fund. The cost associated with this analysis is included in the proposed fiscal year 2021-22 budget.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
CalTrans
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
To not look into the feasibility of the relinquishment. This is not recommended as the economic impact of the proposed new infrastructure coming into Humboldt County may well exceed the future costs of taking on the ownership and maintenance of State Highway 255.
ATTACHMENTS:
N/A
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A