Sonoma County approves funding to rehabilitate 51 miles of roads
This is what we call GOOD NEWS. Some of the roads getting funds are considered escape routes for emergencies. We have learned from our own fires and floods, as well as from neighboring counties, the consequences of not having roads in good condition that lead people out of harm's way. We also know how important good roads are for our tourist industry that supports thousands of Sonoma County residents. There are MANY reasons to improve roads.
Here's the Interactive MAP for which Roads are getting attention: http://sonomamap.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9aca4606b26a4de3a3dd1b16aa59234d
On May 21, the Board of Supervisors approved funding and a plan to rehabilitate and preserve over 51 miles of roads in 2020 and 2021. The new two-year plan includes $24 million of general funds and $13 million of state and other local funding for a total of $37 million.
“From 2013 through 2021, the Board will improve 433 miles of Sonoma County roads, primarily funded with $117 million of discretionary general fund dollars. That’s more miles than the County of Marin’s network, and we typically dedicate more general fund money to roads than any other County in California,” Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor, David Rabbitt, said. “This investment reflects a proactive approach to addressing the priorities of our residents, and will benefit communities across the County.”
This plan includes major rehabilitation work on 40 miles of roads, and another 11 miles of roads that will receive pavement preservation treatments in the County’s transportation system. Some notable roads receiving major improvements include:
In addition to general funds, the 51 miles approved in the plan will be funded with Measure L Transient Occupancy Tax, state gas tax (Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act) revenue, and one-time Graton Mitigation Funds.
The Transportation and Public Works Department will begin construction of the program in 2020, and it will continue through 2021.
This plan continues the Boards commitment to investing in Sonoma County’s transportation infrastructure, grounded in the 2014 Long Term Road Plan where the board established a primary goal of improving over 700 miles of the County roads, dramatically improving the roads most traveled and vital in support of the County’s economy, agriculture, recreation and tourism activities. This effort was furthered in 2017, when the California legislature authorized Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act, which stabilized and increased revenues for road infrastructure.
