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Accept a report on the project delivery status of Pleasants Valley Road Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek; and Authorize Department of Resource Management staff to close the federal project
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept a report on the project delivery status of Pleasants Valley Road Bridge at Miller Canyon Creek; and
2. Authorize Department of Resource Management staff to close the federal project.
SUMMARY:
In 2010, the Department of Resource Management (DRM) initiated a project to build a single lane bridge adjacent to the existing bridge on Pleasants Valley Road at Miller Canyon Creek (Project). The intent of the Project was to leave the existing bridge as-is and build the new side-by-side bridge, similar to Suisun Valley Road Bridge at Suisun Creek. The new bridge was eligible for funding through the federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP), and federal funds were used to start preliminary engineering and environmental clearance work (see photo of existing bridge).
Over the last 8 years the environmental clearance issues for the Project became substantial, including archaeological, biological, right-of-way, and rail damage impacts. DRM staff had several meetings with Caltrans staff to discuss these issues and seek alternatives to advance the Project. It has become apparent that continued federal funding for the Project will prove very costly and technically difficult. Other design and funding alternatives can be considered outside of the federal process, including grants for fish passage improvement, bike funds for rail improvements, and the State Bridge Investment Credit. DRM proposes that the Board authorize staff to pay back the $174,666 in federal HBP funds that were used to date and close the federal Project. Staff will study and seek other alternativ...
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