PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County commissioners have adopted a newly revised transportation plan that prioritizes county road projects without knowing how the proposed improvements will be financed.
“By approving this plan, you are only agreeing to the projects we have included,” said County Engineer Monte Reinders.
“We will still have to secure funding for each one.”
While costs will change according to when the projects are completed, the estimated total adds up to $20 million — $15 million for the top 25 projects and an additional $5 million for emergency repairs and mitigation.
Timber subsidies
“Federal timber subsidies used to account for over 20 percent of our operating revenue,” Reinders said.
“With the loss of that revenue anticipated next year, we need to be very selective about what projects we can take on, when maintenance of what we have must be the top priority.”
Reinders said the projected income to support the plan has decreased due to a shortfall in gas tax projections.
“A 1 percent increase in future years may or may not turn out to be a good estimate,” Reinders said.
“However, we adjust our projections each year and keep a close eye on this and other revenue sources.”
By adopting the plan, along with a public hearing, the county was following a state law that requires it to develop a “coordinated transportation program” and determine where available transportation funds are to be allocated.
400 miles of road
The county has 398.65 miles of road, according to the transportation plan.
“If there is a project where you can get it 90 percent funded, there is no reason to not do it,” Reinders said.
“But if you can’t come up with the additional 10 percent, there’s nothing that you can do.”
The most expensive project is $2.9 million for the repainting of the Queets bridge in western Jefferson County, all of which would be covered by federal funds, according to projections.
As for the least expensive, several projects are estimated to cost $10,000.
Two of the top three projects are for trails.
“I look at having trails as a nice thing; I love to take my dog out for a walk,” said Craig Durgan during the public comment section.
“But we have limited funds, and we shouldn’t be fixing trails at the expense of fixing roads.”
Durgan said the county shouldn’t count on the availability of grant money.
“Grants are drying up,” he said.
“And if a new Congress gets elected, the grants could disappear completely.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
