PAC approves shifting 2% TDA bike‑and‑ped funds to emergency bridge repairs in Blue Lake

At its Oct. 16 meeting the Humboldt County Association of Governments’ Policy Advisory Committee voted to forward a recommendation that the HCOG board approve a modification to the 2024 2% Transportation Development Act (TDA) bike‑and‑ped allocation for the City of Blue Lake.

HCOG staff told the committee that Blue Lake had been authorized about $34,000 in the 2024 2% TDA allocation to complete traffic‑calming improvements. The city completed an emergency repair on a non‑motorized bridge that is part of its Safe Routes to School pathway; staff said the emergency repair cost approximately $50,000. Because the bridge work was an eligible bicycle/pedestrian activity under TDA rules, the city requested authority to shift the previously authorized funds to the emergency repair. Staff and the TAC recommended the transfer; the PAC voted unanimously to recommend board approval.

A PAC member moved that the PAC recommend the HCOG board approve the modification; another PAC member seconded. The committee recorded the motion as approved with all members voting yes and no opposition. HCOG staff noted Blue Lake must invoice against those funds by the end of the calendar year; staff said the emergency repairs have already been completed.

Ending: The PAC recommendation will be forwarded to the HCOG board for final action in the board session that followed the PAC meeting.