REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  February  28, 2023
CATEGORY:  Consent - Public Works-22.

SUBJECT:

Take the following actions regarding the “Cove Road Storm Damage Slide Repair Project,” Contract No. 706765: (1) Find the project Statutorily Exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15269(a) and Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1-Existing Facilities; (2) approve right-of-way contracts with: (a) Ryan Gibbs for right-of-way (0.98 acres at $2,000) plus a signing incentive of $1,500; and (b) Snow Mountain Hydro LLC for right-of-way (1.10 acres at $2,200); and (3) accept two Easement Deeds conveying the right-of-way parcels.

Supervisorial District No. :  3

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Al Cathey, Public Works Director, (530) 225-5661

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Troy Bartolomei, Assistant Public Works Director

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions regarding the “Cove Road Storm Damage Slide Repair Project,” Contract No. 706765: (1) Find the project Statutorily Exempt under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15269(a) and Categorically Exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class 1-Existing Facilities; (2) approve right-of-way contracts with: (a) Ryan Gibbs for right-of-way (0.98 acres at $2,000) plus a signing incentive of $1,500; and (b) Snow Mountain Hydro LLC for right-of-way (1.10 acres at $2,200); and (3) accept two Easement Deeds conveying the right-of-way parcels.

DISCUSSION

During the state and federal disaster declared winter storms of January and February 2017, a series of landslides undermined portions of Cove Road causing the loss of part of the roadway. While the road remains open, it is restricted to a single lane in several locations and questions remain about long-term stability. Repairs are proposed. Disaster repair projects are statutorily exempt from CEQA. Further, projects involving minor alterations to existing roads are categorically exempt from CEQA. The repairs, which are predominantly state and federally funded, require the acquisition of two right-of-way easements. Agreements have been reached with both property owners. Local agencies may offer an incentive to property owners who sign in a timely manner. One property owner signed within the incentive’s requisite sixty days of accepting the first written offer. The other did not.

ALTERNATIVES

The Board may decline to make the CEQA findings and/or acquire the right-of-way. These steps are necessary to repair the road.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

County Counsel has approved the contracts as to form. Risk Management has approved the contracts. The Recommendation has been reviewed by the County Administrative Office.

FISCAL IMPACT

The total project cost estimate is $4,700,000. State and federal disaster revenue will cover 93.75% of the costs. Gas Tax revenue will be utilized for the remainder.  Sufficient appropriations are included in the Adopted Fiscal Year 2022-23 Roads budget.