Rep. Huffman Applauds Gov. Jerry Brown for Emergency Proclamation on North Coast Roads

April 20, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today thanked Gov. Jerry Brown for signing a Proclamation of a State of Emergency due to damage to North Coast roads from winter rains. The proclamation allows the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to seek assistance through the Federal Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Sonoma counties.

“I thank Gov. Brown for understanding the North Coast’s dire need for immediate assistance to restore this critical transportation artery and for taking the first step today by signing an emergency proclamation,” said Rep. Huffman. “I will continue to work tirelessly with Caltrans and the federal government until our roads are restored and we find a long-term solution to the serious issues facing Last Chance Grade and Del Norte County.”

Congressman Huffman has been very active on this issue. In February of 2014, he convened a Last Chance Grade Stakeholders Group made up of representatives from local governments, tribal, environmental and business interests to review potential highway realignments for troubled stretch of road and make recommendations that will be considered as part of the larger public process under the California Environmental Quality Act.

The millions of dollars in associated damages in Del Norte County are due largely to conditions at Last Chance Grade, a landslide-prone stretch of U.S. Highway 101 between Crescent City and Klamath. The Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief Program can reimburse for work done to maintain roadways for 180 days before the proclamation, and then allow negotiation on projects meant to restore existing roads.

Caltrans is also working with FHWA to use the ERP to develop a permanent solution to the problems at Last Chance Grade. A recent economic study found that a closure of Last Chance Grade would cost the regional economy $130 million per year and force hours-long detours around the area.

Caltrans and the California Office of Emergency Services made the proposal to the governor’s office this month, and Congressman Huffman supported the proposal in an April 14 letter, which can be found here.

Congressman Huffman serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Highways Administration.

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