Document text
Ashland considers Siskiyou tradeoff ASHLAND -- The City Council will decide next month whether to take over control of a portion of Siskiyou Boulevard known for its heavy traffic and winter potholes. As part of a planned $2.67 million improvement project paid for mostly by the state, the Oregon Department of Transportation is requiring the city to accept jurisdiction of the state road from the fire station to Walker Avenue. If the city accepts, it will qualify for $1.785 million in state funding for the project. The city would have to come up with the remainder of the funds, $672,000, not including a 10 percent contingency. Public Works Director Paula Brown estimates the city's contribution could come from system development charges and borrowing ahead on ODOT maintenance funds. She also stressed the project would have to be kept to a tight budget. If the city does not accept, ODOT will consider paying for a street overlay and 20 years of maintenance. Even if the city takes jurisdiction, ODOT will provide almost $432,000 to maintain the street over the next 20 years. But Brown says the funds probably won't be enough to keep the street up to city, rather than state, standards. "It's not a great deal, but it's a great street the city should own," said Brown. Her biggest concern about the exchange is the unknown condition of the road subsurface and drainage, which may add additional costs to the project. At a study session this week, Council members Susan Reid and Don Laws expressed caution about taking on a new budget expense without the funds to pay for it. But Councilman Steve Hauck stressed the need for a bicycle lane through the center of town, something that won't happen unless the city controls the road. Mayor Cathy Shaw agreed that now is the time for the exchange. "We need to take advantage of this offer now because it's just a matter of time before ODOT says this is a city street, you maintain it," said Shaw. If approved, the modernization project could begin in June 2002. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA