The Cooperative Road Improvement Program was put in place to help local residents upgrade existing unpaved County maintained roads to paved roads or bring roads to a County standard for acceptance into the maintained system. The reason most property owners do not pave their existing dirt roads is because it can be quite costly.

Government Code Section §25214.5 allows the Board of Supervisors to provide loans to County Service Areas, within statutory limits, to be repaid within 10 years. These costs are distributed amongst the property owners under a property benefit formula and are paid back through an assessment added to your property tax bill.

The goal of this program is to provide a County standard paved road, which will in turn improve ride-ability, decrease dust, and will minimize issues brought about during the rainy season. When reasonable, the County will try to combine projects within an area in an effort to reduce the costs for all property owners.

An engineering estimate will be provided for each project and will include the following elements: design, construction, inspection, right-of-way, utility coordination, environmental considerations, and project management. Also included are all election costs, administration and overhead expenses. It is important to keep in mind that the initial estimate is conservative in order to account for unexpected price fluctuations and “worst-case scenarios.” The cost to the property owner will be based on the actual final cost.

If the project is approved, a detailed design is prepared and the new road is constructed. This new road will include a paved roadway, curbs or dikes where necessary, and asphalt driveway aprons to tie-in to existing driveways. Also included are any drainage improvements that might be needed, environmental considerations and mitigations if necessary, and utility rearrangements if required.

Our best suggestion for improving the “livability” of County neighborhoods is communication amongst neighbors. Discuss your concerns with other neighbors and get everyone on board. Inform your families, guests and other visitors (such as delivery vehicles). Studies show that on many of the streets of concern, most of the “problem” traffic in a neighborhood are area residents themselves and their visitors – there are not typically a lot of “outsiders” driving through and kicking up dirt.

The Public Works Department is prepared to assist residents in the dissemination of information . The Department has conducted neighborhood presentations and workshops on a variety of topics, including the Cooperative Road Improvement Program, and can do the same for you, if necessary.

The Public Works Department shares the public’s concerns and would like to assist the community in any way possible. If there any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.