City Streets: Investing in a Neglected Asset

New Search

CITY OF GRESHAM resources on preventing streets from reaching the point of reconstruction, rather than fixing streets that have already failed. However, street fund revenues must be spent on safety and emergency repairs before maintenance and preservation. The result has been inadequate funding for continued preventive maintenance, and an increasing number of failing streets. In 1992, the pavement condition index (PC)) of the entire street system was 89 out of 100. The PCI has been falling by 1 to 3 points every year since, with a current rate of 67. 1f current funding trends continue, by 2025 Gresham's streets will have a PCT of 39. To increase funding for street maintenance, the city has considered a transportation utility fee, but has not implemented one as of yet. Currently there are no significant sources of local revenue for street funding. Despite diminishing revenues, Gresham has managed its street system to the best of its ability. With the help of its pavement management system, Gresham has been able to use its limited resources to the maximum effect. Fifty-six percent of Gresham's streets are in "good to excellent" condition. However, revenues are projected to continue declining, and street conditions will deteriorate unless Gresham is able to secure more funding for its streets. Gresham's Critical Street Project List: 1. Old Northeast Neighborhood (35,084 sq. yards): Condition -These roads have never received any maintenance treatment a emoved andreplaceldteEstimateduColsfi $421,012 ~ of reconstruction -asphalt needs to b 2. NW Industrial Area (52,670 sq. yards): Condition -This area experiences a high volume of truck traffic and is deteriorating rapidly. Parts are in need of a thick overlay and others have fallen to a very poor condition requiring reconstruction. Estimated Cost: $632,045. 3. Birdsdale (11,128 sq. yards) - Powell to Towle: Condition -This neighborhood collector was not built to withstand the school bus traffic it experiences, As a result there are 537. numerous sections of alligator cracks and base failure. Estimated Cast $133, 4. Arterial Inlays (18,791 sq. yards): Condition -There are seven identified areas that are in need of deep patch inlay. Estimated Cost: $225,493. 5. 5'h (7,220 sq. yards) -Spruce to : Condition -This street was not built to withstand the school bus traffic it experiences. As a result it has deteriorated and is in need of a grind and overlay. Estimated Cost: $86.643. CITY OF .JOHN DAY John Day s share of the state highway fund is not enough to fund even half of the personnel services within the street fund budget, let alone any maintenance or preservation projects. JOHN DAY QUICK FACTS • 2006 Population: 1,850 ~,_ __ _ (a decrease of 5 percent in 10 years) I • Funding Need: An additional $395,000 is needed annually to maintain John Day's 27 lane miles. A total cost of more than ,~ $10 million is needed to bring all streets up to "good" condition. ;: • The junction of Highways 26 and 395 is located in John Day. • Local Economy: Timber - 2 lumber mills. Commercial and Industrial -Winner's Choice Custom Bow Strings (44 employees); Newly certified industrial park -currently recruiting A decline in street funding revenues will have a negative effect on street maintenance and repair in John Day. The city will not be able to continue maintaining streets at the current level of service. The city now has several streets in need of major maintenance or rehabilitation. The city has reconstructed two major streets in the last three years using safety net funds from Grant County (receipts from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act). The future of this county revenue is unknown due to pending federal legislation. If the county revenue is cut, John Day will lose a substantial portion of its street fund revenue - 35 percent of the 2005-06 fund. John Day Street Fund Revenue FY 05.06 U Grants Grant County Funding State Highway Fund Revenue The only other substantial revenue the city of John Day receives in the street fund is state gasoline tax in the amount of $85,000. Wages and salaries for the city's 2007 street fund are budgeted for $190,685. The state gasoline revenue is not enough to fund even half of the personnel services within the street fund budget. New construction cannot be considered in the current budget process. The city will have to rely on grant funding for new construction of roads and sidewalks. The competition for these grants is considerable as other cities and counties are in the same position. .City Streets: Case Studies -Page 29 City Streets: Case Studies -Page 28 I__