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Fortuna Interchange Project Sparks Debate Over Regional Transportation Priorities at HCAOG Meeting

The Humboldt County Association of Governments board meeting on Thursday saw a robust discussion over the allocation of state transportation funds, with a proposed roundabout project in Fortuna drawing public criticism for potentially increasing traffic. While the board directed staff to move forward with the funding plan, they also approved emergency repair funds for a bridge in Blue Lake and heard updates on transit improvements funded by Measure O.

Fortuna Project at Center of Funding Debate

A plan to allocate millions in state transportation funding sparked a debate over regional priorities at the Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG) board meeting on October 16, with a proposed project in Fortuna becoming a focal point of public concern.

The discussion centered on the 2026 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), which programs funds from the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). With a target of $2.3 million available for new projects—funds that won't be accessible until fiscal year 2029-30 due to a statewide deficit—the board's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) recommended "over-programming" by about $650,000 to fund more projects, for a total of $3 million.

The TAC's recommended projects include:

  • **Arcata:** $700,000 for the South Arcata Multimodal Safety Improvement Project (SAMSIP).
  • **Blue Lake:** $625,000 for a phase of its ongoing truck route project.
  • **Eureka:** $750,000 for the Hawthorne and Humboldt bike boulevard project.
  • **Ferndale:** $425,000 for roadway restoration on Francis Street.
  • **Fortuna:** $500,000 for the initial phase of the Kenmar and Ross Hill Road intersection improvement project.

A representative from a local transportation advocacy group voiced strong objections to the Fortuna project, arguing it is primarily designed to increase vehicle capacity and would lead to an increase in Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), conflicting with state and regional climate goals. The commenter also raised concerns about pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the proposed roundabout design and questioned the TAC's recommendation process, suggesting it was based on inter-agency negotiation rather than an objective analysis of how well projects meet regional goals.

HCAOG staff and board members defended the Fortuna project, framing it as a crucial component of a larger vision for the city. An HCAOG director explained the project is key to enabling the redevelopment of the city's 75-acre vacant mill site, which is projected to create up to 1,500 local jobs. By locating jobs closer to where people live, the project would ultimately reduce regional VMT over the long term.

Fortuna's representative on the board, Chair Johnson, added that the project addresses a decades-old traffic bottleneck and a significant safety hazard. "There were people walking to the jobs in the Riverwalk area... in the road. In the morning, sometimes in the rain, where vehicles can't see," Johnson stated. "This is designed to address that, to get people out of the traveled way onto a sidewalk that works."

Staff also noted the project would close a critical gap in the bicycle and pedestrian network, connecting populous residential areas to the future Great Redwood Trail. After a lengthy discussion, the board directed staff to proceed with the TAC's recommendations while forwarding the public comments back to the committee for further review.

Blue Lake Secures Funds for Emergency Bridge Repair

The board unanimously approved a request from the City of Blue Lake to reallocate approximately $34,000 in transportation funds to cover emergency repairs on a non-motorized bridge. The bridge is a vital part of the city's Safe Routes to School pathway. The emergency repairs, which have already been completed, cost about $50,000. A Blue Lake councilmember thanked the board, noting, "Multiple generations... have used that bridge and it's a key point of our community."

HTA Highlights Measure O Success and Hydrogen Buses

The board received a presentation from the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) on how funds from Measure O are being used to maintain and expand services. The $3.6 million plan includes replacing two aging diesel buses, improving Dial-A-Ride responsiveness, and adding late-night and early-morning weekday services. Funds will also support the continuation of the Route 101 connector between Benbow and Willits and improve travel times on the Route 299 North State Express.

The presentation also highlighted HTA's role as an innovator in adopting hydrogen fuel cell buses, which are better suited for Humboldt's long, hilly routes than battery-electric models. HTA developed a custom-designed bus with a larger hydrogen tank that is now being ordered by other rural transit agencies.

In a separate report, HTA noted the success of its free-fare promotion in July, which provided nearly 54,000 free rides across its systems.

Other Board Business

The board also approved the selection of the DKS & Associates team as the consultant for a comprehensive transit planning project. The project is funded by a Caltrans grant and involves a partnership of nine local entities, including HCAOG, HTA, the Trinidad Rancheria, and the Yurok Tribe, aimed at better integrating land use and transit planning across the region.

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