Council OKS sales tax funds for Bay to Zoo Trail
Contractor for planning project also approved
In a council meeting Tuesday night, the Eureka city council moved the Bay to Zoo Trail forward. Among the bundle of developments in the project, the council unanimously approved $1 million of Measure H funds to fund the development of the Bay to Zoo trail, with Councilmember G. Mario Fernandez absent. The council also authorized a contractor for engineering and planning services of the ambitious project.
The trail would connect the Waterfront Trail and the Sequoia Park Zoo. It would create over two miles of trails for pedestrians in East Eureka around some of the more dangerous roads for cyclists and walkers, celebrated by some during public comment who noted safety concerns biking through Harrison Street. It also adds a real option for students to walk to nearby schools like Zane Middle School and connection to hospitals.
“We're in a really exciting juncture to be celebrating the $9 million in funding — to get the project through construction is huge. We wouldn't be here without all the support the community and the council has given over the years. But like I said, we've got a lot of work in front of us,” said Public Works Director Brian Gerving.
The city agreed to allocate $1 million as a match to a $8.9 million grant from the Active Transportation Program for design and construction; according to a presentation from city engineer Jesse Willor at the meeting. To be awarded these funds, the city had to commit a 10% match.
The city funds will come from Measure H, approved by voters in 2021 to set a Eureka
sales tax to 1.25% that goes toward maintaining roads, fire and police, economic development, parks and recreation and more.
“Typically, these funds go towards maintenance repair. This year, a minimum of a million and a half would go towards maintenance and repair, and a million would go to the Bay to
Zoo trail,” said Willor. He said a minimum of 2.5 million a year are allocated to street repair and maintenance, as well as development projects.
One public commenter noted concern.
“We're not even fixing the roads, we're not using the money that is there to fix our roads. But now we're going to defer to a trail,” said Patty, who did not give her last name.
During his presentation, Willor noted the project includes many aspects of what Measure H supports including street repair and road safety, community health services and parks and recreation.
Councilmember Scott Bauer and public commenters noted the need for public input in the process. The city website on the trail says that city staff will be meeting with landowners as the trail's alignment depends on private property owners to agree to the trail passing through their property.
“We know that there are currently some property owners that do not want a trail on their property and the trail will be designed to accommodate this. There are also property owners who desire a trail on their property and the city will work to adjust the alignment to accommodate their request when possible,” the website states.
GHD was approved for engineering and planning consulting services for $1,700,000. The project has been in the works for years, with conceptual ideas dating back to 2000 and the city seeking grant funding since 2018.
The city aims to start construction in 2026-27.
For more information on the trail, go to https://www. eurekaca.gov/257/bay-tozoo-trail