Senator Announces Bypass Funding at Economic Development Summit

Crescent City, Ca., (KIEM)- Portions of Highway 101 on the way to Crescent City face the very real risk of falling into the ocean. That’s why an announcement at Friday’s Del Norte County Economic Development Summit was very well received.

The keynote speaker at the summit, Senator Mike McGuire announced $5 million in state funds will be put toward expediting the Environmental Impact Study that should kick start the “Last Chance Grade” project. Over $40 million in funds are already allocated for the project, going toward geo-technical studies and other steps that should be complete by October.

Supervisor Bob Berkowitz told News Channel 3, the construction of a bypass will not only be a boon to public safety, but would allow Crescent City to welcome a new wave of tourists. He says Del Norte county has a lot to offer visitors, from the towering redwoods in the coastal county, to it’s two working lighthouses.

Senator McGuire says transportation in the county itself will also get a boost. $16-18 million will be put toward road improvements on K Street, and chip seal projects on Kelly and Lower Lake Roads.