Scotts Valley council backs $1.5M earmark request for Granite Creek Overcrossing, signs on to regional radio funding push

The Scotts Valley City Council voted March 4 to authorize staff to submit federal community project funding requests for the Granite Creek Overcrossing and to direct the mayor to sign letters of support for a regional next-generation interoperable radio system.

Staff told the council the Granite Creek Overcrossing project — aimed at resurfacing the overcrossing on Highway 17 and improving pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access — has a total cost of about $3.2 million. “To date, we have secured $1,500,000 of funding for this project,” a staff member said, and staff recommended asking Congressman Jimmy Panetta for a matching $1.5 million community project request to complete the work.

Council members queried why staff requested $1.5 million rather than a slightly larger amount to cover a $200,000 shortfall. One council member said, “So I’m concerned about that other 200 k,” and staff replied that a 50–50 match makes the application more competitive; public works staff added that the application would be more appealing if the city demonstrates matching funds and the capacity to complete the project, and that the proposal can be scaled in a value-engineering scenario if a lower award (for example, $1 million) is granted.

Staff also sought authorization for letters of support for the regional interoperable radio project (referred to as the “Ring”), which has an estimated price tag near $40 million with participating agencies seeking earmarks (the county leading a $5.4 million request). The council heard that the ring project would allow local agencies to upgrade analog towers and equipment to a digital, P25-compliant system that improves coverage in dead zones and enables cross-agency communications.

Council members and staff encouraged residents and partner agencies to submit supporting letters; staff said they would submit the application after the meeting but could add additional attachments in the following week. After discussion, the council approved the staff recommendation and the authorization for signature of letters of support; the motions carried unanimously.

No formal award decisions were made at the meeting; staff said the city will learn whether the request is funded in the next funding round and would adjust design or funding sources if a smaller award is granted.