To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Transportation
Meeting Date: May 19, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Howard N. Dashiell |
Phone: |
(707) 463-4363 |
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Department Contact: |
Alicia Winokur |
Phone: |
(707) 463-4363 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 15 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Direction to Staff Regarding Right of Way Acquisition Strategy for the Wilderness Lodge Road Bridge Replacement Project over Dutch Charlie Creek, County Road 320 at Milepost 0.72 (Laytonville Area)
(Sponsor: Transportation)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Provide direction to staff to begin condemnation proceedings in order to prevent delay of construction on the Wilderness Lodge Road Bridge Replacement Project over Dutch Charlie Creek, County Road 320 at milepost 0.72 (Laytonville Area).
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
By Resolution Number (No.) 15-167 (November 17, 2015), the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved BOS Agreement No. 15-125/Department of Transportation (DOT) Agreement No. 150097 (Agreement) with MGE Engineering, Inc. (MGE), for plans, specifications, and estimate bid package for the Dutch Charlie Creek Bridge Replacement Project on Wilderness Lodge Road. By Resolution No. 22-242 (December 6, 2022), the Board adopted an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the project.
Summary of Request:
The Mendocino County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is seeking Board direction regarding right of way (R/W) acquisition efforts for the Wilderness Lodge Road Bridge Replacement Project over Dutch Charlie Creek. The existing bridge is classified as ‘Functionally Obsolete’ and is eligible for replacement under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Bridge Program (HBP) administered by Caltrans. MGE is finalizing design and securing all necessary permits, and 100% funding for construction of the project is programmed in Federal Fiscal Year 2026/27 through the FHWA HBP and toll credits. The project requires acquisition of R/W from two properties, one of which is owned by Wildlands, LLC. MCDOT, in coordination with its R/W consultant, Bender Rosenthal, has been actively engaged with the property owner since November 2025 in an effort to negotiate acquisition in good faith. Given the lack of meaningful progress to date and the time-sensitive nature of the acquisition, the County is prepared to initiate condemnation proceedings if necessary to secure the required property interests. MCDOT, along with Bender Rosenthal, will provide a presentation to the Board summarizing the current status of negotiations, project implications, and available options moving forward. Staff is seeking Board direction to begin with condemnation proceedings in order to prevent delay of construction on this important bridge replacement.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Direct staff to continue efforts toward a negotiated settlement and not begin condemnation proceedings.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Prepared and Resilient County
Supervisorial District: District 4
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: FHWA HBP, Toll credits |
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current f/y cost: $2,100 estimated for acquisition |
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budget clarification: FY 26/27: $150,000 estimated for Resolution of Necessity to Final Order of Condemnation |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
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revenue agreement: No |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Steve Dunnicliff, Deputy CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: May 19, 2026 |
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