SANDAG OKs funds for Route 56

SAN DIEGO -- Route 56 moved a step closer on its long road toward completion Friday when a regional coalition agreed to ante up an additional $21.2 million from transportation tax reserves for the project.
The San Diego Association of Governments board of directors, a coalition of representatives from the region's cities and the county, voted 19-0 to allot the money, which is needed to offset the escalating costs of building the highway.
The 5.3-mile segment, which would link Interstates 5 and 15 through Carmel Valley, is now estimated at $111.5 million -- $19.8. million higher than it was tabbed earlier this year.
Also, the city of San Diego, which is spearheading the project, has just $9.7 million available for construction, $1.4 million less than city officials previously believed was available, association transportation analyst Eric Pahlke told the board.
Construction, environmental and right-of-way property costs have driven up the price tag on the project, officials said. The highway is targeted for completion by 2003.
The route would reduce congestion on both 1-5 and 1-15 in the mid-county area, officials contend. Currently, portions of the route have been built extending east from 1-5 in Carmel Valley and west from 1-15 in Rancho Penasquitos. The highway, however, remains unfinished through a rugged stretch of canyons and wetlands between Black Mountain Road and Carmel Valley Road.
The $21.2 million shortfall will be filled from a reserve fund set aside from 1998 state transportation tax revenues. Other revenues are coming from the county and different pots of transportation revenues administered by the association. While association board members have expressed dismay at the rising costs and a reluctance to tap the reserve fund, they agreed Friday the project needs to proceed expeditiously.
"I'm relieved," said County Supervisor Pam Slater, a longtime proponent. "It's been a long time coming. This is road that is needed and has been planned as a mid-county solution."