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Forest Highway 171 Reconstruction |
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What is the Project?
At the request of Butte County, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (FS), and the Central Federal Lands Federal Highway Division (CFLHD), BCAG completed a Project Reconnaissance and Scoping Report (August 16, 2002), investigating the widening and reconstruction of Forest Highway 171 (Upper Skyway).
In December of 2002, BCAG took the lead to develop the environmental document and begin the process of completing the Project Approval and Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase.
Why is the Project being done?
Beginning in late 1999, citizens and local officials living in and representing the communities above Paradise began expressing a concern that in the event of a fire or related natural disaster, there was only one way into and out of these communities. The southerly exit would be through the Town of Paradise on the Skyway. The northerly route would have to be over the Upper Skyway or FH 171 over a 9.6 mile section of dirt road extending between the community of Inskip and Butte Meadows.
The primary purpose of this project is improved safety for in excess of 25,000 residents living in and around these communities, also know as the Upper Ridge. Improvements to Forest Highway 171 (Upper Skyway) also substantially completes basic infrastructure necessary for the FS to effectively administer and manage the large amount of federal lands in the northeastern portion of Butte County by providing a through route.
The Humboldt, Palermo and Concow fires of 2008 have provided an increased awareness and further supports the merits of completing this project.
What is the current status of the Project?
A Phase One project from Inskip to Humbug Summit Road was advertised and awarded to Franklin Construction for $3.7 million. Construction began in the Fall of 2009, and was completed in the Spring of 2011.
The phase two and three projects remain under construction with completion expected in the summer of 2013.
Questions or comments:
Should you have any questions or comments regarding the project please call or e-mail Andy Newsum, Project Manager at (530) 879-2468.
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