La Plata County Faces Road Funding Crisis; Residents Demand Action
URGENT UPDATE: La Plata County’s Road and Bridge department is on the brink of collapse, as officials reveal a crippling funding crisis. At a recent meeting with Vallecito residents, Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton declared the department “functionally bankrupt,” highlighting an alarming $10 million shortfall that threatens essential road maintenance and public safety.
This dire situation comes as the county prepares to present a critical 1% sales tax increase to voters on the November ballot, which officials describe as a “lifeline.” Without this funding, residents may soon experience severe reductions in vital services, including road maintenance and snow removal, according to Superintendent Mike Canterbury.
La Plata County, home to approximately 56,000 residents, manages over 653 miles of roads, including 222 miles of paved roads and 431 miles of gravel. The department has struggled to keep up with maintenance, and residents have expressed growing frustration over deteriorating conditions. “Out here on the Dryside, we’re all faced with roads that are just – I think – horrible,” said resident Cathy Behr.
Officials warn that without the proposed tax, the department will only be able to conduct minimal maintenance. “If the ballot does not pass, the Road and Bridge department will do maintenance only, at reduced levels,” Porter-Norton stated. The alarming reality is that the county needs an estimated $203 million for road improvements and maintenance through 2045.
Residents are already noticing the impact of funding shortages. Road preservation projects have been delayed, and essential services are stretched thin. The department, which has maintained the same staff size since 1984, is facing increased demands without the necessary resources. “We really respect every penny we get,” said office manager Recy Reider.
Inclement weather exacerbates the situation, with heavy snowfall and spring runoff causing rapid road deterioration. Many county roads are overdue for paving, with some seeing traffic volumes far exceeding safe limits. “Some county roads now see up to 1,000 ADT and still haven’t been paved because of funding constraints,” Canterbury explained.
As the community awaits the outcome of the upcoming ballot, the urgency for action has never been clearer. Residents are rallying for change, knowing that their daily commutes could soon be impacted further by the lack of maintenance. “I drive across that little bridge every time I go to town, and every once in a while I think, ‘I hope it’s still OK,’” Behr added, reflecting the anxiety many feel about road safety.
County officials emphasize that without immediate action, the quality of life for residents could decline dramatically. The stakes are high, and all eyes are on the November vote to determine the future of La Plata County’s roads and public safety.
As this situation develops, residents are encouraged to engage in the upcoming vote and voice their concerns. The future of La Plata County’s infrastructure hangs in the balance, and decisive action is crucial to avoid a further decline in road conditions and safety.
