Redding City Council authorized an emergency response Tuesday for the Tarmac Road storm-drain failure, approving a package that includes an emergency contract, a budget amendment of $4.15 million and related project costs.
Public works staff told the council that severe rain in December and January caused a natural-bottom arch culvert to fail, leading to a sinkhole and settlement along the roadway. The road is the primary way in and out for about 50 residences, staff said. The city plans to replace the structure with a reinforced concrete box culvert and add erosion protections.
According to the meeting record, the council's action allows the city manager or a designee to negotiate an emergency public works contract capped at $3.5 million, with a $300,000 contingency, $50,000 for project development and $300,000 for construction management and inspection. The council also approved the 33rd budget amendment to appropriate $4.15 million for the work.
Staff said the city expects to pursue reimbursement through state emergency channels and is working with Cal OES and the Shasta County Sheriff's Office on damage assessments. The staff report said the city is anticipating reimbursement for 75% of the costs, though officials noted there are no guarantees.
During the discussion, staff said the wastewater utility will front the cost and that the storm drain utility would repay the balance over time if the reimbursement comes through as expected. Staff also said the project is being fast-tracked in hopes of finishing before the next rainy season.
The project came to the council after the interim city manager declared an emergency on Dec. 22, and after the governor declared a state of emergency that included Shasta County on Dec. 24, staff said.
The council’s action was taken during the April 7 meeting.
