Politics & Government

Kersey: City Needs to Close 'Hefty' $900M Tab for Infrastructure

The city has a $900 million backlog of infrastructure projects, according to the Independent Budget Analyst

A report to the City Council's Infrastructure Committee on Monday recommended the development of a plan to pay for deferred infrastructure work.

Putting off maintenance and renovation projects because of budget restraints in recent years has left the city with backlog of projects with a low-ball price tag around $900 million, according to Erin Noel of the city's Independent Budget Analyst's office.

"Infrastructure issues impact the public health, safety and quality of life for San Diego communities, as well as the tourism industry, which is an important part of the city's economy," Noel said. "Addressing infrastructure issues is clearly one of the highest priorities for the city."

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The committee agreed to forward the issue to the full City Council for consideration.

With the economy improving, Noel said city officials have begun to address the problem, but a citywide, multi-year capital improvement plan is needed.

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"The backbone of the city has been neglected for too long and now we have a hefty tab to pay," said City Councilman Mark Kersey, who heads the committee.

In January, the committee passed a tentative work plan calling for a thorough infrastructure needs assessment.

-City News Service


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