I. INTRODUCTION

 

The 2002-04 Regional Transportation Plan for Humboldt County has been updated in compliance with guidelines established by the California Transportation Commission, and prior to the adoption of the 2004 STIP. The RTP is focused on achieving a coordinated and balanced multi-modal transportation system, while maintaining the existing transportation system in a condition that promotes safety, and facilitates recreational and tourist travel. The following key elements are included in this RTP update.

RTP/RTIP Linkages - The RTP is linked to the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP), and addresses system preservation as well as projected growth and congestion over the next 20 years, so that transportation improvements can be tied to purpose and need.

RTP/RTIP/ITIP Integration - There is cooperative integration of the planned capital improvements on the Caltrans' Interregional System (Interregional Transportation Improvement Program - ITIP) with the RTP and RTIP.

Land Use/Transportation Relationships - The RTP discusses development issues arising from the local planning efforts and their effects on the transportation system.

Performance Measures - The RTP includes a set of "program level" transportation system performance measures, which are linked to policies and objectives.

Financial Assumptions - The RTP reflects an assessment of available financial resources and project funding, while taking into account the limited financial resources available at the state and federal levels.

Prioritization of Projects – A new technical tool has been developed which could assist HCAOG with prioritizing projects in light of limited funding.

Air Quality Conformity - The RTP discusses air quality requirements and attainment programs administered by the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (NCUAQMD).

Rural Native American Tribes - The Federally recognized Native American tribes in the County have been included in the update to help ensure that tribal participation and transportation needs continue to be part of the RTP process.

Since many of the major roads within Humboldt County are under the jurisdiction of state and federal agencies and municipalities, coordination with those agencies is an important part of the RTP Update. Jurisdictions and agencies with transportation systems located within the study area, or affected by the RTP, were invited to participate in the RTP Update process.

A. REGIONAL SETTING

Humboldt County is a geographically diverse region located in northwestern California. The County encompasses 3,500 square miles of forested mountains, river valleys, coastal terraces, agricultural lands and coastline. The Pacific Ocean forms the western border of Humboldt County and to the north is Del Norte County. Along the eastern border are the mountainous Trinity and Siskiyou Counties, and to the south are the coastal mountains and valleys of Mendocino County.

In addition to several unincorporated communities, Humboldt County is home to seven incorporated cities with populations ranging in size from approximately 400 to 28,000 residents. It is noteworthy that within its borders, the County does not include an urbanized metropolitan area that meets the criteria as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Indeed, the nearest designated metropolitan area is located more than 150 miles away (Table I-1).

Table I-1.

Distance From Humboldt County

To Nearest Metropolitan Areas

 

Metropolitan Area	Distance, miles	Distance, road hours
Redding	160	3.5
San Francisco	280	5.5
Sacramento	300	6
Portland	420	10

LIST OF TABLES

In 2000, the county had a total population of 127,700. The majority of residents (52%) are concentrated in the area surrounding Humboldt Bay, which is also the center of government and commercial services. Most of the county is sparsely populated and many residents live in places that are remote or difficult to access.

The seven incorporated cities in Humboldt County are Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Blue Lake, Rio Dell, Ferndale and Trinidad. Of the numerous unincorporated communities in the county, McKinleyville is the largest with a population almost matching that of Arcata. For discussion purposes, the most prominent geographic areas of the county (where residents have similar needs and lifestyles) are described below.

Greater Humboldt Bay Area. The alluvial coastal terraces surrounding Humboldt Bay and the Eel River estuary is the most populous area in the county and includes the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Blue Lake, Fortuna, Ferndale, and the unincorporated community of McKinleyville.

South County. Geographically the largest part of the county, the South County includes Rio Dell and Scotia; the Avenue of the Giants communities; Garberville and Redway; the Eel, Mattole and Van Duzen River communities; Humboldt Redwoods, Richardson Grove and Grizzly Creek State Parks; and the King Range National Conservation Area.

North County. The coastal bluffs and mountains extending from the city of Trinidad northward, this part of the County includes Orick; Redwood National Park; Prairie Creek and Humboldt Lagoons State Parks; and several state beaches.

East County. This mountainous, upper Klamath River-lower Trinity River region includes Willow Creek, Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, Orleans, and Six Rivers National Forest.

 

B. DEMOGRAPHIC AND ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS

In order to construct a profile of Humboldt County’s future economic and demographic characteristics over the next 20 years, several planning resources were consulted. Initially, a review was made of relevant data published by the Center for Economic Development at California State University, Chico.  For a longer-term perspective, the State Department of Finance’s preliminary 20 year forecast for Humboldt County, based on data from the federal 2000 Census was reviewed. All state agencies must use Department of Finance forecasts in their official planning activities, however the Department has not yet completed their final forecasts based on the 2000 Census for Humboldt County.  For this reason, this RTP Update makes use of forecasts developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and published on a county by county basis in their California 2002-2020 County-Level Economic Forecast.  

Using data primarily from Caltrans’ publications, tables have been prepared displaying the population growth trends for Humboldt County, increases in total number of jobs and the allocation of jobs according to economic sectors, and changes in the relative value of retail sales and industrial production for the County during the 2000-2020 time period.  These tables appear in the discussion below.

It is interesting to note that population increases in the County during the next twenty years is expected to be achieved at a rate of between 11.3 percent (Department of Finance) to about 15 percent (Caltrans), while the percentage of residents over age 65 will grow from 12.4 percent to 19 percent of the total.  At the same time, vehicle registrations will increase by 13 percent, vehicle miles traveled will grow about 37 percent, jobs will increase by 24.5 percent, and personal income will soar by 203.5 percent.  In addition, a 189 percent increase in the value of total retail sales in the County indicates that by 2020 this economic sector will surpass the total value of manufactured goods.  These social and economic trends, individually and taken together, represent significant changes for Humboldt County.

Table I-2.

Population Growth in

Humboldt County 1980-2000

 

Year	Population	% Change since 1980
1980	108,400	n/a
1990	118,400	9.2%
2000	127,700	17.7%

During the last 20 years, the population of Humboldt County grew at a rate of 17.7 percent from a total of 108,400 to about 127,600 residents.  It is expected that during the 2000-2020 time period the rate of growth will be slightly lower.

 

Table I-3.

Population Changes in Cities

 Humboldt County 1990-2000

 

 

Location	1990	2000	Percent Change 90-00
Eureka	26,900	27,550	2.4%
Arcata	15,100	16,400	8.6%
Fortuna	8,750	10,250	17.1%
Blue Lake	1,240	1,240	no change
Rio Dell	3,000	2,940	-2.0%
Ferndale	1,330	1,370	3.0%
Trinidad	360	360	no change
Humboldt County	118,400	127,600	7.8%
Source: Chico, CED, 2001 Humboldt County Economic & Demographic Profile Series

As can be seen in Table I-3 above, there was a considerable range in the level of population changes that were experienced by the cities located in Humboldt County during the last decade. The most rapid growth rate of 17.1 percent was experienced by the City of Fortuna while there was no change in the population levels of the cities of Blue Lake and Trinidad during the ten year time period.

Table I-4.

Projected Population Growth in

Humboldt County 2000-2020

           

            Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

Twenty-year population projections for Humboldt County have been made by both the Department of Finance and by Caltrans. The Department of Finance forecasts a 11.3 percent population increase while Caltrans model predicts a total population in 2020 of 145,902 residents for Humboldt County, representing a 14.9 percent increase over the next 20 years. This compares with the 33 percent growth rate that both the Department of Finance and Caltrans have predicted for California as a whole during the same time frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE I-5

Changes In Average Age Of Population

Less than 19 and Over 65 Years

of Age—2000 and 2020

 

 

             Source: 2000 Census and Department of Finance County Forecast through 2040

 

 

 

In regard to the age distribution of the County population, the 2000 census found that the median age in Humboldt County was 36.3 years.  In addition, 12.4 percent of the population was over 65 years of age and 26.7 percent was under 19 years.  Unfortunately, the only reliable forecast of age distributions in the general population has been prepared by the Department of Finance and it is based on the 1990 census and has not yet been updated using 2000 data.  The Department of Finance estimates that by 2020 the median age in the County will be 40 years, with 19 percent of the population over 65 years and about 23.3 percent of the population under 19 years of age. 

 

Table I-6

Projected Growth in Registered Vehicles in

Humboldt County 2000-2020

                        Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

 

During the next 20 years, the number of registered vehicles in Humboldt County is expected to increase from 128,000 to 145,000.  This represents an increase of 13.3 percent over current levels, and about one car per person in the County.

 

 

Table I-7

Projected Growth in Vehicle Miles

Traveled in Humboldt County 2000-2025

           

Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

Humboldt County is expected to experience a 37 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled during the next several years, according to Caltrans’ forecasts.  This increase is a result of several factors, including population increases, growth in registered vehicles and also the growth in economic activity that is anticipated for the County.

 

Table I-8

Projected Growth in Personal Income in

 Humboldt County 2000-2020 ($0000)

           

                        Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

Table I-8 illustrates an increase in personal income that is predicted for Humboldt County over the next 20 years. The growth total of 203.5 percent for personal income does exceed the increase predicted for population growth over the same time period. The increase over a 20-year period is equivalent to a 3.62% compounded 1 year which is consistent with historic inflation. However, the personal income growth rate does correlate with the predicted growth rates for jobs and the value of retail sales and other economic indicators that are displayed in the tables below.

 

Table I-9

Projected Growth in Jobs in

Humboldt County 2000-2020

              

 

Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

 

According to the projections in Table I-9, the total number of jobs in Humboldt County is expected to increase from 50,300 to 61,100 during the 20 year time period displayed in the table above.  This represents an annual increase of 1.1%.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Job growth is predicted for the wholesale/retail, fire, services and government sectors of the local economy.  In contrast, there will be decreases in jobs in both the manufacturing and transportation/utilities sectors.  Local employment opportunities in the traditional areas of farming and mining/construction will remain at current levels during the next several years.

 

Table I-11

Comparison of Value of Retail Sales and

Industrial Production in

Humboldt County 2000-2020

            Source: Caltrans, California 2002-2020 County Level Economic Forecast

It is interesting to note the relative changes in the value of retail sales and industrial production that is anticipated for Humboldt County in the future. Retail sales is expected to grow by 188.9 percent and overtake the value of manufactured goods by 2020, because the value of manufactured goods will only increase by 37.5 percent over the same time period.

 

C. TRAVEL CHARACTERISTICS

The following summarizes key conclusions that are drawn from the work-travel statistics obtained from the 1990 census data for Humboldt County.

• Nearly 3 out of 4 workers (74%) in the County traveled to work alone by automobile.
• Twelve percent of workers carpooled, a significant statistic considering the rural character of the area.
• One percent of workers rode transit compared to the statewide average of four percent.
• Seven percent of all work trips were made by walking and biking. An additional five percent worked at home. These percentages are encouraging compared to the statewide average of only three percent for these modes.

 

D. PLAN PURPOSE AND ASSUMPTIONS

The 2002-04 RTP for Humboldt County was developed by the Humboldt County Association of Governments, in cooperation with Caltrans, Humboldt County, the cities of Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Blue Lake, Ferndale, Trinidad, local tribes, and other stakeholders. The RTP was prepared pursuant to Government Code § 65080 et seq. of Chapter 2.5, federal legislation; U.S. Code, Title 23, § 134 and §135 et seq.; and new CTC guidelines. The RTP was prepared to provide a clear vision of the regional transportation goals, policies, objectives, and strategies for Humboldt County.

PLAN PURPOSE

The Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Humboldt County has prepared this 2002-04 Regional Transportation Plan update based on the following functions:

• Providing an assessment of the current modes of transportation and the potential of new travel options within the region;
• Predicting the future needs for travel and goods movement;
• Identifying and documenting specific actions necessary to address the region's mobility and accessibility needs;
• Identifying and documenting public policy decisions by local, regional, state and federal officials regarding transportation expenditures and financing;
• Identifying needed transportation improvements, in sufficient detail, to serve as a foundation for the:
• Development of the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP), the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) and the Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP);
• Facilitation of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)/404 integration process decisions;
• Identification of project purpose and needs;
• Development of an estimate of emissions impacts for demonstrating conformity with the air quality standards identified in the State Implementation Plan (SIP).
• Promotion of consistency between the California Transportation Plan, the regional transportation plan and other transportation plans developed by cities, counties, districts, private organizations, tribal governments, and state and federal agencies in responding to statewide and interregional transportation issues and needs;
• Providing a forum for; (1) participation and cooperation and (2) to facilitate partnerships that reconcile transportation issues which transcend regional boundaries and;
• Involving the public, federal, State and local agencies, as well as local elected officials, early in the transportation planning process so as to include them in discussions and decisions on the social, economic, air quality and environmental issues related to transportation.

PLAN ASSUMPTIONS

The Regional Transportation Plan contains assumptions on which the plan is based. Following is an updated list of assumptions used in developing this 2002-04 RTP update:

1. The RTP update is based on 10-year and 20-year planning horizons.
2. The growth in population in Humboldt County will continue at a slow rate of growth, as depicted in the demographic projections, with the highest increases being experienced in the Fortuna area, McKinleyville, and unincorporated areas surrounding Eureka. The average age of the population will continue to increase.
3. Employment and housing will keep pace with population growth.
4. As the population increases, the automobile will continue to be the primary mode of travel in the county for both work and non-work trips.
5. Fuel will continue to be available but will experience price fluctuations and will be more expensive here than in more populated areas of California.
6. The air quality in Humboldt County will continue to improve due to technological improvements to vehicles and fuels and changes in goods movement.
7. There is a direct relationship between ridership on the A&MRTS (Arcata & Mad River Transit Service) and RTS (Redwood Transit Service) transit systems and student enrollment at Humboldt State University, and this relationship will continue throughout the plan period.
8. The capacity of the state highway system varies with terrain and facility type. For this plan update, roadway capacities and level of service calculations were derived from national capacities contained in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM).
9. The land use and transportation elements contained in local plans such as for the cities of Arcata and Eureka will emphasize stronger land use/transportation coordination and promote use of alternative transportation modes.
10. Transit vehicles will gradually convert to alternative fuels, and a centralized fueling station, likely at Humboldt Transit Authority, will be developed.
11. Only Arcata-Eureka, Murray Field and Rohnerville Airports will experience growth in based aircraft.
12. The Arcata-Eureka Airport will continue to offer scheduled passenger service to the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and to destinations in Oregon or Washington. It is expected that the airport will be served by the new generation of regional jets. The increased number of seats offered on regional jets is expected to increase enplanements (i.e. passenger numbers).
13. Traditional and non-traditional funding is potentially becoming more available for non-motorized facility improvements.
14. The state’s economic crisis has severely impacted transportation funding. There is the likelihood that projects will need to be delayed and rescheduled into the future.
15. There is a direct relationship between bicycle use and student enrollment at Humboldt State University and the College of the Redwoods, and this relationship will continue throughout the plan period.
16. Non-motorized facilities will continue to improve and become better connected with other modal systems. These improvements will result in an increase in use of non-motorized (pedestrian and bicycle) transportation modes.
17. There may be an increase in the volume of goods moved in and out of the region by marine transport, due to Humboldt Bay channel deepening and harbor improvements.
18. Truck volumes will continue to be a major element of the transportation system representing approximately ten percent (10%) of travel on all state facilities.
19. Increases in tourism and travel spending resulting from recreational travel improvements will continue to increase at an annual rate of two percent (2%).
20. Electricity usage in Humboldt County will increase 1.9% annually over the RTP planning horizon (California Energy Commission 1998a).
21. The demand for natural gas (excluding that used for electricity generation) will increase an average of 0.3% annually over the planning horizon (California Energy Commission 1998a).

UPDATING THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Regional transportation planning is a dynamic process requiring continuous monitoring and periodic updating. As an RTPA, HCAOG is required to adopt and submit, every three years, an updated RTP to the CTC and Caltrans (Government Code § 65080(c)). An RTPA that does not contain an urbanized area may at its option adopt and submit an RTP once every four years. If an RTPA determines that the current RTP is adequate and that an update is not warranted, it may readopt the current RTP. However, as a policy, HCAOG updates its RTP biannually to reflect recent activities that could impact the development of the regional transportation system.

To qualify for funding in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), projects included in an RTIP or the ITIP must be consistent with adopted RTPs. Given the requirements of Government Code § 65080(c), the CTC will only consider STIP funding for projects consistent with an RTP adopted within three years (four years in non-urban regions) of STIP adoption.

Federal Transportation Conformity rules require a new conformity determination at not more than 3-year intervals. Other, shorter deadlines for new conformity determinations may also apply based on various EPA actions including nonattainment designation or classification changes, SIP approvals, emission budget approvals, and changes in modeling assumptions. These requirements are separate from the RTP adoption schedule, but can affect it. When the RTP is updated or amended, a new conformity determination, where applicable, shall (Title 40, CFR §. 93.102) and (Title 23, CFR §. 450.322(d)) be made.

 

 

E. PLAN ORGANIZATION

ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS

This RTP focuses on deficiencies in the existing roadway system, primarily capacity, safety and rehabilitation issues, and in expanding opportunities for modes of transportation other than the single occupancy vehicle. Humboldt County is not experiencing the rapid rate of population growth occurring in other areas of California; however, vehicle travel is still projected to increase due to factors such as land use decisions, increased income and changing societal needs.

The proposed projects and improvements outlined in this RTP draw upon technological improvements in transportation system management, intelligent transportation systems, and capital improvements, to facilitate movement of goods and people, while minimizing transportation infrastructure costs.

POLICY ELEMENT

The Policy Element contains the goals, policies, and objectives for transportation issues by mode. There is also an overall regional transportation goal. Both statewide and regional issues are addressed.

 

ACTION ELEMENT

The Action Element describes the state and regional transportation planning process, as well as the process undertaken to evaluate various improvement options. Specific improvements are identified for short-range and long-range capital programs designed to meet the anticipated needs. Implementation cost estimates and responsible agencies are identified. In addition, a technical prioritization tool is developed to assist with the likely need to prioritize projects for limited funding in the future.

 

FINANCIAL ELEMENT

The Financial Element presents the costs, revenues, and deficits for the transportation modes. In cases where a funding deficit exists, a discussion of those improvements that are financially feasible is presented along with an assessment of the resulting impacts of the funding shortfall. In addition, alternative funding sources are discussed.

F. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The following is a summary of Humboldt County's roadway system, which is an integral part of the whole transportation system. The full transportation system provides circulation for people and goods and therefore includes many components in addition to roadways, such as rail facilities, aviation facilities, marine transport terminals, transit facilities, and bike and pedestrian facilities. Each component carries a particular mode including autos, trains, planes, ships, bicycles and pedestrians.

ROADWAY SYSTEM

 All state routes in Humboldt County are classified as Principal Arterial (PA), Minor Arterial (MA), Major Collector, or Minor Collector.

Principal Arterials. Principal arterials constitute routes whose design is expected to provide for high overall travel speeds, with minimum interference to through movement. These routes serve corridor movements with trip length and travel density characteristics indicative of substantial statewide or interstate travel. In Humboldt County, U.S. 101, SR 299, and SR 200 are classified as Principal Arterials.

Minor Arterials. The rural minor arterial system forms a network linking cities, larger towns, and other traffic generators, such as resort areas and/or recreational attractions. In Humboldt County, the arterial system consists of State Routes 36, 96, and 255. These routes are sparsely connected with a network of local county roads.

Major Collector. Major collectors provide service to larger towns not directly served by the arterial system, and to other traffic generators of equivalent intra-county importance, such as major recreational areas, schools, airports, and commercial activity centers. Major collectors also link these locations with nearby routes of higher classification. Examples of major collectors in Humboldt County are SR 211, SR 283, and a portion of SR 169.

Minor Collector. Minor collectors provide service to the remaining smaller communities within the county and link the locally important traffic generators with these rural areas. The alignment of minor collectors is often dependent on the terrain. Examples of minor collectors in Humboldt County include SR 169 and SR 271.

Local Roads. The rural local road system serves primarily to provide access from local roads to adjacent land. Local roads provide travel over relatively short distances compared to arterials and collectors. Local roads constitute the remaining roadway mileage not classified as principal arterial, minor arterial, or collector roadways in Humboldt County.

G. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROGRAM

COORDINATION WITH NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

The CTC Guidelines require the RTP process to meet the federal and state requirement to consult with and consider the interests of Indian Tribal Governments in the development of transportation plans and programs, including funding of transportation projects accessing tribal lands through state and local transportation programs.

The Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program Procedures and Guidelines, October 1999, defines procedures and provides guidelines to be used for transportation planning activities. The IRR transportation planning policies include guidelines that are relevant to the RTP update process, including the following:

• Transportation planning activities among Indian Tribal Governments, the BIA, FHWA, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), States and local governments will be performed on a Government-to-Government basis as outlined in the Presidential Memorandum dated, April 29, 1994.
• Interpretation of these guidelines shall be liberally construed for the benefit of Indian Tribes.
• The BIA, FHWA, and FTA shall encourage and assist Indian Tribal Governments to do transportation planning.
• The FHWA and FTA require State, Regional Planning Organizations, and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to consult with and consider the interests of Indian Tribal Governments in the development of transportation plans and programs.
• Transportation planning will consider all modes of transportation and how they interface with each other.
• Request for IRR transportation planning funds shall be initiated by a proposal or negotiated agreement.
• The IRR construction funds may be used to carryout transportation planning activities.
• The IRR transportation planning funds set-aside for tribal transportation planning may be reprogrammed to IRR construction projects prior to the end of the fiscal year.

Consistent with the procedures and guidance cited above, including the RTP guidelines Government to Government consultation requirements, the local tribal governments in Humboldt County were contacted and invited participate in the RTP planning process, including public workshops, in-person meetings and phone contact.

CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Information about the RTP 2002-04 update process and timeline was distributed via direct mail, email, television, and community flier postings. The following is a list of the types of outreach conducted:

• Direct mail announcing the RTP Update planning process and public workshops was sent to known interested individuals, entities and organizations. HCAOG Board members and committee members received this information in meeting packets.
• Meetings were held with the TAC to review interim RTP products and provide guidance on the RTP’s development. The technical prioritization tool was generated in partnership with the TAC.
• Fliers were posted in places of business, government offices, and at public kiosks in communities accessible by RTP team members or contacts.
• "Stakeholder" interviews were conducted with several local officials. Phone and in-person contact was made with city, county, HCAOG, Caltrans, and transit authority staff to collect relevant and updated information.
• Public Workshops. Two sets of four public workshops were held around the county. At the first set of workshops, the public assisted with identifying transportation issues and concerns, while receiving a briefing on the RTP update process. Attendees were asked to give mode-related input on transportation needs, problems and solutions The second set of workshops included presenting the public with a summary of the major updates to the RTP and opportunities for further input.
• Native American Tribes received all public workshops notices inviting them to participate in the development of the RTP update. Phone contact was made with each tribe to solicit input. Two of the public workshops were held at a Tribal location. In addition, HCAOG staff visited one tribe to address the RTP.
• The district air board (NCUAQMB) was consulted to ensure compliance with relevant air quality planning requirements and modeling assumptions.

Public meetings were located to reach as many citizens of the county as possible and were held in the following areas:

1. Eureka for the greater Eureka area.
2. McKinleyville for the Arcata, Blue Lake & McKinleyville area.
3. Garberville for the South County, Redway & Garberville area.
4. Blue Lake Rancheria for local Native American tribes.

At these meetings, Microsoft Powerpoint presentations were made to educate participants about the RTP update process, and to solicit their input. Copies of the updates were available for distribution. Large flip charts and maps showed the contents of the RTP.

Web Site. To provide additional access during the comment period, the 02-04 RTP was also available for viewing on the Internet at www.hcaog.net.

H. COORDINATION WITH OTHER PLANS

During development of the 2002-04 RTP Update, recently completed plans, policy documents and studies addressing transportation and environmental issues in Humboldt County were reviewed and incorporated. They include the 5-year County Capital Improvement Program, bicycle and pedestrian needs studies, a parking needs study, regional housing needs study, and a Phase I Community Transportation Plan. In addition, updated data was collected from recent transit performance audits, financial audits, short range transit plans, and marine and rail studies.