Released this week, the 2007-2008 Humboldt County Grand Jury report includes a section on public transit in Humboldt County.  In a time of increased transportation challenges because of rising fuel costs and an aging population, their report suggests, public transportation needs attention and funding.

The section of their report concludes by commending Humboldt Transit Authority, but suggests to counties and cities that more needs and can be be spent on transit service to meet transportation needs:

"We encourage the county to continue evaluating transit services for residents living outside current service areas and to explore using more of its TDA funds for public transit.  The recommendation for additional service in developed unincorporated areas, stated in the 2007-08 HCAOG report on unmet transit needs, has merit and should be reviewed by the affected HTA members. The Grand Jury observed a high level of competence and dedication on the part of the various staff working to meet the public transit needs of Humboldt County."

The Grand Jury found that currently a significant portion of county and city funds (TDA money) which are intended for transit, are instead spent on roads:

"Fortuna and Rio Dell use TDA funds for road maintenance. Humboldt County budgeted about forty-one percent for roads of approximately $2,388,340 in funds, with the remaining TDA revenues allocated to public transit."

The rising gas costs and a growing senior population are cited as some of the main reasons transit is important in Humboldt County:

"Studies suggest a dramatic increase in this demographic by year 2020, which will result in an increased need for public transit. The Area 1 Agency on Aging (A1AA) reported transportation has consistently been a top concern for seniors living in Humboldt County. The A1AA believes transportation services are critical in linking older adults with health care, social services, and other activities."

The final report is available in its entirety here.