State Budget Woes Could Slow Angels Bypass

Angels Camp, CA — Proposition 1B funding for the construction of the Angels Camp Bypass will be cutoff Monday because of the state’s failure to pass a new budget.

Because the bypass is 50% complete and ahead of schedule, Calaveras Council of Governments Executive Director Tim McSorley says the contractor may decide to finish the project on his own dime and be reimbursed at a later date. He notes it would likely include an agreement that an early completion bonus be paid out in an amount of around $300,000.

If that falls through and the project is delayed, McSorley says Caltrans understands that additional costs would be added to the bottom line.

McSorley and other transportation officials are also holding out hope that if a Federal Stimulus package is approved, money will be allocated toward Prop. 1B projects.

The bypass is currently a year ahead of schedule and hypothetically could be open by October.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com