The 2008 Regional Transportation Plan for Humboldt County has been approved, and is available for public review.

The Humboldt County Association of Governments adopted the plan Thursday.

This year’s Regional Transportation Plan is the culmination of a one-year update process, guided locally by Planwest Partners, Inc. and funded by the state of California through research and planning funds as well as local resources, said HCAOG Executive Director Spencer Clifton.

The document serves as a long-term planning tool outlining goals and implementation strategies for multi-modal transportation systems throughout Humboldt County.

The plan focuses on highways and roads, public and paratransit — such as City Ambulance and Dial-A-Ride — bicycle and pedestrian services, aviation, tribal transportation and the movement of goods in and out of Humboldt County.

“Everybody is impacted by the need for transportation improvements,” Clifton said.

“There are high-priority needs in virtually all modes,” he added. “Each city provides input regarding what their plans are for their future and their growth.”

A number of projects are expected to be funded, said Fortuna Mayor and HCAOG Chairman John Campbell.

The Alton Interchange project at the intersection of U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 36 has received required funding.

The California Coastal Commission recently approved permitting, he said, with construction expected to begin next spring.

This will include upgrading a frontage road to connect back to Highway 101, he said.

Clifton said anticipated construction in the upcoming year includes improvements on Old Arcata Road.

Regionally, Campbell said interest in the importance of sidewalks and trails has increased, and referred to the rising costs of gas as well as health benefits of walking.

“There seems to be a lot more demand for sidewalks and pedestrian access,” he said.

Campbell said another priority is the future of the corridor between Eureka and Arcata.

A subcommittee will likely look into the potential bay trail project, said HCAOG Vice-Chairman and Arcata Mayor Mark Wheetley.

Wheetley said that in general, it is encouraging that the regional transportation plan is broadening beyond “typical” highway and road projects to include alternative transportation modes.

“It’s going to be our future,” he said. “We have a tremendous opportunity to be on the cutting edge of that.”

The challenge, he said, is going to be acquiring the resources to do so.

Where public transit is concerned, some say there is always room for improvement.

“People always want more service, more often, later at night and on the weekends, and further out in the county,” said Paul Pitino, who sits on the HCAOG Policy Advisory Committee and serves as chairman of Humboldt Transit Authority.

Pitino said the regional plan identifies transportation needs and where they are going to be addressed.

“It is a basis for us to make some plans for the future,” he said.

The 2008 Regional Transportation Plan can be viewed at www.hcaog.net/.

Copies are also available in the HCAOG office, at 427 F St., Eureka.