A report by the San Diego Independent Budget Analyst found that the $898 million originally estimated as the city’s cost to repair aging infrastructure may be outdated.
The report did not say how much more it will cost to repair the city’s infrastructure assets, which include streets, bridges, parks, public facilities and airports.
“This estimate is likely much higher since it is based on an outdated and partial condition assessment of the city’s buildings/facilities,” according to the report.
The report zeroed in on the current estimate that anticipates $185 million in deferred maintenance on buildings and facilities, based on outdated and limited assessments conducted in fiscal years 2007 and 2009 on about 30% of the city’s 1,600 facilities.
The fiscal 2014 budget includes funding for a more comprehensive assessment of the city’s infrastructure, according to the report.
In 2012, council approved the city’s first five-year deferred capital funding plan, which provides a mix of bond and cash funding for both ongoing maintenance, repair and capital projects.
“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, chair of the newly-formed Infrastructure Committee. “I’ve laid out a plan to rebuild our city’s streets and roads, sidewalks and streetlights, libraries and parks, and it’s gaining traction.”
Last week, the City Council approved a formal process for public input on infrastructure projects, and Kersey held the first citywide infrastructure workshop to gather feedback from residents about their priorities.
