A crowd of approximately 75 residents filled the Patagonia Town Council chambers on May 8 to voice their concerns about pending roadwork on Harshaw Road. Santa Cruz County Public Works Director Jesus Valdez and District 3 Supervisor Bruce Bracker led a meeting that was, at times, heated as several members of the audience expressed their misgivings about the three projects that are being considered.
Public safety during construction and the intentions of Arizona Mining, Inc. were the two topics most frequently discussed. The county proposed using Harshaw Creek Road as a detour during the estimated six to eight months that it would take to replace Bridge #9001 on Harshaw Road, which was heavily damaged last summer when a large tree trunk smashed into it during a summer flood.
Harshaw Creek Road is a one-lane, winding dirt road that crosses a perennial stream five times, according to one resident, which many people feel is unsuitable for use by increased traffic, especially large hay and cattle trucks serving the ranches in the San Rafael Valley. Mayor Ike Isakson referenced a cattle truck that turned over on Harshaw Creek Road in 2010. “He couldn’t make the turn,” he said. “Sixty-five cattle went into the canyon.” Less than half the cattle survived the wreck. “There’s no way they can make it on that road,” he said.
Although the county proposed having pilot cars to control the traffic, many expressed the opinion that that would not prevent large trucks from turning over. Another concern was whether hazardous material would be permitted on the narrow, dirt road. “We’re not comfortable having that much traffic,” said one rancher with property on both sides of Harshaw Creek Road. Several audience members accused the county officials of not having done their “due diligence” before proposing this project.
“We’ll have to close,” Maggie Urgo, co-owner of Patagonia Bike Rental said, noting that the increased traffic and the closing of the road will make it too difficult for bicyclists to travel up Harshaw Road. “We’ll be the first business to close [because of the AMI mine]. We won’t be the last. This is going to be the end of tourism.” The owner of a Bed and Breakfast in the area also expressed concern about losing business.
The option of diverting traffic through the wash next to the damaged bridge was suggested. Valdez at first dismissed this idea. “It’s more invasive when it comes to the permitting,” he said. “We’ll help you get those permits,” Patagonia resident Bob Misiorowski said. “That’s an alternative we have not evaluated,” Valdez said. He added that he would explore that option.
After listening to the comments made at the May 8 meeting and receiving several emails complaining about the project, Valdez is now looking to avoid detouring traffic to Harshaw Creek Road and plans instead to divert Harshaw Road traffic through the wash beside the existing bridge “We are pursuing an at-grade crossing at the bridge,” Valdez said recently. “The bridge will be used through the monsoons,” he added. “We’re not anticipating dismantling the bridge until after the monsoons.” The surface of the wash will be hardened, he explained, and there will be daily maintenance of the surface. He anticipates that all traffic, including larger cattle trucks, will be able to cross the wash without a problem. Harshaw Creek Road will only be used in emergencies.
In addition to the bridge replacement, the county is planning to chip seal approximately three miles of Harshaw Road from the entrance to the AMI mine to the existing paved portion of the road. Bracker explained that the county had received requests to upgrade the road from residents of the area, as traffic has increased substantially due to traffic to and from the mine project. The county is also planning to resurface the paved portion of Harshaw road up to the town line. Several audience members called for striping curves and widening the road in spots to reduce the danger for bicyclists, walkers and oncoming vehicles. Bracker said he would investigate those options.
The county has obtained a grant for a portion of the cost of replacing the bridge and anticipates that AMI will pay the balance of the costs of these three projects. The suggestion was made that AMI also should provide funds for, and be liable for, future maintenance.
Carolyn Shafer, a spokesperson for PARA, which opposes mining in the Patagonia Mountains, proposed that the county postpone the project for two years.
“You’re going to vote for this whether we want it or not,” accused one audience member. “What in the world are you doing for us, Mr. Bracker?”
The County Board of Supervisors voted to table the request to put the projects out for bid at their meeting on May 16 and will reconsider the project at their June 6 meeting.