For Immediate Release 

May 24, 2006

Contact: Christine Falvey

Tel: (415) 554-6920

***PRESS RELEASE***

San Francisco Public Works Conducts Road Paving Show

Department uses first of $15 million surplus.

Roadway is the first to be repaved with City's General Fund in nearly 20 years.

Click here to view photos.



San Francisco, Ca – The San Francisco Department of Public Works showcased its road paving capabilities today on Valdez Street in the City's Monterey Heights neighborhood. Valdez Street is the first street to be paved in San Francisco using the City's general funds in nearly 20 years.

The department received $15 million in surplus funding this year to increase its road resurfacing program. Nearly 200 blocks will be paved throughout the City, one of which has not been repaved since the 1960s. Supervisor Sean Elsbernd, who represents District 7, was instrumental in securing the additional funding for road resurfacing and was present to assist crews as they paved the first block of Valdez Street.

"It is our obligation to maintain and improve our City's infrastructure for our residents and for future generations of San Franciscans. A sound investment in road resurfacing today will result in savings by allowing us to avoid costly emergencies tomorrow," said Supervisor Sean Elsbernd.

On Monday, Mayor Newsom highlighted several initiatives in his proposed $135 million infrastructure investment for FY 2006-2007 budget that will improve San Francisco's major streetscapes with $7.7 million in funding included for street repairs.

For many years, San Francisco has experienced funding shortfalls for street maintenance and improvements. As a result, the condition of the City's street infrastructure has steadily worsened causing potholes and pavement failures. Funds have been used for emergency repair rather than preventative maintenance and strategic capital improvement.