City leaders urged to lower infrastructure deficit

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – The city of San Diego's Independent Budget Analyst
released a report Thursday that suggested city leaders should develop a
comprehensive, multi-year and citywide strategy to whittle down a massive
backlog of major capital projects.

The so-called infrastructure deficit is pegged at $898 million, but is
likely even higher because the figure is based on obsolete and partial data,
the IBA said.

The report said the strategy would identify necessary projects and
revenue sources, and also discover critical projects that don't yet have a
revenue source.

The mayor, council members, city staff and public should all be involved
in creating the strategy, the document said.

The IBA acknowledged that the city has taken “important steps” to
addressing the infrastructure deficit. Updated condition assessments of city
facilities were funded in the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The IBA report is scheduled to be presented Monday to the City Council's
Infrastructure Committee.