PORT HUENEME : Disabilities Act Pressures Budget

The city of Port Hueneme will have to spend an estimated $403,000 to make its public facilities accessible to handicapped residents as required by the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, a consultant has determined.

But the financially strapped city will only be able to accomplish a portion of the required work by the federal deadline of Jan. 26, 1995, the city manager said Monday.

“We’re trying to find the money to do our regular maintenance,” City Manager John R. Velthoen said. “I don’t have any idea how this will be funded.”

The report by Rasmussen & Associates of Ventura found that the city already has $70,000 in available grant money for the next two years, and recommended the city spend the money on improving access to city buildings.

The consultant’s report found that 10 city facilities violated the federal disabilities act in a major way. The report also discovered minor violations in six of the 10 facilities. The city would have to make $290,700 in improvements to correct the major violations and another $112,400 to correct the minor violations, the consultant estimated.

The facilities that require the most expensive renovations to conform to the act are: Port Hueneme Cultural Center, $105,900; City Hall, $76,800, and Bubbling Springs Park and Corridor, $73,200.

Most of the improvements involve access to restrooms and other public spaces and assistance for residents with visual and hearing disabilities.

Released on Oct. 29, the assessment report will be available for review through Nov. 22 at the county library in Port Hueneme and in the Community Development Department at City Hall.