In the jostling for state transportation funds, Amador County's hopes are inextricably linked to the spotty fortunes of Alpine County.

With Calaveras, the three counties have reaped the modest benefits of a tri-county partnership, with one of its cresting achievements completion of the Highway 49 bypass more than a year ago. Pooling their resources, the three rural counties take turns on big transportation projects and share funds trickling in from the state.

Thus far, however, Alpine has always been on the giving end, never on the receiving. It always lent its share to projects in the other two counties, including the Highway 49 bypass and an under-construction bypass in Angels Camp.

But the California Transportation Commission's recent slate of funding recommendations for 2008 left out nearly $1 million for local road rehabilitation projects in Alpine, endangering a partnership the state has cited as a model for other small counties, and one that has raised the cumulative profile of its three members.

"By taking Alpine's money away … they feel that they would not be willing to sign the tri-county partnership if that happened," said Charles Field, executive director of the Amador County Transportation Commission.

Commissioners decided Wednesday to send Field to do a little lobbying in San Diego next week where the CTC is expected to adopt its final recommendations.

"Otherwise," said Commissioner Richard Forster, a frequent critic of the state Department of Transportation, "it's just another slap in the face from the CTC and Caltrans."

The chances of success are unclear. The state values the tri-county partnership, according to Field, and the county has allies at the state level. Consultant Scott Maas added that there were special circumstances that could justify the rehabilitation projects in both Alpine and Amador.

"And if anything can get it through, it would be these guys," Maas said in reference to Field and tri-county representatives Tim McSorley and Dennis Cardoza.

But Field cautioned commissioners not to get their hopes up. Already overextended for 2008-09, Field said the state was looking for "low-hanging fruit" to pluck and all counties are being told they have to sacrifice.

"They're trying to build a brick wall," Field added.

Also left off the CTC's preliminary list was nearly $1.7 million for Pine Grove and $500,000 for local road projects in Amador, though the former is expected to be funded later. Forster, chairman of the board of supervisors, said one sacrifice would be the $500,000 for Amador's rehabilitation projects, though that was a bargain he was reluctant to suggest.

"Speaking as a member of the board of supervisors, it is a critical matter for Amador County," he said of the money the county could lose for repairs to Sutter-Ione Road, which was battered during construction of the Highway 49 bypass. "Don't play that card unless you have to."

The CTC did recommend a total of $5.6 million for the three counties, most of what was requested, including $1.775 million for corridor improvements in Pine Grove.

Still, Alpine's snub remains the primary concern, as it could upend a regional partnership Field said the state values. Though several other rural counties weren't recommended local rehab dollars, local officials are hoping to make a convincing case when they attend the meeting in San Diego. Field will take with him a letter of support signed by the transportation commission chair and approved by commissioners, as recommended by commissioner and Plymouth Councilman Greg Baldwin.

"I think you need to be there Charles, even if it's just to stand in the background," Forster said, before adding, "though I feel you'll probably say something."