California officials are threatening to clear a mile-long homeless encampment that has grown to more than 200 people on a popular bike trail and is deemed a public health emergency.

Last month, Sonoma County's Board of Supervisors approved nearly $12million in emergency money to provide housing and other services to those living in the encampment of tents and makeshift shelters along the Joe Rodota Trail in Santa Rosa.

The vote came amid growing complaints from residents and businesses about squalid, unsanitary conditions, including rats and other pests and a rash of used needles in the area. 

The $11.63million plan earmarks about $7million for county officials to buy existing multi-bedroom units and also to open at least two 'indoor-outdoor' shelters where people can hook up recreational vehicles and have safe parking spots if living in their cars. 

There will also be protected areas for people to sleep outdoors if they refuse to come inside.

Sonoma County also plans to spend $1million to create seven new positions at the Department of Health Services and about $465,000 on 15 substance abuse beds.