The San Benito County Council of Governments (COG) discussed its efforts on a Regional Transportation Plan update to include a Highway 25 widening project on the “funded” project list as well as its plans to continue to look into a half-cent transportation sales tax measure in the November 2016 election.
COG staff is coordinating an amendment to the Regional Transportation Plan and will bring updated financial and project list information to the board for action in August. As directed at the June COG meeting, staff is also developing a plan for enhanced safety and driver awareness on Highway 25. COG has plans to pursue a contract with the California Highway Patrol to provide additional enforcement on Highway 25 to help improve safety in the corridor.
The COG Board also discussed plans for a transportation sales tax measure that could go before voters for consideration in the November 2016 election. The board emphasized a need for early planning and consideration of how sales tax funds would be allocated among local jurisdictions and an identification of projects for use of the funds. The sales tax could fund a variety of projects included needed local street and road maintenance, highway improvements, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian projects.
COG has been convening a group of community leaders to discuss project needs since late last year. Interested community members wanting to give input into project priorities are encouraged to write the COG staff by email at mary@sanbenitocog.org or call 831-637-7665, extension 207.
Unmet Transit Needs Report Approved
Each year, pursuant to the Transportation Development Act, COG seeks public input to identify Unmet Transit Needs within San Benito County. This year, it conducted three public hearings to obtain input on the transit service needs provided by the Local Transportation Authority. During the 2015 Unmet Transit Needs Process, COG received 38 public requests at the hearings. Many of the requests heard by COG will be considered as part of the update to the Short Range Transit Plan that is currently being drafted. The plan is scheduled for release in the fall and will include Local Transportation Authority service recommendations for implementation in the next five years.
Caltrans Announces Improvements Planned for Highway 129
Caltrans provided COG with an update on a curve realignment project on State Route 129 in Santa Cruz County, near the Chittendon Underpass. The project will realign the highway to the north approximately 60 feet to increase the curve radius and sight distance at this location. The objective of this project is to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions occurring within the project limits.
Project construction is scheduled to start in Fall 2015 and be complete in the Spring of 2016. Construction activity may impact travelers and the public is encouraged to visit the COG website for more updates on construction plans.
The COG Board Of Directors
- Jerry Muenzer, Chair
- Tony Boch, Vice-Chair
- Anthony Botelho, Director
- Victor Gomez, Director
- Ignacio Velazquez, Director
Upcoming Meetings:
- Technical Advisory Committee: Aug. 6, 2 p.m.
- Board of Directors Meeting: Aug. 20, 3 p.m.