This article was contributed by the Council of San Benito County Governments.
San Benito County has a major transportation crisis. The Council of San Benito County Governments (COG), San Benito County’s regional transportation planning agency, is continuously evaluating vital county transportation needs and solutions for addressing those needs. In December 2017, COG board and staff members released a detailed 179-page Regional Transportation Plan assessing the long-term future of San Benito County’s transportation through the year 2040. The full document is available on the COG’s website.
Among the most significant needs identified during the development of the regional transportation plan, include local street and road repairs throughout the county.
San Benito County roads have seen deterioration under the weight of decades of underinvestment due to funding deficiencies.
Our region is one of seven counties in California to have an average pavement condition index of 46, well below “at risk,” and significantly worse than the statewide average. The San Benito County region has a combined pavement maintenance need of over $350 million over the next 22 years.
The COG board and staff members are currently engaging with community members on our transportation needs. We are scheduling conversations with community organizations and groups to discuss the transportation needs, possible solutions, and collect feedback. If you or your organization would like to schedule a meeting, please let COG know. COG’s goal is to schedule as many in-person meetings as possible over the coming months. You can also fill out an online survey regarding county transportation needs or learn more by visiting the COG website.
If you would like to ensure that your feedback is heard, or if you have any questions or comments regarding COG’s process, please contact Executive Director Mary Gilbert by phone at (831) 637-7665 ext. 207 or by email at [email protected].
The Council of Governments was formed in 1973 by the cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista, and San Benito County for the purpose of forming consensus on regional issues facing San Benito County. COG continues this coordination today by providing a public forum for discussion at its monthly meetings. The Board of Directors are five elected officials appointed from the Hollister City Council, County Board of Supervisors, and San Juan Bautista City Council.
