November 21, 2013
Board of Directors
Anthony Botelho, Chair, San Benito County Board of Supervisors
Victor Gomez, Vice Chair, Hollister City Council
Tony Boch, Director, San Juan Bautista Mayor
Jaime De La Cruz, Director, San Benito County Supervisor
Robert Scattini, Director, Hollister City Council
Board Proposes to Continue Funding the Route 156 Project
In a 3-2 vote, the Council of Governments approved a funding plan that pays for part of the cost of constructing the Route 156 Project. COG is requesting $9.6 million from the California Transportation Commission in State Transportation Improvement Program funding for the project. The project construction phase is anticipated to cost $45.1 million and is scheduled to start in 2016/17.
The purpose of the Project, located between Hollister and San Juan Bautista, is to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. The Project is located immediately to the south of the existing route.
Local Transportation Authority Looks to the Future
The Local Transportation Authority began strategic planning efforts which will be the foundation for a Short Range and Long Range Transit Plan. The Board talked about what is working well and what needs to be improved about the local transit service.
The consultant team hired by the Authority will synthesize the ideas into the Short Range and Long Range Transit Plan. The Plan will be used as a tool to improve transit services for the community. The Board discussed many ideas including the use of technology to improve transit services, partnering with interested entities, marketing, and taxi vouchers
In Other News:
A Caltrans representative reminded the COG Board and the public to drive safely during the upcoming holidays.
Next Board Meeting:
December 19, 2013, 3:00 p.m.
Board of Supervisors Chambers
481 Fourth Street, Hollister, CA
Council of Governments
330 Tres Pinos Rd., Ste. C7
Hollister, CA 95023
831.637.7665