SR 99 Atwater Project Ground Breaking
The SR 99 Atwater Project Ground Breaking has ben RESCHEDULED to 10:30 AM (previously 1:00 PM) scheduled for Friday, May 9. The change allows Caltrans Director Will Kempton to attend. This project is funded 100% through Caltrans and will result with a new interchange at Westside Blvd, a 6-lane freeway segment from Livingston south to Atwater, and the continuation of a frontage road on the north side of SR 99 connecting Atwater to Livingston. Location details will follow. Everyone is invited.
Ferguson Rockslide Update
Yesterday, Caltrans started work to install two new detour bridges on Hwy 140 at the Ferguson rockslide. It is anticipated that the work will take 8 to 12 weeks to complete, with Caltrans shooting for the shortest time possible. When finished, the new bridges will still be one lane controlled traffic, but will accommodate full-sized 45-foot vehicles through to Yosemite including normal YARTS transit and RV's. Dick Whittington, YARTS Transit Manager has the understanding that the Federal Government is funding the work.
For more information contact Dick Whittington--ext 311
News media
On March 31, the Los Banos Enterprise ran an editorial about whether or not making Hwy 99 part of the federal freeway system would be worthwhile. They pointed out that Fresno ponied up funds for an economic development study, but that Kern COG and MCAG raised objections. Kern will fund study, MCAG will not.
April 10 - Winton Times -- good-sized story on p. 2 about two possible routes identified for the AME at a public meeting
April 24 -- Michael Doyle of the Sun-Star Washington Bureau interviewed two One Voice delegates in DC -- Joe Oliveira as the experienced delegate and Nelson Crabb of Atwater as the newest delegate.
April 26 -- Scott Jason of the Sun-Star wrote about the "spin" One Voice had to put on projects to make them part of a larger, more regional problem in order to attract attention.
For more information contact Candice Steelman--ext 308
Grant Activity
A $500,000 grant proposal on behalf of the City of Gustine for Community Development Block Grant Program monies for the implementation a First-time Home buyers and Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.
An application to the California Transit Security Grant Program for $92,985 to be used toward the installation of a video surveillance system for the Merced County Transit facilities.
A $500,000 grant proposal on behalf of the City of Los Banos for Community Development Block Grant Program monies for the implementation a First-time Home buyers Loan Program.
A grant proposal on behalf of the Transit Joint Powers Authority for Merced County for $312,100 in Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Program monies for passenger bus shelters, two portable bus hoists, and a modular administration building.
For more information contact Anna Fuentes--ext 314
CalGIS 2008: Connecting California
This year CalGIS selected the San Joaquin Valley to host their annual conference for GIS professionals. It was held April 23-25th in the City of Modesto. There was great attendance this year with over 450 people from throughout the state. The City of Merced's GIS Coordinator (Ruthanne Harbison) was this year's Conference Chair and MCAG's GIS Program Manager (Rich Green) assisted with planning and executing of the event.
There were great keynote speakers on topics ranging from promoting GIS, GIS in public safety, GIS in public health, and future applications. There was a lot of focus and attention paid to the Central Valley and how we "connect" California. Several of the sessions were related to GIS in the Blueprint process, including one panel of GIS professionals working on the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint. Being so close to home, there were a lot of local faces there this year. There were several GIS professionals in attendance from the City of Merced and Merced County.
For more information contact Rich Green--ext 305
MCAG and Atwater Take First Steps
Towards New Applegate Interchange
The City of Atwater and MCAG will combine funds for the first step of a new regional road project. Atwater will contribute $500,000 towards a Project Study Report. The PSR and environmental documents must be completed before any large transportation project can proceed. Although there is no funding for purchasing right of way or constructing the project, completion of the initial studies will help MCAG seek state or federal funding, should there be an opportunity. The project will widen Highway 99 in Atwater from 4 lanes to 6 and construct a new interchange to accommodate projected traffic from the new shopping center currently under construction.
Keep America Moving
Awareness video for MPO Board Members, Transportation Officials and the Public.
view 12mb video ...
Now you can watch most MCAG Governing Board meetings live on the Internet. On the 3rd Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m., go to www.mcagov.org/govbrd.html for the link or tune to Comcast Ch. 96. If you miss it that day, most meetings are rebroadcast on Ch. 96 Sundays at 1:00.
This page was last updated on May 9, 2008
