Paul Sihota appointed as FCTA Rural Public Member-at-Large

(FRESNO COUNTY, CA) – The Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirpal “Paul” Sihota (see Attachment A for photo) who will serve a twoyear term as the Rural Public Member-at-Large on the nine-member board that includes local elected officials. “Paul Sihota understands the transportation needs of the Valley,” stated Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, chairman of the FCTA board. “His 35-years of experience as an owner and operator of a local trucking business will bring a unique perspective to the board.” Sihota was appointed by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors to fill this position vacated in August, by John Clements, retired Transportation Director of Kings Canyon Unified School District. The board’s role is to implement the programs and projects funded by the 20-year Measure C Expenditure Plan. Measure C is Fresno County’s half-cent transportation sales tax with $72.9 million revenue projected in FY 2018-19. Fresno was one of the first “self-help” counties in California and successfully constructed over $1 billion of local infrastructure improvements between 1987-2007 throughout Fresno County and its 15-cities. Notable projects include SR-41, SR-168 and SR-180. The Measure C extension is projected to collect over $1.2 billion by 2027 in order to contribute to a vibrant economy, assist in cleaning the Valley’s air, and continue to leverage our local dollars with State and Federal funds to support Fresno County’s growing transportation needs. Sihota resides in Selma, CA and started in the trucking industry in 1980 as a driver. He currently is the owner and operator of Smartway Express, and farms almonds and grapes. He understands the value of hard work and wants to serve on the FCTA to ensure Fresno County continues to improve its transportation system in each of the county’s 15-cities. “The Fresno County Transportation Authority is committed to addressing the transportation needs of the Valley and as I join the board, I couldn’t be more committed to furthering its mission,” said Sihota. “As a local business owner for over 35 years, I look forward to bringing my experience in the transportation industry to the board as we work to serve all citizens of Fresno County.” Sihota will attend his first FCTA board meeting at 9AM on December 12, 2018. The public is welcome; FCTA meetings are held in the Fresno Council of Government Boardroom located at 2035 Tulare St #201, Fresno, CA 93721.

Media Advisory – ACCESS TO CONSTRUCTION SITE

Caltrans and R&L Brosamer, Inc. are committed to executing this project in the safest manner possible; however, please advise your respective field personnel that lane closures apply to all media vehicles as well. Unauthorized intrusions within the project limit work zones present a significant risk to our crews, to the traveling public, and to our media crews.

Media personnel desiring entry during construction activities should contact Caltrans or R&L Brosamer, Inc. in advance to coordinate escorted opportunities to film during active work periods. Commuter Alerts will continue to be distributed prior to major construction activities, especially lane closures, as the project progresses. Please visit our website at www.dot.ca.gov/dist6/ for our latest updates. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter and look forward to working with you as we continue to design and build this improvement project.

Caltrans & R&L Brosamer, Inc. thank commuters, businesses and residents of Fresno County for their patience during the construction of the State Route 180 Braided Ramps Design Build Project. For further information please contact Veronica Murray at R&L Brosamer Hotline number 1-(855) 265-6118, TTY Users – 711. Project information can be found on the Project Website online www.dot.ca.gov/dist6/

Measure C Extension Operating Budget Public Hearing May 30, 2018

Public Notice #3653961

The Fresno County Transportation Authority Board, in compliance with Section 142108 of the Public Utilities Code, will hold a public hearing on the Transportation Authority’s FY 2018-2019 proposed Measure C Extension Operating Budget. This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fresno Council of Governments, Sequoia Conference Room located at 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, 2nd Floor in Fresno, CA.

A copy of the proposed Measure C Extension Operating budget for FY 18/19 will be available for public review during normal business hours at the Authority’s office located at 2220 Tulare Street, Suite 2101, 21st Floor in Fresno, CA or on the website at www.MeasureC.com.

Any inquiries regarding the above can be directed to the Fresno County Transportation Authority’s office at (559) 600-3282.

Download a copy of the FCTA FY 18/19 Original Budget here. 

Download a copy of the FCTA 18/19 Extension Budget here.

Measure C RTMF Operating Budget Public Hearing May 30, 2018

Public Notice #3654008

The Fresno County Transportation Authority Board, in compliance with Section 142108 of the Public Utilities Code, will hold a public hearing on the Transportation Authority’s FY 2018-2019 proposed Measure C Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee (RTMF) Operating Budget. This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fresno Council of Governments, Sequoia Conference Room located at 2035 Tulare Street, Suite 201, 2nd Floor in Fresno, CA.

A copy of the proposed Measure C RTMF Operating budget for FY 18/19 will be available for public review during normal business hours at the Authority’s office located at 2220 Tulare Street, Suite 2101, 21st Floor in Fresno, CA or on the website at www.MeasureC.com.

Any inquiries regarding the above can be directed to the Fresno County Transportation Authority’s office at (559) 600-3282.

Download a copy of the FCTA FY 18/19 Original Budget here. 

Download a copy of the FCTA FY 18/19 RTM Budget here. 

Golden State Boulevard Public Meeting

Fowler, Selma and Kingsburg residents are invited to attend a public meeting to view designs of planned improvements to the Golden State Boulevard Corridor, and give their feedback.

The Fresno Council of Governments along with Fresno County and the Fresno County Transportation Authority will partner to host the meetings. The meeting in Fowler will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers. In Selma, the meeting will be held April 25 at the same time Wednesday in Selma’s Council Chambers. A meeting in Kingsburg will be on Thursday, also 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the Kingsburg Council Chambers.

The meetings will inform the public about the planned improvements to the corridor as well as offer a chance to give feedback after viewing proposed designs

HARRY ARMSTRONG, RETIRED CHAIRMAN, FRESNO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

 October 28, 1930 – January 18, 2018

Harry has left his mark on transportation in Fresno County and he will be sorely missed. Those of us fortunate enough to know and work with Harry for so many years have lost a friend and an inspiring mentor.”

Armstrong served as the Chairman of the FCTA for 22-years, before retiring in 2016. Armstrong was instrumental in getting Freeways 168, 180 and 41, as well as many other major highways and roads completed throughout Fresno County.  He ensured the “Braided Ramps” was one of the first Design-Build projects in California. During Armstrong’s tenure, Measure “C” funds were bonded early on to get the pavement on the road. He leveraged local Measure “C” funds with state and federal monies to complete a billion-dollar Regional transportation system with the original 1986 Measure.

With Armstrong at the helm, FCTA was successful in the November 2006 election to continue the Measure “C” legacy for another 20 years with overwhelming support of 77.5% or the voters.  Armstrong’s goal was to ensure that the $1.5 billion collected would continue to create a vibrant economy while improving the quality of our air, and to secure matching funds as our transportation system was enhanced by implementing the 2006 Measure “C” Expenditure Plan.

Armstrong began his career in public service in 1966, when he was appointed to the Clovis Planning Commission. He went on to serve the Clovis City Council for 46-years. Armstrong worked tirelessly as a member of various civic organizations, including the League of California Cities, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the Fresno County Water Advisory Board League’s Transportation, Communication and Public Works Policy Committee.

Armstrong was honored with numerous awards throughout his nearly half a century of public service. A few worth noting include the Rose Ann Vuich Ethical Leadership Award, the League of California Cities’ Award for Service and Contributions to the Board of Directors, and the 2015 Fresno County Council of Governments Regional Forum-Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence, Leadership and Commitment. He also was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2010.

He retired as Transportation Manager from Foster Farms Dairy in 1998.  Armstrong was married to the late Jeanine Marie Hallocks for 55 years.  In 2011 he married Diane B. Webster.  He has three children, three step-children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Armstrong was a Veteran of the Korean War; Union Member since 1954; Clovis Rodeo Association Member; D.A.R.E. Board Member; United Way Board Member; Boy Scouts and Explorer Post Leader; and Clovis Boys & Girls Club Gala Fundraising Chairman.

In his many roles, Harry was always a leader, a team player, and a consensus builder. His career and legacy epitomized the very meaning of “public servant.”  He has left an enduring legacy with Clovis, Fresno County, and the Central San Joaquin Valley. His leadership will be missed.

Back to top