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HARRY ARMSTRONG, RETIRED CHAIRMAN, FRESNO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

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 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.

PRESS RELEASE – CALTRANS AND FCTA TO HOLD GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ON SR-180

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The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) will mark the beginning of work on the final segment of the “Kings Canyon Expressway” with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at the Thorburn Access Park.

The $55 million project will extend the current 4-lane expressway 4.5 miles from Smith Avenue to Frankwood Avenue in Eastern Fresno County. This project aims to facilitate improved traffic flow within this rural area and provide an enhanced route between the metro Fresno area and both Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

“Over the years, Fresno and the surrounding communities have experienced a population surge and it’s our job at Caltrans to provide roads that can accommodate such growth,’ said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “And with two national parks in their backyard, it’s only fitting that local residents have a quality access route to those destinations.”

Construction of this project will also alleviate traffic congestion on local streets of rural communities, reduce travel time and increase overall safety for motorists. Funding for the project was made possible via state and local partnership programs including Measure C, a ½ cent sales tax passed by Fresno County residents in 1986 and continued in 2006.

“This project is another great example of the long-standing partnership between Measure C and Caltrans to improve transportation in Fresno County and reaffirms Measure C’s commitment to the voters of Fresno County – Promises Made, Promises Kept,” said FCTA Executive Director Mike Leonardo. The project is scheduled for completion in December of 2019.

Caltrans and FCTA to Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony on SR-180

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The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) will mark the beginning of work on the final segment of the “Kings Canyon Expressway” with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 12 at 11 a.m. at the Thorburn Access Park. Read the full press release, here.

FCTA Appoints Mike Leonardo as Executive Director

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After a nation-wide recruiting effort, the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Leonardo to serve as its new executive director. Read the full press release, here.

FCTA Appoints Mike Leonardo as its New Executive Director

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(FRESNO COUNTY, CA) – After a nation-wide recruiting effort, the Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Leonardo to serve as its new executive director.

“Leonardo is a dedicated transportation and public works leader who knows the Valley well, stated Fresno County Supervisor Mendes, chairman of the FCTA board. “His 35 years of experience and knowledge of our local infrastructure is exactly what the FCTA needs to address the challenges facing our region.”

Leonardo serves as an at-will employee to a nine-member board of directors that includes local elected officials, and he will earn an annual salary of $190,000. Leonardo will carry a myriad of responsibilities to ensure the ongoing success of FCTA. His main responsibility will be carrying out the board’s strategies for implementing 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 2016-17. Measure C 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 our Valley air, and continue to leverage our local dollars with State and Federal funds to support Fresno County’s growing transportation needs.

Leonardo is a Fresno County resident, Fresno State graduate and is only the third executive director to lead the FCTA. Both Don DeMers and Ron Peterson each led the agency for over a decade before losing their battles with cancer. Leonardo’s full resume is attached for more details regarding his work experience, education and qualifications.

FCTA Board Chairman and City of Clovis Councilmember William “Harry” Armstrong Retires

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On Monday, October 17, 2016, William “Harry” Armstrong, former Chairman of the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) Board from 1994-2016, attended his final Clovis City Council meeting at which he was honored with multiple speeches, plaques and acknowledgements for his years of service to the city and the region.

Read the full story from The Fresno Bee, here.

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR BRAIDED RAMP PROJECT-2

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MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Location: Fresno

Contact: Project Hotline, 1-(855)265-6118, TTY Users -711 Email: vmurray@brosamer.com

ACCESS TO CONSTRUCTION SITE: Media Field Personnel Reminder

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/

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR BRAIDED RAMP PROJECT

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MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Friday, July 20, 2012

Location: Fresno

Contact: Project Hotline, 1-(855)265-6118, TTY Users -711 Email: vmurray@brosamer.com

ACCESS TO CONSTRUCTION SITE

Please advise all Field Media Personnel; lane closures apply to media vehicles as well as any other. Unauthorized intrusions into the work areas present a significant risk to our crew, to the traveling public, and to you. Anyone desiring entry during construction activities should contact Caltrans in advance to coordinate escorted opportunities to film during active work periods. Regular notices will continue to be given prior to major activities, especially lane closures, as the project progresses. In addition there is a website at www.dot.ca.gov/dist6/ which will continue to be updated with activity as our schedule develops so that you can be kept aware of what is going on. R&L Brosamer is committed to executing this project in the safest fashion possible, and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

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/

OPEN HOUSE FOR SR/41/168/180 BRAIDED RAMP PROJECT

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Date: June 20, 2012

District: 6, Fresno

Contact: Jose Camarena, Veronica Murray-R&L Brosamer Inc.

Phone: (559) 488-4067 (559) 255-3722 Ext. 200 Email: jose_camarena@dot.ca.gov or vmurray@brosamer.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CALTRANS ANNOUNCES OPEN HOUSE FOR STATE ROUTE 180 BRAIDED RAMPS PROJECT TO BE HELD TOMORROW

Fresno – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in partnership with the Council of Fresno County Governments (Fresno COG), the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) and primary contractor R.L. Brosamer Inc., invite the media and public to an Open House tomorrow, Thursday, June 21st in the Hildalgo Elementary School Cafeteria located at 3550 E. Thomas, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. (See attached map) This Open House forum will include informative displays to allow the public to learn and ask questions from Caltrans staff and Engineers regarding this project and the initial construction phase. Caltrans and R.L. Brosamer staff will be available to discuss the construction schedule and answer questions about potential impacts to residents and commuters. A Spanish Translator will also be available. The Braided Ramps Project, located along State Route 180 between State Routes 41 and 168 in the City of Fresno, will reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic operations and enhance traffic safety within freeway-to-freeway interchanges. New branch connections and two new separate structures along State Route 180 would eliminate merging and transition conflicts allowing motorists to travel safely and efficiently from one area of town to another.

OPEN HOUSE FOR SR/41/168/180 BRAIDED RAMP PROJECT (PDF)

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Fresno – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in partnership with the Council of Fresno County Governments (Fresno COG), the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) and primary contractor R.L. Brosamer Inc., invite the media and public to an Open House tomorrow, Thursday, June 21st in the Hildalgo Elementary School Cafeteria located at 3550 E. Thomas, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. (See attached map)

This Open House forum will include informative displays to allow the public to learn and ask questions from Caltrans staff and Engineers regarding this project and the initial construction phase. Caltrans and R.L. Brosamer staff will be available to discuss the construction schedule and answer questions about potential impacts to residents and commuters. A Spanish Translator will also be available.

The Braided Ramps Project, located along State Route 180 between State Routes 41 and 168 in the City of Fresno, will reduce traffic congestion, improve traffic operations and enhance traffic safety within freeway-to-freeway interchanges. New branch connections and two new separate structures along State Route 180 would eliminate merging and transition conflicts allowing motorists to travel safely and efficiently from one area of town to another.

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