Author: mec_access

COMMUTER ALERT

Date: June 21, 2010

Contact: Rose Willems, Measure “C” Advocate (559) 251-6709 or Rose_Willems@ dot.ca.gov

State Route 180 Construction Update: 45-Day Closure of McCall Avenue

WHAT: McCall Avenue will be CLOSED to all through traffic at the intersection of Kings Canyon Road/SR-180 as part of the on-going construction of SR-180 from Temperance Avenue to Academy Avenue, in Fresno County.

WHEN: This CLOSURE will be in place Monday, June 28 and remain in place for the next 45-days, weather permitting.

DETOUR: All motorists are advised to use Belmont or Jensen Avenues to avoid the Construction Zone and use Temperance or Academy Avenues to travel north or southbound from SR-180.

SCHEDULE: This $27 million project is locally funded by Fresno County’s ½ cent Transportation Sales Tax, “Measure C” & was leveraged with Federal Stimulus Money. It is scheduled for completion in the Summer of 2011, weather permitting

QUESTIONS: For additional information on this project, please contact: Rose at 251-6709/email: Rose_Willems@dot.ca.gov or Gloria Rodriguez at 444-2409/email: Gloria_Rodriguez@dot.ca.gov

Date: May 11, 2010

District: 6 – Fresno

Contact: Jose Camarena, Caltrans

Phone: (559) 488-4067

Or

Brenda Lauchner, Fresno COG

(559) 233-4148, ext. 219. www.measurec.com or www.fresnocog.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINAL FUNDING SECURED FOR “BRAIDED RAMPS” PROJECT IN FRESNO METROPOLITAN AREA

Fresno – Today, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), in partnership with the Council of Fresno County Governments (Fresno COG) and the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) announced $55 million in newly secured funding which will bring mobility improvements to State Route (SR) 180 between SR’s 41 and 168.

Commuters in the Fresno Metropolitan Area are more than familiar with traffic along State Route (SR) 180 between SR’s 41 and 168.  Daily traffic congestion and delays during morning and evening commutes are caused by vehicles merging onto SR180 from SR41 and/or SR168, and the traffic already on SR 180.  Converging streams of commuters become entwined in a dance of braking, dodging, darting vehicles that is enough to rattle even the most experienced driver’s nerves.

“Caltrans is working hand-in-hand with Fresno’s COG and the FCTA to ensure tax dollars are utilized quickly and responsibly to help stimulate our local economy, reduce congestion and further invest in Fresno County’s transportation infrastructure,” said Caltrans District 6 Director Malcolm X. Dougherty.

The Braided Ramps Project, which will receive $55 million in funding from Caltrans’ State Highway Operation & Protection Program (SHOPP) and an additional $14.5 million from Fresno County’s Measure C, will reduce traffic congestion and delays along this system of interlocking freeways by eliminating as many merging and transition conflicts as possible in order to get motorists safely and efficiently from one area of town to another.

Trinidad Rodriguez, Fresno COG Policy Board Chairman, stated, “This is yet another example of projects being delivered faster thanks to Fresno Voters and Measure C sales tax dollars. Thanks to this effort $55 million is now available for other regional transportation projects, and the Braided Ramps Project will likely be completed years ahead of our original schedule making this Ground Zero for Mobility in Fresno County”

March 12, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: John Downs Fresno Council of Governments City of Fresno (559) 621-1502 john.downs@fresno.gov

Public meetings set to gather input on transit plans

FRESNO – Fresno Area Express (FAX) and the City of Fresno are planning to apply for a federal grant of up to $40 million to improve transit along two key corridors, and public input on the plan is needed. Three meetings, all covering the same information, will be held to gather that public input:

• Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Caltrans Yosemite Meeting Room (Room 145), Manchester Mall, 2015 E. Shields Ave. at Blackstone

• Thursday, April 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno St. at P Street, and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. inside City Hall in Room 2125

• Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sunnyside High School Cafeteria, 1019 S. Peach Ave., Fresno.

The Federal Transit Administration (Very Small Start) grant would help fund improvements that decrease bus travel times, increase frequency of service and add passenger amenities at key stops. The corridors are East Ventura Avenue/East Kings Canyon Road and North Blackstone Avenue. In addition, street modifications are being considered, such as dedication of traffic or parking lanes to transit on Ventura/Kings Canyon and redesign of major intersections on Ventura/Kings Canyon and Blackstone. At each meeting, FAX staff will be available to answer questions and then will make a brief presentation, followed by an open comment period for the public. Comments can be made in writing during the meeting, or by calling FAX at 621-RIDE. Translators and refreshments will be available. Any person with a disability requiring an accommodation should contact The Lockwood Agency at 733-3737 at least two working days in advance of the meeting so that accommodations can be arranged. For more information on these meetings, visit Fresno.gov/FAX or Fresnocog.org

COMMUTER ALERT

Date: January 30, 2009

Contact: Rose Willems, Measure “C” Advocate Phone: (559) 251-6105 or Rose_Willems@dot.ca.gov

2-WEEK CLOSURE OF TEMPERANCE AVENUE STATE ROUTE 180 EAST CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

WHAT: A 2-Week CLOSURE of Temperance Avenue between Kings Canyon Road and Tulare Avenue begins Wednesday, February 4, 2009. A posted DETOUR will be in effect.

WHEN: February 4, 2009 through February 18, 2009 WHY: Removal of false-work at the Temperance Avenue Overcrossing & a heavy equipment, dirt hauling operation across Temperance Avenue.

WHERE: State Route 180 East Construction Project Limits; Clovis Avenue to Locan Avenue in Fresno County. The Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) in partnership with the Department of Transportation, (Caltrans) reminds motorists to Slow for the Cone Zone and thanks the residents, businesses and commuters for their patience during this 2 ½-year construction project. This transportation project is locally funded through our “Measure C”, ½ cent sales tax program and is currently ahead of schedule with an opening date of Fall 2009. For further project information, please contact Rose Willems, Measure “C” Advocate at 251-6105, Eric Alvarez, Caltrans Public Information Officer at 488-4248 or visit our website at: www.MeasureC.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2008

Media contact: Rose Willems Office of the Advocate (559) 251-6105 rose_willems@dot.ca.gov

75% Discount on Taxi Fares for Fresno County Seniors ~ A Measure C Funded Program

FRESNO, CA (December 19, 2008) – Senior Taxi Scrip provides alternative, reliable and affordable transportation any day or time of the week to Fresno County residents who are 70 years of age or older. Funded by Measure C, Taxi Scrip enables eligible seniors to receive a 75% discount on taxi fares by purchasing taxi scrip. Scrip booklets are available at select locations for five dollars ($20 value) and act as coupons for taxicab fares with participating taxi companies. Up to five booklets of scrip can be purchased each calendar month per senior. Those who wish to apply for Taxi Scrip can do so by submitting an eligibility application at www.fresnocog.org. “I am so happy with the Taxi Scrip Program because I cannot drive at night,” said 87-year old Taxi Scrip User Lorryne Shryer. “I am able to visit my son more often because the taxi driver picks me up at home and takes me to the train station. I don’t need to ask anyone for help and it gives me more independence.” Seniors can visit the following locations to apply or purchase Taxi Scrip: Fresno Area Express (FAX), Firebaugh Senior Center, Clovis City Hall, Clovis Senior Center, Parlier Senior Center and Parlier City Hall. The Council of Fresno County Governments (Fresno COG) accepts applications and is able to provide Taxi Scrip via direct mail. The following taxi companies that hold a city of Fresno business license can be utilized for Taxi Scrip: Fresno Cab Co., USA Cab Co., Taxi Acapulco, Faretta Cab Co., City Cab Co., Checker Taxi Co., Yosemite Cab Co., Parlier Taxi Services, Yellow Cab, Star Yellow Cab and Bulldog Cab Co. Interviews are available with Fresno County Taxi Scrip users, Fresno County Transportation Authority representatives and the Fresno COG. For information on more projects made possible by Measure C, please review “20 Years In Review” the measure’s annual report, available online at www.MeasureC.com. For more information about Taxi Scrip, please call 559.233.4148.

About Measure C Measure C is a Fresno County ½ cent transportation sales tax passed in 1986 that has generated over $1 billion into the local economy. Measure C was renewed in 2006 to fund local transportation programs through the year 2027 and it will raise over $1.7 billion locally, and qualify Fresno County for millions of dollars in matching State and Federal funds.

Today’s Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

District: Fresno County Contact: Sherri Martin, Contracts Administrator

Phone: (559) 453-5023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FCTA APPROVES REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION MITIGATION IMPACT FEE PROGRAM

FRESNO– With the passage of the Measure C Extension in November 2006, the Regional Transportation Program component of the Measure C Extension Expenditure plan requires that a Regional Transportation Mitigation Fee Program (RTMF) be developed and approved by the Fresno County Council of Governments (Fresno COG) and the Fresno County Transportation Authority Board (Authority) and adopted by ordinance by all fifteen incorporated cities and the County by January 1, 2009. The RTMF Program was approved by the Fresno COG Board on October 9, 2008 and by the Authority Board on October 15, 2008. The $1,727 per single family unit RTMF will be implemented with a three step phase-in as follows: the initial mitigation fee for 2009 will be $1,200, the mitigation fee for 2010 will be $1,450, and the mitigation fee for 2011 and thereafter will be $1727. In addition to the “phasing in” process, the Authority directed the consultant, PB Americas, to work with the Building Industry Association to resolve issues related to related to assumptions and costs differences, and with the understanding that the RTMF will be reviewed every two years at the same time the Measure C Extension Expenditure Plan is updated. The RTMF identified for commercial and industrial development is to be administered on a per square foot basis and will be granted the same phase-in approach as residential development (see grid below). The phase-in process estimates a reduction in anticipated revenue over the entire life of the fee program of 2.3 % or $6 million. Fresno COG staff has reviewed this revenue reduction impact on the proposed Tier 1 construction program and found that the only projects from the Tier 1 Urban and Rural project lists that are at risk of remaining unfunded due to the revenue loss and given current planning assumptions under this revised proposal are the 180 West Extension to I5 and the SR 99 – North/Cedar Interchange improvements. The next step will be for PB Americas to take the recommended RTMF to each of the incorporated cities and the County of Fresno and each agency must adopt the RTMF by ordinance prior to January 1, 2009.

Today’s Date: December 4, 2007

District: District 6 – Fresno

Contact: Sherri Martin, Contracts Administrator Phone: (559) 453-5023 / smartin.fcta@yahoo.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATE ROUTE 180 EAST BIDS OPENED TOAY FRESNO-The California Department of Transportation, Caltrans opened bids today on the State Route 180 East, Clovis to Temperance project. There were seven bidders and all bids were below the Caltrans Engineers Estimate ranging from $48,772,505 to $59,368,245. The apparent Low Bidder is Security Paving from Sun Valley, CA with a low bid amount of $48,772,505.00 which is 25.6% below the engineers estimate. The Second lowest bidder was Diablo Construction from San Ramon, CA with a bid of $54,934,370, which is 16.2% below the engineers estimate.

The bid summary is listed below:

BID SUMMARY: 400 working days 3% DVBE

Number of Bidders: 7  Engineer’s Estimate: $67,000,000

Bid Rank         Bid Total                Bidder Information (Name/Address/Location)

1 $48,772,505.00 Security Paving, Sun Valley, CA

2 $54,934,370.00 Diablo Construction; San Ramon,CA

3 $56,754,547.00 MCM Construction; North Highlands (?), CA

4 $56,994,575.60 Aggie Construction Corp; Clovis, CA

5 $57,655,922.50 Granite Construction; Watsonville, CA

6 $57,935,864.00 FCI Construction; Benicia, CA 7 $59,368,245.00 R&L Brosamer; Walnut Creek, CA

Caltrans will go through the bids and announce the official award within the week. Construction could begin at the beginning of next year, weather permitting.

PRESS RELEASE

Date: May 15, 2007

Contact: Rose Willems, Measure “C” Advocate Phone: (559) 251-6105 or Rose_Willems@dot.ca.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATE ROUTE 168 LANDSCAPING ENHANCEMENT PROJECT APPROVED

FRESNO-The Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) in partnership with the Department of Transportation, (Caltrans) approved $2.3 million of Measure “C” funds to enhance the landscaping on State Route 168 from Olive Avenue to Ashlan Avenue. The project also includes median island planting at Herndon, Clovis, Fowler and Temperance Avenues, within the City of Clovis. This project will add more drought tolerant plants, add to the existing irrigation system to accommodate the new planting as well as placement of mulch to enhance the appearance of both the new and existing planting. The project will be under construction from May 15, 2007 through March 2008. The project then begins the plant establishment period through March 2009, any plants that do not thrive will be replaced during this one year period. The project is being done in two segments with Elite Landscaping Inc, from Clovis, CA serving as the general contractor on segment one and Watkin Bortolussi Landscaping, from San Rafael, CA serving as the contractor on segment two. “This Measure “C” project will provide the additional landscaping requested by the residents living along Freeway 168 and will assist in beautifying our community,” Harry Armstrong, FCTA Chairman stated.

Measure “C” is our local ½ cent sales tax passed in 1986 and it has generated over $1 billion into our local economy. Measure “C” was renewed in 2006 to fund local transportation programs through the year 2027 and it will raise over $1.7 billion locally and qualify Fresno County for millions of dollars in matching funds over the next 20-years.

Tuesday, May 1, 2007

District: District 6 – Fresno

Contact: Rose Willems, Office of the Advocate Phone: (559) 251-6105 / Cell:(559) 681-9369

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATE ROUTE 180 WEST SEGMENT 2 GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY

FRESNO-The California Department of Transportation Caltrans, District 6 Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) and the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, invite the public to attend a Groundbreaking Ceremony at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 4, on Marks Avenue between Whitesbridge and Nielsen Avenues in the County of Fresno. The Groundbreaking ceremony is a “Kick-Off” celebration marking the construction of State Route 180 West Segment 2 and is being built with Measure “C” funds as well as State gas tax money and Federal funds. In 2006, Fresno County voters renewed the Measure “C” half-cent local sales tax, which continues to be used for transportation purposes. This 20-year tax will contribute over $1.7 billion for the local economy. This $38 million project includes construction of 2.5 miles of six-lane freeway from Route 99/180 Interchange to Marks Avenue, then as a four-lane freeway to Brawley Avenue. There will be a full interchange at Marks Avenue. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2008. Harry Armstrong, FCTA Chairman, is the Master of Ceremonies and remarks will be made by local dignitaries, the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce and the Area Manager for R & L Brosamer, Inc, of Walnut Creek as the primary contractor on the project. Refreshments and sponsorship of this event will be provided by R & L Brosamer, Inc, Case Pacific, Foster & Sons, Mendoza & Associates, Signal Technologies and VRPA Technologies.

State Route 180 West Ceremony Traveling Northbound / Southbound SR 99: Take State Route 180 West off-ramp, head west onto SR180 to the Hughes-West Diagonal. Turn left, then right onto State Route 180/Whites Bridge to Marks Avenue. Turn Right on Marks Avenue, follow signs to parking. Traveling Northbound / Southbound SR41: Exit at the State Route 180 West/ Mendota off-ramp, head west onto SR180 to the Hughes-West Diagonal. Turn left, then right, onto State Route 180/Whites Bridge to Marks Avenue. Turn Right on Marks Avenue, follow signs to parking. Traveling Westbound SR180: Travel on State Route 180 West towards Mendota. Continue west onto SR180 to the Hughes-West Diagonal. Turn left, then right onto State Route 180/Whites Bridge to Marks Avenue. Turn Right on Marks Avenue, follow signs to parking.