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

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

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

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

(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

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

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

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

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)

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.

MEASURE C RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY – BLOSSOM TRAIL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: March 1, 2012

Contact: Rose Willems, Measure “C” Advocate (559) 681-9369 or Rose_Willems@ dot.ca.gov

Academy Ave. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

24th Annual Blossom Day Festival

March 3, 2012

(SANGER, CA) – The community is invited to join the “Grand Opening” celebration for the completion of 23-miles of the Academy Avenue Widening Project. This $32.4 million transportation project is locally-funded through the Measure C half-cent sales tax. The Fresno County Transportation Authority in partnership with the County of Fresno, the City of Sanger and the Sanger Chamber of Commerce are cutting the ribbon to the mark the completion of the 1-mile phase of Academy Avenue in the City of Sanger. Emmett’s Excavation from Clovis, CA was the contractor on this $4 million phase of construction.

The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Academy Avenue Project will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the following speakers at the Measure C Roadshow located at 7th and “N” street:

• Judy Case, Vice Chair, Fresno County Transportation Authority
• Pastor Sam Estes, Chair-Elect, Sanger Chamber of Commerce
• Debbie Poochigian, Chair, Fresno County Board of Supervisors
• Joshua D. Mitchell, Mayor, City of Sanger
• Marcus P. Johnson, Superintendent, Sanger Unified School District

“The Fresno County Transportation Authority in partnership with the County of Fresno and the City of Sanger would like to thank residents, businesses and commuters for their patience during this much anticipated project,” said Judy Case, Vice Chair of the Fresno County Transportation Authority. “The economic impact this Corridor will have on the City of Sanger and the County as a whole is one we look forward to and can attribute to Fresno County’s Measure C half-cent sales tax program.”

The 24th Annual Blossom Day Festival, Run and Car Show will draw thousands during the one-day event held in Downtown Sanger. The Festival is a Valley favorite that’s packed full of arts and crafts, kid’s activities, food booths, a car show and races for all ages. Many visitors enjoy the 62-mile self-guided Fresno County Blossom Trail, where they see the beautiful blossoms from the stone fruit and nut trees in Sanger and the surrounding areas in southeast Fresno County.

Event Festivities Include:

• Blossom Trail Races with over 1,500 participants (beginning at 7:30 a.m.)
• Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Academy Avenue Widening Project (9:30 a.m.)
• Live Entertainment from Sanger Unified School District (11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., & 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.).
• Car Show Awards (2:30 p.m.) • Arts and Crafts (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) • Food Booths (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Blood Mobile (11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 7th & “N”) • Sanger Library Book Sale (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Sanger Depot Museum (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) MEDIA PARKING: Behind Measure C Roadshow located off Academy Avenue at 8th & “N”.

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