Category: Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2024

Media Contact: Rose Willems
Measure C Advocate
rose@measurec.com
559.681.9369

Fresno County Transportation Authority Appoints Terry Ogle as its New Executive Director

(FRESNO COUNTY, CA) – After an extensive recruiting effort, the Fresno County Transportation Authority, (FCTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Terry Ogle to serve as its new executive director, beginning on February 26, 2024

“Ogle 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.”

Ogle has more than 35 years of transportation experience working for Caltrans, High Speed Rail, and several global professional engineering firms. While at Caltrans, Ogle was responsible for delivery of several of the Measure C funded Freeway construction projects within the Fresno County. Ogle has worked on a vast number of transportation projects stretching from San Joaquin County down through San Bernardino County.

Ogle serves as an at-will employee to a nine-member board of directors that includes local elected officials, and public members at large. Ogle will carry a wide range 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 along with spearheading the renewal efforts.

Measure C is Fresno County’s half-cent transportation sales tax with $118.9 million revenue projected in FY 2023-24. Measure C was one of the first “self-help” counties in California and has successfully constructed over $2 billion of local infrastructure improvements between 1987-2007 throughout Fresno County and its 15-cities. Notable projects include SR41, SR168, SR180, SR269 Huron Bridge Construction, and Mountain View Ave Widening and Bridge Replacement.

The Original Measure C and the Measure C extension is projected to collect approximately $2 billion by 2027. These and other matching funds have been utilized to improve all methods of transportation in Fresno County while at the same time contributing to a vibrant economy, assisting in cleaning our Valley air, and continuing to leverage our local dollars with state and federal funds to support Fresno County’s growing transportation needs.

Ogle is a New Mexico State University graduate and a California Professional Engineer. He is currently a resident of Reedley and has called the Valley home from over 35 years. Ogle is only the fourth executive director to lead the FCTA over the last 37 years. Mike Leonardo is retiring after he led the agency for seven years.

Ogle’s FCTA bio is attached for more details regarding his work experience, education, and qualifications.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2022

Media Contact: Rose Willems
rose@measurec.com | (559) 681-9369

Golden State Boulevard Improvement and Enhancement Corridor Project

Groundbreaking Event

(FRESNO COUNTY, CA) – A formal celebratory press event was held today, Tuesday, November 1, 2022, to break ground for the Golden State Boulevard Corridor Project. The event commemorated the 14-mile, $53.1 million transportation improvement project funded by Measure C, scheduled to begin its first phase of improvements in November 2022. The groundbreaking event took place at the Worship Centre off Manning Avenue in Fowler, CA.

Golden State Boulevard is a 14-mile stretch of historic Highway 99, spanning from American Avenue in Fresno County to Mission Street in the City of Kingsburg. The project area will pass through the cities of Fowler, Kingsburg, and Selma, and some unincorporated areas in Fresno County.

The Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA), Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno COG), the County of Fresno, the City of Fowler, the City of Kingsburg, and the City of Selma hosted the event as the project’s partnering agencies. The event was sponsored by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, Mark Thomas, Yarbs Grading and Paving, and Vulcan Materials Company.

The Golden State project was originally approved in 2006 as a regional project identified within the Measure C Extension Expenditure Plan. Following the Measure’s passage, the Fresno Council of Governments oversaw the project’s design phase. By Spring of 2010, preliminary planning and engineering commenced and was completed two years later. The final engineering phase began in 2016 and was completed in 2021.

Due to extensive involvement with the Union Pacific Railroad, it was decided to split the project into two phases. This first phase will concentrate on improvements to Golden State itself, while phase two will begin in 2023 and construct improvements across the railroad right of way on the local streets.

The two-phase project will improve Golden State Boulevard’s overall condition and safety, as well as its cross streets and numerous Union Pacific Railroad crossings. Recognized as a “Complete Streets” solution for these south Fresno County communities, the improvements will eliminate roadway and sidewalk flooding, improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, preserve infrastructure, and beautify key entry points into each city – inviting more commercial and affordable housing development along the corridor.

“I am proud that Measure C has committed $53.1 million for the design, right-of-way and construction of the Golden State Boulevard Corridor,” said Fresno County Transportation Authority Board Chair and Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes. “The breadth and scope of improvements being made for this project exemplify how important Measure C is today and for the future of Fresno County.”

“Like many historic roadways, portions of Golden State Boulevard have vanished, while others are in disrepair,” said City of Selma Mayor Scott Robertson. “And while some segments have managed to retain their historic charm, much of the roadway is in need of considerable rehabilitation.”

The improvements being made from the Golden State Boulevard Corridor Project were selected for a myriad of transportation goals including priorities like pavement condition improvements, safety, greater accessibility, economic vitality, growth and overall quality of life.

Some specific project improvements will include: pavement rehabilitation; intersection signalization and turning lanes; sidewalks, crosswalks and median improvements; street lighting; drainage facilities; buffered bike lanes and landscaping.

“This portion of Golden State Boulevard has accident rates approximately four times higher than the statewide average for similar facilities,” said City of Selma Mayor Scott Robertson. “For a four-year period, ending in December 2019, there were 137 collisions that resulted in 9 fatalities and 195 injuries. The improvements included in this project, should result in a significant reduction in total, injury, and fatal accidents.”

“Smaller cities and unincorporated areas throughout the County typically don’t have the funds available to accomplish this scale of improvements – but Measure C makes it possible for cities like Fowler, Kingsburg and Selma to not only have the funding, but maintain local control over how those funds are spent and can best benefit our residents,” said City of Fowler Mayor Pro Tem Mark Rodriguez.

“Fresno County’s diverse communities have and continue to implement plans, programs and projects to lift the area and its residents, while lowering poverty rates and creating greater access for all,” said City of Kingsburg Councilmember and Fresno County of Governments Board Chair Michelle Roman. “The Golden State Corridor Project is going to only further those efforts and drive greater economic gains to the neighboring communities.”

Golden State Boulevard Project updates will continue to be provided as milestones are met and anticipated improvements are made throughout construction.

For more information about Fresno County transportation improvement projects, visit www.MeasureC.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2022

Media Contact: Rose Willems, rose@measurec.com, 559.681.9369

 

(FRESNO COUNTY) – The Fresno County Transportation Authority Board has approved a Measure C Expenditure Plan designed to ensure locally controlled transportation funding that will fix local roads and provide greater investments in transit, air quality and new technologies for urban and rural communities across Fresno County.

The proposed Measure C Renewal will be the third transportation funding measure supported by Fresno County elected leaders, residents, and communities since voters passed the first measure in 1986. Measure C Renewal funding will focus largely on: fixing local roads and streets, filling potholes, repairing deteriorating neighborhood streets, installing sidewalks to help get children to school safely, reducing congestion, and supporting transit services.

The plan also invests in community-based transportation improvements in areas that have historically been overlooked – particularly in rural, low-income and minority communities. The renewal plan would allow the cities and the County to leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal matching funds that would otherwise go to other counties.

Over the last 18 months, 80 local leaders from both rural and urban communities with varied backgrounds, professions and interests participated in the Measure C Renewal’s open, public process – ensuring diverse representation of distinct sectors across the county.

Lynne Ashbeck, mayor pro tem for the City of Clovis, vice chairperson for the Fresno County Transportation Authority and co-chair of the Measure C Renewal Executive Committee says since 1986 each of the Measure C plans has been reflective of its time. The current renewal effort is no exception.

“In this current renewal effort, supported by the input from over 10,000 residents, stakeholders, cities and the County, our focus is on local neighborhoods. It is forward-thinking, ensuring we will have a transportation system that supports a strong economy, creates local jobs and connects people with where they need to go, whether that be to work, to the doctor, to school or to the grocery store. This plan holds elected leaders accountable for investing the dollars as promised, includes a Citizens Oversight Committee, has built in opportunities for continued community engagement, and accounts for new and cleaner technologies that we cannot even imagine today.”

“The Measure C allocation plan includes funding for every neighborhood,” said City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “It will fix potholes, repair roads, improve safety, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support public transit services.”

“We have confidence in this compromise plan because it reflects the priorities identified by residents throughout Fresno County over nearly 18 months of community outreach, said Fresno County Supervisor Buddy Mendes, chairman of the Fresno County Transportation Authority.”

On August 9, staff will present the Expenditure Plan before the Fresno County Board of Supervisors for a final vote, authorizing the Measure for the November 2022 ballot.

 

To learn more about the Measure C Renewal process, Expenditure Plan, and the Implementing Guidelines, please visit www.MeasureCRenewal.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2020

Media Contact: Elizabeth Yelton, 559-488-4067 elizabeth.yelton@dot.ca.gov

 

(FRESNO COUNTY) – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) along with the Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) announces the completion of 4.5 miles of new highway on the State Route 180 Kings Canyon Expressway from Smith Avenue to Frankwood Avenue in the County of Fresno.

“The 180 Expansion is a major milestone, providing a 4-lane connection from Eastern Fresno County to SR99, benefitting our Region’s commerce, commuters, students, and tourists,” said Fresno County Supervisor and FCTA Board Chair Buddy Mendes.

This third and final phase of the new $54.2 million Kings Canyon Expressway will facilitate improved access to destinations within the rural areas of Eastern Fresno County. This area serves as the gateway to Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park, it links Eastern Fresno County to vital regional services, and is the primary agricultural goods and movement corridor for the region.

The new four-lane Expressway will improve the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and increase safety for roadway users. Improvement features include an additional travel lane in each direction, construction of a new two-lane bridge over the Kings River, distinct shoulders, safer intersections and Kings River access, plus a wide median and a traffic signal at Reed Ave.

This Measure C local-funded project began in July of 2017, and was completed on time and within budget thanks to the partnership between Caltrans, FCTA, Fresno Council of Governments (FCOG), and the County of Fresno. All funding sources for the $54.2 million Expressway include Regional Transportation Improvement Program ($28.1 Million), Measure C – Fresno County Transportation Authority ($23.1 Million), State Highway Operation and Protection Program ($1.2 Million), and Federal Demonstration Funding ($1.8 Million).

“Caltrans is proud to be a part of the completion of the Kings Canyon Expressway Project,” said Caltrans District Director, Diana Gomez. “Together with Fresno County Transportation Authority, we have been able to provide an efficient and safe route for residents and visitors alike.”

In place of hosting a celebratory public ribbon-cutting event during COVID-19, the FCTA and Caltrans approached project partners for potential sponsorships focused toward supporting the community. Project partners Vulcan Materials Company and High-Light Electric Inc. each graciously gave $1,500 for a total of $3,000 that is being donated to The Sanger Forward Foundation, a 501c(3) intent on the betterment of the city of Sanger through improvement projects such as downtown revitalization and generating economic growth for the community. Additional project partners include Sanger Chamber of Commerce and Fresno Chamber of Commerce.

 

Drone footage of the completed SR180 Kings Canyon Expressway project can be accessed at:  https://measurec.com/project/state-route-180-kings-canyon-expressway/

About Measure C

Measure C is a major part of making Fresno County a great place to live, work and play. Since 1986, the Measure C program has transformed Fresno County residents’ daily commute and quality of life through building and improving 1,200 miles of local streets, county roads and state highways. Measure C funds local and regional transit services, and builds trails, bike lanes and ADA facilities, while leading initiatives to better our air quality and bolster the local economy. Measure C successfully leverages local dollars with other resources to deliver billions of dollars in local transportation improvements, while providing tens of thousands of jobs. For a complete breakdown of funding initiatives, visit www.measurec.com. To view a copy of Measure C’s 2019 annual report, visit https://measurec.com/annual-reports.

 

 

(Fresno) On Oct. 5, the Clovis City Council unanimously voted to adopt a zero-fare model for the Clovis Transit. Effective immediately, the change allows riders to use both the Stageline and Roundup Services at no cost. The cost of the new program is covered by various grant funds, including Measure C.

“Our residents will see no impact on the service they are used to receiving due to this change”, said Amy Hance, Clovis general services manager. “We will continue providing the same number of routes, with our already convenient schedules, and top-notch customer service our customers have come to expect”.

The Stageline is a fixed route service in Clovis, which follows a set schedule and route and is open to anyone. It charges $1.25 per passenger. Preapproved Clovis residents can use Roundup, a point-to-point service that picks them up at their home and transports them directly to their destinations. Fares run from $1.25 to $2.75 per passenger. The fiscal impact of the elimination of fares is $150,000 in Measure C funds.

“We are thrilled to provide this zero-fare service to our residents who need it most, especially those struggling due to the economic impacts of COVID-19”, said Clovis Mayor Drew Bessinger. “As a Board Member of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, I am excited about this move, as more than 70% of air pollutants come from mobile sources. The more residents who use our transit system for free, the better our air will be for our children.”

(FRESNO COUNTY) – The Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) along with the City of Clovis, announces completion of the $5.7 million Measure C funded Willow Avenue Project, resulting in a widening of the northbound lanes from Shepherd to Copper Avenues in Fresno County. In addition to widening the road, project improvements include installing a median, curb, gutter, irrigation, landscaping and a traffic signal at Perrin Road. Overall, the project will improve traffic flow and significantly increase public safety during peak commute times for local residents, schools and businesses along Willow Avenue. These improvements will also reduce traffic congestion for students traveling throughout our Region to attend classes at Clovis Community College. Approximately 22,000 vehicles use this segment of Willow Avenue daily. Drone footage of the project area can be accessed at the following link: https://measurec.com/willowave-widening/. “The completion of major transportation projects are usually celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event with large crowds,” said FCTA Vice Chair Lynne Ashbeck. “But as we each do our part to support our community’s health – following shelter in place guidelines and avoiding large public gatherings – we are grateful to the project’s contractors: Yarbs Grading and Paving, and Madco Electric who generously ‘repurposed’ the funds set aside for the traditional public opening and made a $4,500 donation to the Marjaree Mason Center, a local community benefit organization serving victims of domestic violence.” “We are grateful for the services provided by the Marjaree Mason Center to our local communities. We are proud to be able to support the center in its endeavor,” said Troy Yarbrough President, Yarbs Grading and Paving, and Michael Merigian CEO, Madco Electric. “The City of Clovis is thrilled with the improvements to Willow Avenue and the positive impact it has had on the lives of our teachers, students and parents as they travel to and from Clovis Community College and the three nearby Clovis Unified School District campuses,” said Clovis Mayor Drew Bessinger. “The completed project not only serves the drivers of today as they enjoy a smoother, safer commute, but will also serve drivers in our growing Region long into the future. We are grateful for the Measure C funding which is helping to make this all possible.”

$6,000,000 in Funding for the Blackstone & McKinley Railroad Separations Project Approved by Fresno County Transportation Authority

(FRESNO, CA) –The Fresno County Transportation Authority (FCTA) announces it has awarded $6,000,000 of Measure C funding to the City of Fresno to begin design and environmental studies for a project to build two railroad grade separations at Blackstone and McKinley just east of Fresno City College.

Measure C’s Alternative Transportation Program was originally intended to consolidate the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad with the Union Pacific railroad which runs near Golden State Blvd. However, if rail consolidation was deemed infeasible the fund was to be used to construct grade separations that best coordinated with transit operations, reduced congestion, and improved air quality. The Board’s action today will provide this specific funding to meet all of these goals and significantly improve public safety by building grade separation structures for the double crossing of Blackstone and McKinley by the BNSF Railroad.

“This project once again illustrates Measure C’s commitment to improving transportation throughout Fresno County,” said Fresno County Supervisor & FCTA Board Chairman Buddy Mendes. “This significant investment will relieve congestion, improve air quality, increase transit reliability, and improve public safety. I want to thank the voters of Fresno County who have twice voted to tax themselves so that we can deliver critically needed transportation projects like this one.”

“I want to thank FCTA for making this their number one priority for their Railroad Grade Separation funding,” said City of Fresno Public Works Director Scott Mozier. “We are excited to finally see this project get started. It has long been a high priority for the City of Fresno, but without the FCTA awarding $6 million in Measure C funding today, it is unlikely we would have ever been able to get it built. I would also like to thank my staff for their hard work putting together the project cost estimate and schedule.”

An average of 37 trains per day travel these tracks, and Measure C Funding will alleviate the traffic congestion resulting from these slow moving trains, by relocating traffic to go under the BNSF train tracks (much like the Shaw and West crossings of the BNSF). The project will improve on-time service performance for the City’s Bus Rapid Transit “Q” line and remedy traffic for Fresno City College located at the northwest quadrant of the Blackstone and McKinley intersection. Tragically, five lives have been lost at these crossings over the last 10 years. This project will eliminate that public safety threat.

“Generations of students and faculty have had to endure delays as they wait for the trains to pass so they can get to class,” said Fresno City College President Dr. Carole Goldsmith. “This project will help ease the flow of traffic to and from the campus, and it will improve the safety of students who must cross these tracks as they walk, ride, or drive to class.”

Project design, right of way acquisition and construction is estimated to cost between $70 and $80 million. FCTA is confident that as the design and environmental evaluation phase is completed, additional Measure C money will be available to continue the project. FCTA and the City of Fresno are also committed to identifying additional funding sources to ensure the project is completed and opened to traffic.

“This project is transformational for this area and long overdue,” said City of Fresno Council member Esmeralda Soria. “The FCTA Board has demonstrated the essential foresight to fund this much needed project. This is just one more example of Counties and Cities coming together collectively to reduce air pollution, increase pedestrian and vehicle safety as well as improving the quality of near-by neighborhoods and schools.”

This project will be fully compatible and complementary to the “Better Blackstone” initiative which is intended to diversify and improve land uses along the corridor as well as improve its aesthetics and make it more pedestrian friendly. It is also fully compatible with the affordable housing project currently under construction in the southwest corner of the McKinley-Blackstone intersection.

“I am so pleased to see the community, the City of Fresno, and FCTA coming together to provide real quality of life improvements to this historic neighborhood,” said Fresno Metro Ministry Executive Director Keith Bergthold. “Together, we are going to build a better Fresno.”

“The Blackstone and McKinley grade separation project is yet another of the ‘promises made, promises kept’ by Measure C” said Fresno Council of Governments Board Chair David Cardenas. “Over the last 30 years, Measure C has invested over $1 billion dollars in transportation projects and services in Fresno County. The Blackstone and McKinley grade separation, and the safety benefits it will bring to motorists and pedestrians in central Fresno are long deserved and well warranted.”

Construction on this project will begin Winter 2022 and be completed Winter 2025, weather permitting. To download drone footage specific to the Blackstone & McKinley Railroad Separations Project, or to request a media interview, please visit: Press Inquiries.

Cal Trans will be holding a public information/scoping meeting on March 20^th  for the SR 99 South Fresno Interchange Project. This is an opportunity for the residents and businesses in the area to learn about and give feedback on the project, which is 5-6 years away from construction.