Last time I offered a brief history of the Connector project; now I’d like to get into some of the specifics about how the Connector fits in with regional transportation plans. Is it part of Measure A? Does it fit with SACOG’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) 2035?
The short answer to both of those questions is: yes.
Measure A is a Sacramento County voter-approved sales tax to fund transportation projects within the County. The Connector was a mandated project included on the 2004 ballot, one of a few projects listed with the goals of relieving traffic congestion and improving safety.
The people voted with their checkbooks and a strong majority supported the construction of a roadway like the Connector. The majority of the funding for Connector activities comes from Measure A funds, and I view it as our responsibility to leverage that funding to both further develop the project and help secure future financing.
The MTP 2035 notes that a connector facility, as an extension of SACOG’s work in the early stages of the project, will continue to be developed. The MTP does not list any of the complete alternative alignments that are being studied, but multiple segments of any of the four alternative routes are noted as possible alignments within the Sacramento County portion of the roadway.
Much of the momentum created by the Blueprint and MTP 2035 focused on reducing vehicle trips and creating better transit linkages. While the Connector is consistent with Blueprint principles and is included as part of the MTP 2035, it may not fulfill all of the requirements noted in those plans. However, there will always be a need for efficient transportation facilities, and the Connector will certainly be that.
I think it’s important to note that SACOG is a supporter of the Connector. SACOG is the organization that started it all and is still engaged on the development of the project. We’re working together with SACOG and with property owners, businesses, elected leaders and local community organizations to be sure the Connector fulfills the ultimate vision the Sacramento region has for the project.
I’ve read on various websites that the New Measure A (2004) guaranteed 131 million dollars (a drop in the bucket) to The Connector. I voted to extend Measure A on the sole promise of the Capital-Southeast Connector being built. I think it is a very important element of our region’s future.
Could you and your staff please provide a timeline of when the Joint Power Authority intend to do the following?:
(1) Complete studies of the four alternatives considered.
(2)Provide blueprints/schematics of the four alternatives under consideration/
(3) Provide a timeline of when the Authority intends to provide a final decision of the final route for the connector.
(4) Provide schematics for the final route, and advise the public where, if any, toll points, will exist.
(5) Advise if the connector will provide links to a SACOG-Sanctioned US 50-Interstate 80 Connector? Could the JPA provide an internet link to any SACOG studies regarding the 80-50 connector study promised in the November 2001 SACOG study? I’ve scoured the internet but haven’t found anything.
I’ve read about the original 1988 Measure A promising voters a revitalized Business 80 over the American River complete with HOV Lanes, Braided Ramps and general purpose and auxillary lanes at Expo/Arden/El Camino/Marconi? Remember the 80 Bypass? LRT sure relieved congestion and revitalized urban areas along the corridor didn’t it?
I’ve also read about a Truxel Road/North Seventh Street American River crossing that involved vehicles, HOV, rail, bikes and peds from the 1988 Measure A, that was only recently replaced by plans for a LRT/Bike/Ped bridge. Are local transportation agencies putting out information that won’t “offend” a very minor segment of our transportation population to avoid a lawsuit from fringe “disturbants” like ECOS?
Transpotation planning has seemed to come into appeasing a small, but vocal cadre of local citizens lately. I would hope the JPA and SACOG become more “transparent” and available to majority of commuters with their plans for major corridors in the area. Most of the populace are more than willing to pay a little extra in sales and use tax, provided they get relief on their daily drive to work. Their opinions were clearly represented when 74-75 percent of the electorate passed the extension of Measure A back in November 2004.