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.

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As we’re talking more about what the Connector means to the region and the benefits it offers, it occurs to me I haven’t really touched upon the project’s history. As with any major infrastructure or construction project, the Connector has undergone a multi-year process to arrive at its current status. I think it makes sense to share some highlights of that process and history.

The Capital SouthEast Connector was originally known as (and is still legally known as) the Elk Grove-Rancho Cordova-El Dorado Hills Connector. A roadway to bypass downtown Sacramento and provide greater mobility in the region has been discussed for more than 30 years, but the idea gained greater momentum over the past few years.

The Connector was a key project included in the 2004 Measure A Transportation Sales Tax Extension in Sacramento County. The measure passed with 75 percent of voters in support—an overwhelming vote of support to improve transportation options in the region. The Connector is also an element of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan for 2035.

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) shaped the Connector in the initial stages and helped the jurisdictions involved develop a concept plan for the project. SACOG also helped form the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that is now leading the project forward.

The SACOG process involved a good deal of community engagement and involved many groups in the initial planning stages, including California Alliance for Jobs, Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS), Paratransit, Sacramento County Department of Airports (for Mather), South County Citizens for Responsible Growth and various community councils.

Efforts to engage and involve the community continue today. There are many upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Connector and provide input. We are hosting community meetings in El Dorado Hills and Sheldon this month, and scoping meetings are planned for the late spring/early summer. Dates and locations for all upcoming meetings will be posted on our web site, at www.connectorjpa.net.

You’ll be hearing from us a lot this year—through the blog, web site, meetings, mailings and one-on-one interaction. I encourage you to participate in the process.

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