HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/06/2009, - COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (SLOCOG) MEETING OF DECEMBER 17TH " liaison uEpont
city of saneLws:osisPo
December 18, 2008
To: Council Colleagues
From: Dave Romero, Mayor���
Subject: Council of Governments(SLOCOG) Meeting of December 17u'
Items of special interest to San Luis Obispo are as follows:
The Executive Director reported that it's quite likely that the State will withhold significant
amounts of State Transit Assistance (STA) funds, which are the primary source of revenue for
the operation of our transit system. In addition, the State is also reducing the amount it will pass
through for the Local Transportation Funds (LTF) currently scheduled, which could amount to a
reduction of 14% for San Luis Obispo. The State's financial problems are so serious that they
threaten the stability of earmarked transit funds for all local transit systems within the state. The
reduction has not yet occurred, however, it is being considered for state budget balancing
purposes.
On a positive note, the Board discussed the possibility of a Federal Economic Stimulus proposal
which President-Elect Obama has asked Congress to work on in order that he might approve it
shortly after taking office. All states and transportation agencies within the country could expect
a significant influx of funds for projects that could start within ninety days, six months, and one
year. If approved, this could have the beneficial effect of allowing early construction of the Los
Osos Valley Road interchange project.
The City received notice of$890,000 for improvements to the Railroad Bike Safety Trail
between the Amtrak Station and Marsh Street, thus assuring construction of this project in the
very near future.
CalTrans reported on numerous construction projects throughout the county; (a) the Hwy 1
project between 101 and Westmont Drive, including signal work at Murray is completed; (b)
rehab work on 101, including on/off ramps is under active construction and is expected to be
completed by the spring of 2010; (c) the South/Broad Street rehab project (Rte. 227) is under
active construction and is expected to be completed in November 2009.
The Board approved the Community 2050 document, with the City of San Luis Obispo voting
no. Our concern is that the basis that the document as written is likely to require that the City
increase its population at a greater rate than called for by the General Plan with the possible loss
of transportation funds if we do not comply. The document contained sufficient uncertainties
regarding intent and application that the City's planning staff asked for additional clarification,
GACouncil Support&Corresp\City Council Correspondence\Romero\Liaison Reports\Liasion Report SLOCOG-SLORTA.doc
however, a majority of the Board directed the publication of the document, with clarification of
intent to follow.
The staff presented an account status of Regional Surface Transportation projects including
several major projects within San Luis Obispo, including mid-Higuera widening, citywide traffic
signal and pedestrian improvements, and Orcutt Road widening. All of the City's projects are on
schedule, except for the mid-Higuera widening.
Staff reported that the condition of local streets and roads within the county has deteriorated
within the last two years because of a lack of funds for proper maintenance. San Luis Obispo is
one of the bright spots and has the best conditioned streets in the county. We were able to make
good progress this year with the use of Measure Y funds; however, all agencies might lose
ground due to the current economy.
cLRI -a