The EDCTC currently provides project delivery and oversight support for regionally significant projects, including the SPTC Bike Path – Forni Road to Missouri Flat. The purpose of this function is to insure that projects using federal, state, and local grant funds use those funds in a timely and cost effective manner and to coordinate with local and Tribal jurisdictions to develop projects that meet specific federal program guidelines. This project monitoring function is a long-standing work element in EDCTC’s annual work program and will continue in the FY 2008/2009 Overall Work Program, with 4.4 person months dedicated to Work Element 310, Transportation Project Delivery and Oversight.
The EDCTC currently supports a number of alternative transportation programs. The purpose of this function is to promote projects that will maintain, improve, and expand public transit systems and other modes of transportation, such as carpooling, bicycling, and walking. Supporting alternative transportation programs is an ongoing work element in EDCTC’s annual work program and will continue in the FY 2008/2009 Overall Work Program, with 6.8 person months dedicated to Work Element 330, Alternative Transportation Programs.
The Executive Director recommends expanding the specific work activities included these work elements to focus efforts on coordinating with the SPTC JPA, including attendance at JPA Board of Directors and staff meetings and grant writing support for transportation facilities in the SPTC (i.e., Bicycle Transportation Account).
BACKGROUND
At your March Commission meeting, Bob Smart, a member of the El Dorado County Parks and Recreation Commission, requested that the EDCTC become more involved in the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) Joint Powers Authority (JPA). As a result of Mr. Smart’s request, the Commission directed staff to include a level of effort to support the SPTC in the 2008/09 Overall Work Program. The SPTC JPA is a public entity formed in 1991 for the purpose of purchasing 53 miles of the Placerville Branch right-of-way from Southern Pacific. The JPA purchased the right-of-way from Southern Pacific in 1996 and is now focusing on preserving the corridor for transportation uses and overseeing property management.
There are four member agencies of the JPA: County of El Dorado, City of Folsom, County of Sacramento, and the Sacramento Regional Transit District. The JPA is funded by each member agency contributing an equal share towards an annual operating budget. The JPA Board generally meets four times a year and consists of five directors, including EDCTC Chair Sweeney. El Dorado County is in the process of determining the roles of the Department of General Services and the Department of Transportation as related to the SPTC-JPA.
