Summary: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Water policy “matters” where land use is concerned. Transportation policy “matters,” too. Tomorrow, the Santa Cruz County Transportation Commission will be meeting at 9:00 a.m., and I want to make sure you know about it. The “big item” on the agenda tomorrow is a 9:30 a.m. public hearing, to consider whether or not to call a special election on November 6th, to get voter approval for a $10 Vehicle Registration Fee. That fee, if approved, would help pay for local transportation projects. If you have thoughts about this topic, you should plan to attend, and testify. The staff recommends that the Commission place the measure on the November ballot, but only if the Commission determines that there is “strong support” for the measure. Your comments can have a significant impact on what the Commission decides to do. The proposed resolution specifies very clearly where the money will go (it will be distributed between the County and the four cities), and on what kind of projects the money can be spent (for road maintenance, and for pedestrian and bicycle facilities). This money won’t go to widen Highway One. By the way, I have an update on the removal of the La Fonda Bridge. Removal is now scheduled for August 6th and 7th, and August 13th and 14th. Traffic on Highway One will only be stopped in one direction at a time. There is more information at kusp.org/landuse. More Information: Gary Patton’s Two Worlds Blog SCCRTC Website SCCRTC Agenda, August 2, 2012 Meeting. The Staff Report on the tax proposal is Agenda Item #16. Update on the Highway One Soquel/Morrissey Widening Project
