Greg Watkins

This document provides data tables and examples for Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities (RTP/SCS) Strategies and Actions. It encompasses modeling parameters for socioeconomic data, land use, transportation networks, and environmental impacts such as VMT and GHG emissions. Key strategic areas addressed include Strategic Growth Areas, Public Transportation, Active Transportation, Transit Improvements, Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Enhancement, EV Charging Infrastructure, Car Share, and Bike and Scooter Share, with data and performance indicators extending to a planning horizon of 2042.

This document outlines the 2022 Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy for the Shasta Region, covering a 20-year planning horizon from 2022 to 2042. The plan's purpose is to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of a regional intermodal transportation system, integrated with land use planning, to serve mobility needs and achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions as required by California Senate Bill 375. It focuses on nine key goals: ensuring safe and efficient movement of people and freight, optimizing existing roadway use, strengthening performance-based planning, enhancing regional economic sustainability, integrating multimodal options, encouraging transportation-efficient growth, ensuring equitable planning for disadvantaged communities, improving roadway reliability and safety, and fostering people-centered communities that support public safety, health, and well-being.

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting that all board members were present except one, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions centered on organizational structure, including the nomination and voting process for the Chair and Vice Chair, which resulted in the Vice Chair presiding due to the Chair's absence. A significant portion of the meeting involved deliberations and motions regarding appointments to the Fiscal Policy Committee, establishing the new chair as an automatic member and confirming two additional primary members and one alternate. The board then addressed public comments and proceeded with the consent calendar, approving it with a correction to item 9.5. Further discussion addressed the CTSA report, clarifying performance measures and noting that recent operational changes and planned fare implementation may impact ridership and federal funding attainment goals. The Executive Director provided updates on federal transportation funding legislation, noting upcoming draft language discussions focusing on maintenance and safety, and potential shifts from competitive to formulaic program funding approaches.

The meeting included an update from the Transit Manager regarding recent and upcoming changes to improve transportation services provided by the Reading Area Bus Authority (RABA). Discussions covered the RABA mission, its structure as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), and administrative support provided by the City of Reading. The financial overview detailed a $10.4 million budget, highlighting that purchased transportation constitutes 61% of expenses, largely supported by State funding (SSP 125). The board adopted a seven-year financial plan through 2031, emphasizing asset replacement compliant with California Resources Board regulations. Key service updates included the implementation of a Short-Range Transit Plan, resulting in the replacement of underperforming fixed routes with a microtransit service named Runabout. A new fare policy was introduced, eliminating zones and transfers, and offering free ridership for youth, veterans, and seniors, subsidized by grants. Furthermore, the board discussed launching the RABA Runner partnership with Uber and Lyft to subsidize rides, and the potential consolidation of Shasta Connect rural services into RABA demand response to achieve cost savings. The presentation also detailed service levels, including 12 fixed routes, rural services, and demand response, as well as a successful, non-subsidized partnership with Amtrak for service between Reading and Chico.

The special board meeting focused primarily on discussing necessary emergency construction contracts due to mold and dry rot discovered during tenant remodel work. The issues stemmed from water intrusion caused by balcony design, roof drainage, and window seals, requiring extensive remediation including stucco removal and a complete re-roofing. The Board considered authorizing an emergency declaration to negotiate a contract with Goring Construction, which offered transparency by opening its books to ensure a fair price, estimated around $700,000. Funding sources discussed included LTF allocations, a TDA loan fund, and pursuing insurance appeals. The immediate plan involves stabilizing the building before the wet weather season, with final stucco work possibly deferred to the spring.