Hollister City Council members made the wise choice in delaying
a transfer of the bypass to the state in exchange for control of
San Benito Street.
Hollister City Council members made the wise choice in delaying a transfer of the bypass to the state in exchange for control of San Benito Street.
Council members last week put off their endorsement of the relinquishment so that other community leaders long involved with the Highway 25 bypass, and plans to take on ownership of San Benito Street, can make a last attempt at lobbying Sacramento for necessary funding involved with the switch.
While the state has committed to paying $125,000 of the estimated $2.5 million cost to upgrade San Benito Street to a state of “good condition,” Hollister officials previously had understood Caltrans would fund all of the repairs. Local leaders have pointed to the prior route transfer involving the current Highway 156 many years ago in arguing there was precedent for the state to fund road repairs when such a trade occurs.
In the case of the bypass, the local governments are, after all, handing over a relatively brand-new roadway in exchange for the somewhat dilapidated San Benito Street. Caltrans in opting for the “relinquishment” – a legal term that allows the state agency to renege on the prior understanding – has contended that the bypass construction was a locally-driven project and that, therefore, the local governments will have to pick up the tab for repairs.
It comes as little surprise considering the state’s financial troubles. But it doesn’t mean that local leaders should lie down and accept the seemingly unfair verdict.
Residents who were involved with the original Measure A Committee – which oversaw the local funding that paid for most of the bypass construction – lobbied for the delay last week so they could make another push for more state help. It certainly doesn’t hurt to make the local case and ask for state money once again.
It also serves as a reminder to never make assumptions when it comes to agreements with other agencies. No matter what has been said behind closed doors over the years, it means very little, sometimes nothing, if you don’t get it down in writing, too.
