COG, LTA Working to Solve Our Transportation Problems
COG, LTA Working to Solve Our Transportation Problems
Editor,
The Council of Governments and the Local Transportation Authority are probably the most misunderstood local agencies in San Benito County. To set the record straight, I offer the following information about these two agencies:
COG and LTA are governed by a board of directors appointed from the city councils of Hollister and San Juan Bautista as well as from the San Benito County Board of Supervisors.
COG’s mission is to safely, efficiently, and effectively plan, fund and deliver transportation projects and programs that benefit the citizens of San Benito County. COG works closely with Caltrans and its member agencies to develop solutions to the problem of increasing safety and congestion concerns highways 25 and 156. COG planned, funded and will construct the Highway 25 bypass. This $45 million project is scheduled to start construction in May 2007.
COG distributes federal and state funding for $6 million to $10 million annually for local road and state highway projects and programs. However, projected revenues do not meet the current and future $200 million needs of the highest priority projects.
This funding shortfall is why COG, the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, and cities of Hollister and San Juan Bautista are partnering with our neighbor to the north. This partnership between two counties, two Caltrans districts, and two transportation planning agencies is key to leveraging more federal and state funding.
If San Benito County relied on its own share of federal and state transportation dollars, it would take more than 50 years to raise the funds necessary to meet critical transportation needs.
LTA operates County Express buses with routes within and outside of San Benito County.
Since 2000, ridership on County Express has grown 10 percent. Many County Express riders have no other transportation available, and without County Express would lose access to employment, education and medical services. LTA also provides funding for transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities through Jovenes de Antaño.
County Express services are funded with state and federal funding specifically set aside for transit purposes. This funding is only available for public transit purposes and cannot be used for other purposes unless all transit needs are met in the community. Like parents with teenagers, the state and federal government attach strings to the monies they distribute.
I hope this information has demystified and clarified the responsibilities of the COG and LTA. The next time you drive, take the bus, walk, or bicycle on area roads and highways, know that COG and LTA are working diligently to develop transportation solutions for the long term.
George Dias, Chairman
Council of San Benito County Governments and
Local Transportation Authority
