REDWOOD NEEDLES
REDWOOD NEEDLES
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Many decisions will be made in the near future that will direct transportation options for many decades to come.
Cal Thorpe intends to present his Sonoma/Marin Transportation/Land Use Study to the public at a hearing at the end of October or early November. This will be our opportunity to make sure that non-polluting/energy-saving options (rail, bus, bike) are emphasized.
The rail line from Mid-Marin to Eureka has finally come into public ownership (North Coast Rail Authority). Finding funds to upgrade the track and to buy equipment will be the next challenge. In the meantime excursion trips for the public are available every weekend this fall from Healdsburg to Willits and return.
In order to be eligible for Federal funds, each city and county had to develop a Bikeways Plan. This has been done for at least most of our area. Now we need to keep active in helping to make sure the funds are spent wisely.
Speaking of funds, Sonoma County will likely, within the next couple of years, be considering a sales tax proposal for freeway/rail construction. Our effort will be to make sure the use of the funds will be planned and explained to the public prior to the vote, and will have adequate funds for non-freeway development. Incidentally, studies show that adding another lane on the freeway will not decrease congestion.
Members who want to be more active on transportation issues can contact me at (707) 575-3462.
- Len Swenson, Sonoma GroupTransportation Chair
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