Last chance for input on transport 'wish list' Last chance for input on transport 'wish list' (February 25, 2004)

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

People interested in how we will get around San Mateo County for the next 25 years have one more chance to influence the list of projects that would get funded if voters reauthorize the half-cent transportation sales tax in Novembers.

This month, the Transportation Authority, which administers the current sales tax passed as Measure A in 1988, is holding open houses and a public workshop to help refine the list it has developed in focus groups, technical meetings, and public workshops over the last year.

By the time it expires at the end of 2008, the present Measure A will have raised $1 billion for transportation projects, ranging from acquiring the Caltrain right-of-way and building grade separations, to supporting buses, shuttles, and local street improvements.

That $1 billion has drawn another $1.2 billion in federal and state matching grants, so that a total of $2.2 billion is improving transportation in the county.

If two-thirds of county voters re-authorize Measure A in November, another $2.2 billion -- including matching funds -- could boost transportation for another 20 years.

Projects in the proposed new Measure A are divided into several categories: 30 percent for transit -- trains, buses and shuttles; 30 percent for highways projects, such as auxiliary lanes and interchange improvements; 15 percent for grade separations -- the overpasses and underpasses that separate roads from railroad tracks; and 3 percent for pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

The county and its 20 cities would get 20 percent of the money for local street projects. Over 20 years, this works out to an estimated $11.6 million for Menlo Park, $4.5 million for Atherton, $3.6 million for Portola Valley, and 4.0 million for Woodside.

Major projects in the South County include: rebuilding the interchange of Woodside Road and U.S. 101; and new rail service across the old Dumbarton railroad bridge -- but only if Regional Measure 2 passes on March 2. The measure would raise tolls by $1 on seven Bay bridges (not including the Golden Gate bridge).

For the first time, the proposed re-authorization list includes operating funds for Caltrain. It also includes $24 million each for two new foot-in-the-door transportation systems: ferries and BART.

Ferry money would allow construction of a terminal in Redwood City, but only if Regional Measure 2 passes March 2.

BART funds would go toward maintaining the new BART line to Millbrae and the San Francisco International Airport, and toward a feasibility study of extending BART down Bayshore Freeway -- a project that is at least 20 years off and would cost some $200 million per mile, according to Mike Scanlon, general manager and CEO of San Mateo County's transit agencies.

After two input meetings this week, the transportation authority staff will refine the list and present it for approval to the authority at a special meeting March 18. The final list then goes to the regional Metropolitan Transportation Commission in May.

At least half the county's 20 cities representing half of its population must endorse Measure A in June for it to make the November ballot.

INFORMATION

Three meetings will be held this week to introduce the public to projects planned for the next Measure A transportation sales tax.

** Foster City. Open house Wednesday, February 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Recreation Center Crane Room, 477 Lincoln Circle.

** East Palo Alto. Open house Thursday, February 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Community Room, 2415 University Ave.

** San Carlos. Workshop and public hearing by Transportation Authority board on Saturday, February 28, at 10 a.m. in it San Carlos headquarters, 1250 San Carlos Ave. The League of Women Voters is co-sponsoring the event.

Information on "Our County's Transportation Future" is available at local libraries or on www.smta.com. For more information, call 1-800-660-4287.

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