Title
Chief Administrative Office, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign Agreement for Services 196-S1711 with California Department of Transportation to fund a portion of the costs for traffic control services along U.S. Highway 50 in the Camino area on the first four weekends of October 2016 and 2017 in the amount of $21,328.64 for the two year term of the agreement.
FUNDING: General Fund - Economic Development.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office, Economic Development Division, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign Agreement for Services 196-S1711 with California Department of Transportation to fund a portion of the costs for traffic control services along U.S. Highway 50 in the Camino area on the first four weekends of October 2016 and 2017 in the amount of $21,328.64 for the two year term of the agreement.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Apple Hill region is a regional agri-tourism destination and an important component of El Dorado County's economy. According to the Apple Hill Growers Association, the number of visitors to the region annually exceeds 750,000, contributing to the local economy. U.S. Highway 50 serves as the primary ingress and egress route for visitors traveling to the Apple Hill area. During the peak October weekend times, extremely-high traffic volume leads to stop-and-go congestion and creates unsafe driving conditions on U.S. Highway 50. Vehicles attempting to turn left from eastbound lanes wait in long lines in order to eventually cross westbound lanes where the posted speed limit for opposing traffic is 65 miles per hour.
The closure of left turn lanes from eastbound U.S. Highway 50 and diversion of traffic to existing interchanges has significantly improved traffic flow and safety and mitigated traffic congestion in recent years. California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is proposing a partnership with the County to each fund half of the costs for the closure for the next two years. Total County costs for the 2-year project are not to exceed $21,328.64.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Community Development Agency, Transportation Division, has been consulted in the development of this agreement.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
The Economic Development Division is part of the Chief Administrative Office, and the CAO concurs with the recommendation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no change to Net County Cost Associated with this item. Funding is available within this Fiscal Year 2016-17 Economic Development budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide a Certified Minute Order reflecting the action of the Board of Supervisors to the Chief Administrative Office for transmittal to California Department of Transportation along with the fully executed agreement.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Economic Development
CONTACT
Don Ashton, Chief Administrative Officer
Shawne Corley, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer