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PRESENTATION recognizing the El Dorado County Youth Commission and the El Dorado County Department of Transportation as Winners of the Sacramento Area Council of Government Salutes! Awards.
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El Dorado County was presented with two awards by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments at their December 17, 2009 public meeting: The Youth Commission for it's grass roots process in researching, writing and presenting for adoption the El Dorado County Environmental Vision, and, the Department of Transportation for implementing a significant priority project within the El Dorado County Transportation Plan to restore the Weber Creek Trestle Bridge and El Dorado Trail Improvement with broad-based community involvement.
The Mary Brill Youth Excellence Award was inaugurated to honor community engagement of stakeholders of all interests and backgrounds in the decision-making process with an emphasis in advocating for the environment, transportation and smart growth.
SACOG representatives noted that the Youth Commission's efforts to create a county environmental vision perfectly embodies the spirit of this award.
The Youth Commission, with the assistance of a professional facilitator, conducted focus groups throughout the county and received over 900 completed surveys from high school students on the subjects of transportation, bike paths, recreation planning, parks, trails and other environmental issues.
The El Dorado County Environmental Vision was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in March, 2008, and operates as a template for county departments and community awareness. Since its adoption, a community garden, solar agricultural education project and bike safety video have been created.
The Department of Transportation received a Special Recognition Award due to their development of a bridge and trails design through comprehensive collaboration with local advocacy groups, the parks and recreation commission, county Trails Advisory Committee, along with five public meetings.
The 2.75 mile trail, completed in October, 2009, connects the City of Placerville with the Diamond Springs community and provides non-motorized connectivity to the El Dorado County Government Center, Herbert Green Middle School, a skate park and two major shopping centers. In addition to serving the immediate community, the trail represents the first step in connecting the El Dorado Trail with the City of Folsom and the American River Parkway.