January, 2014 - In This Issue:
      
A message from the Executive Director
Looking forward to more transportation highlights
 
  

It was a banner year for transportation in San Bernardino County as 2013 saw many accomplishments towards improving the way we travel from here to there. Despite facing many economic shortcomings from both the State and Federal levels, SANBAG stayed true to the course in delivering one of the largest programs in our 40-year history. The voters' foresight to approving the extension of Measure I, the half-cent sales tax measure that infuses local dollars for local transportation needs, contributes greatly to our success.

 

As we start the coming year, we anticipate a number of opportunities to help shape federal and state approaches to transportation issues and financing. MAP-21 sunsets in September making the next generation of transportation reauthorization a primary focus of the SANBAG advocacy trip to Washington D.C. this spring. Goods movement remains a key speaking point as well, given the impacts (and benefits) to our region.

 

At the state level, the Administration has expressed an interest in addressing transportation funding shortfalls, both for system preservation and expansion. SANBAG will continue to engage with the Administration and the Legislature to ensure that our county's interests are well-represented in this effort.

 

Here is a quick list at some of highlights from last year and the year to come:

  • Five grade separations are now under way, enhancing safety and mobility for the commuters of our region.
  • Construction contracts were awarded for the Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail and San Bernardino Transit Center. These projects will transform the area in and around the Depot, afford new opportunities for economic development in downtown San Bernardino, provide connectivity of Metrolink to the nearly completed sbX on E Street, and further open transit options for many.
  • A number of interchanges are taking shape on our freeway corridors with even more on the horizon.
  • We will celebrate the completion of construction on the I-215 Widening Project, a four-phase, multi-agency collaboration, in January.
  • Two major highway projects, the I-15/I-215 Devore Interchange and the I-215 Bi-County project are on schedule and represent the best of what can happen when partnering agencies work together.
  • Environmental work continues on the I-10 and I-15 corridors, with managed lanes as one of the project alternatives under consideration.
  • We are nearing completion of an important Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan Environmental Impact Report that will pave the way for a more efficient and consistent way to address the State's greenhouse gas reduction mandates under AB 32 at the local level.
  • Planning staff are working diligently on a Countywide Transportation Plan that factors significantly into shaping the quality of life for our residents and visitors.

As you can see, there is much going on in our dynamic county and you can follow along with all our activity via our recently updated web page at www.sanbag.ca.gov.  We look foward to partnering with you all as we move ahead into 2014.

 

Raymond W. Wolfe, PhD.

Executive Director - San Bernardino Associated Governments

  
  
  
Award-Winning Financial Reporting
SANBAG Finance Office receives recognition for outstanding achievement
  

San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) was recently  awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award was presented by SANBAG President Bill Jahn to Chief Financial Officer Bill Stawarski and Chief of Accounting and Procurement Hilda Flores. 

 

  
  
January Calendar
  
Committee Meetings:
  
January 15 - General Policy Committee              9:00 am   The Super Chief
January 16 - Commuter Rail/Transit Committee   9:00 am   The Super Chief
January 16 - Metro Valley Study Session            Canceled
January 17 - Mountain/Desert Committee            Canceled
  
Public Events:
 
January 24 - Interstate 215 Widening Project Dedication
                   San Bernardino, CA  
  
San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG) is the council of governments and transportation planning agency for San Bernardino County.

STAY CONNECTED

    Follow us on Twitter