Photo: Courtesy of the City of Madera

The Commission Vision

February 2024 | 01

Message from the Executive Director

Hello and welcome to the Madera County Transportation Commission’s electronic newsletter! We are excited to launch our quarterly newsletter that will include information regarding regional planning efforts and events underway to improve the way we live, work and travel throughout the Madera County Region. We look forward to providing you with information and welcome your feedback and participation.

Patricia Taylor

Executive Director

Visit the New Interactive Website for Measure T

MCTA is very excited to share a new interactive website, MeasureT-2024.com, that allows everyone to learn more about the potential renewal of Measure T and, most importantly, will enable users to show how they would distribute the money. Voters approved Measure T in November 2006. It established the Madera County 2006 Transportation Authority (MCTA) and authorized a ½ cent retail transaction and use tax for 20 years (between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2027) specifically to fund transportation projects and programs in the County. Measure T has generated over $164 million to date, allowing the region to leverage an additional $319 million in state and federal matching funds. It is expected to generate $219 million by its current sunset date of 2027.

Following a failed attempt in 2022, a renewal effort is being considered for the November 2024 ballot. This renewal effort is NOT a new tax - it is an extension that will include a revised spending plan based on public input.

Stay informed with Measure T-2024.com about the resident-driven renewal process. There you can find audits for the last 17 years for Madera County, City of Madera, City of Chowchilla, and MCTA, as well as the Annual Work Programs. Stay updated about ongoing efforts through the website's subscription-based calendar or check at your convenience. Don't miss out on the ten upcoming Town Hall meetings being planned throughout the County - visit the website in March for more information.

Visit the Measure T Website

How would you distribute

Measure T funds?

Visit the interactive website to show us how you would distribute the money by placing a percentage of funds towards various categories, such as Local Streets and Roads, Evacuation Preparedness, and more...

Share your ideas!

Millions in State Funding Proposed For Transportation Projects in Madera County

Exciting news! The State’s Draft 2024 Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP) proposes funding for three projects in the Madera County Region, including $5.5 million to completely fund the State Route 99 – Avenue 7 to Avenue 12 (South Madera) project, programming of new funding in the amount of $4.3 million to prepare Environmental Studies and Permits (E&P) for the SR 99 – Avenue 17 to Avenue 21 (North Madera) project, and $80 million for the proposed Madera High-Speed Rail Station on Avenue 12. Caltrans, as mandated by State law, nominates ITIP projects that improve transportation between regions for people and goods movement. These projects are crucial for the region's development, enhancing accessibility to job opportunities, production centers, educational services, and other valuable resources in Madera County and the broader Central Valley region.

The ITIP is part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is the biennial five-year plan adopted by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for future allocations of certain state transportation funds for state highway improvements, intercity rail, and regional highway and transit improvements. State law requires the CTC to update the STIP biennially, in even- numbered years, with each new STIP adding two new years to prior programming commitments. The CTC is scheduled to adopt the Draft 2024 STIP in March 2024.

Click for more information about the STIP

Map: Courtesy of SJJPA, proposed Madera High Speed Rail Station project

Photo: Courtesy of Plugshare, 10 DC fast chargers at EZ Trip Travel Center in Madera

Is Madera County ready for Zero-Emission Transportation?

Many Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV) are already present in our communities, and more are being added each year. To help residents, businesses, and local agencies plan for the installation of charging stations, MCTC has created a Madera County Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Readiness and Implementation Plan. This plan was approved in the fall of 2023 and includes an assessment of the existing ZEV infrastructure environment, recommendations for infrastructure improvements and investments. It also includes implementation strategies and policies to promote ZEV infrastructure adoption in the short- and long-term, identification of key community challenges and barriers to advancement, and tools to help with procuring a site and installing different types of ZEV infrastructure.

To access the plan and other ZEV planning resources, click below.

Annual Unmet Transit Needs Process Kickoff

Throughout the year, MCTC appreciates receiving comments from the public, particularly from transit dependent persons, regarding transit service needs in Madera County. We value your input and encourage you to participate in our public workshops. You can attend one of the workshops held at various locations throughout the county, or conveniently submit your comments by mail, phone, email, or online survey. Additionally, you can provide your feedback at the public hearing during the MCTC Policy Board meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Interpreting services will be available at all workshops. We look forward to hearing from you!

Unmet Transit Needs Workshops 2024

Friday, March 1, 2024

6:00 PM

(Spanish language only)

Casas De La Vina

23784 Avenue 9

Madera, CA 93637

In-person

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

3:00 PM AND 6:00PM

Chowchilla Library

300 Kings Avenue

Chowchilla, CA 93610

In-person

Thursday, March 7, 2024

10:00 AM

Frank Bergon Senior Center

238 South D Street

Madera, CA 93638

In-person

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

6:00 PM

Webinar ID: 831 9180 8232

Passcode: 921346

Click here to join!

Virtual

Saturday, March 16, 2024

1:00 PM

North Fork Library

32908 Road 222

North Fork, CA 93643

In-person

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

6:00 PM

In-person

Photo: Madera Metro bus stop on Sunset Avenue in Madera

Weathering the Storm

Winter can be a beautiful time of year. However, it can also bring a variety of unsafe driving conditions to our roadways. Check out the California Department of Transportation's (Caltrans) downloadable pamphlet with helpful tips to make your winter driving a safe and pleasant experience!

Download Pamphlet

San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference 2024

The San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference is being hosted by the Tulare Council of Governments this year in Visalia on April 29 - May 1. This in-person event is a must-attend for elected officials, agency staff, transportation consultants, professionals, and anyone interested in shaping the future of the Valley. Winners of the San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Awards will be announced on May 1 of the conference.

Join us at the conference and say YES! to a better transportation system for the San Joaquin Valley. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to gain new insights, network with industry experts, and engage in lively discussions on various policy topics including new technology, housing, social justice, funding, and more. Will you be there? Register now!

Nominations Now Open for San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Awards

The San Joaquin Valley's eight regional transportation planning agencies established an awards program in 2009 to promote quality planning and development based on the smart growth-oriented 12 Blueprint Principles. The program aims to showcase visually appealing, functional, and environmentally-friendly projects that can have relevance throughout the Valley. Since its inception, dozens of exceptional projects and individuals have been recognized with awards.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 program in the following categories:

Development Projects

On the ground, existing projects that exemplify the Blueprint principles:

Residential
Commercial
Mixed Use
Downtown Revitalization
Transportation Enhancement
Historic Revitalization

Planning Project or Program

Recognition of sustainable and innovative planning projects or programs.

Darrel Hildebrand Blueprint Leadership Award

Awarded to an individual who has shown enthusiasm and tenacity in promoting the Blueprint principles.

Jenny Kenoyer Outstanding Elected Official

Awarded to an elected official who demonstrates great leadership and advocacy for promoting Blueprint principles

Nominations are due on April 1, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 1 at the San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference in Visalia.

Is there an outstanding project or individual that you would like to nominate? For more information, please visit the San Joaquin Valley Policy Conference website.

Learn More

What is our vision?

MCTC is dedicated to enhancing intergovernmental coordination and undertaking comprehensive regional planning, with a particular focus on transportation. We provide a platform for citizens to contribute their ideas and opinions to the planning process, as well as offer technical services to our member agencies. MCTC strives to reach a consensus among its members on issues related to transportation, housing, and land use across multiple jurisdictions.

Learn More

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