REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY RTPA

SUBJECT	MEETING DATE	ITEM NUMBER
California Transportation Commission (CTC) Meeting Itinerary: Redding, October 29–30, 2003	10/21/03	5

RECOMMENDATION

This is an information item only.

SUMMARY

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) will meet in Redding on October 30, 2003. A reception for the CTC, staff, and other regional agencies has been arranged for October 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All RTPA Agency members are invited to attend.

DISCUSSION

Background: October 30, 2003, marks the first meeting of the CTC in Redding. RTPA staff has encouraged the CTC to meet in Redding so they can become more familiar with transportation and transportation decision-makers in Shasta County. The CTC makes important funding and policy decisions affecting Shasta County and the rest of the State. The following background information regarding the CTC was taken from their website:

The CTC was established in 1978 out of a growing concern for a single, unified California transportation policy. The California Transportation Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor, all appointed to staggered four-year terms, and two non-voting ex-officio members, one from the State Senate and one from the State Assembly. The Commission is responsible for the programming and allocating of funds for the construction of highway, passenger rail and transit improvements throughout California. The Commission also advises and assists the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for California’s transportation programs. The Commission is also an active participant in the initiation and development of State and Federal legislation that seeks to secure financial stability for the State’s transportation needs.

October 29, CTC Reception: A CTC reception has been arranged by the RTPA between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., at Turtle Bay Exploration Park on the cafeteria patio near the new Sundial Bridge. This location is of interest to the CTC since the bridge was partially funded by the CTC and the Turtle Bay entrance on State Route 299 is slated for widening subject to future funding approvals by the CTC.

The invitation for the reception is attached and all Agency members are encouraged to attend. CTC Commissioners, CTC and Caltrans Staff, and Regional Transportation Planning Agency Representatives from throughout the State have also been invited. The Associated General Contractors have made a generous contribution to host hors d’oeuvres for the event. Approximately 125 people are expected to attend.

October 30, CTC Meeting: City Manager Mike Warren has graciously agreed to host the October 30 CTC meeting at the Redding City Council Chambers. This location will allow Commissioners to see improvements on Cypress Avenue involving CTC funds. Some projects, like the work in front of City Hall, will remain under construction. Other projects, such as the Cypress Avenue Bridge Replacement, require future CTC approvals for funds.

A timed CTC agenda will not be provided until a week prior to the meeting. The meeting is expected to run from about 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Several significant statewide issues will be on the CTC agenda, including a draft fund estimate for the 2004 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), and revised STIP Guidelines.

The CTC has agreed to provide a half-hour on the agenda for Shasta County area officials to discuss transportation needs and issues. Agency Chairman, Pat Kight and Redding Mayor Mark Cibula, have agreed to provide welcoming remarks. Caltrans and the RTPA staffs will provide ten-minute presentations each to familiarize the Commissioners with transportation in Caltrans-District 2 and Shasta County.

RTPA Agency members are encouraged to attend at least the early portion of the CTC meeting to become more familiar with the role of the CTC and how business is conducted among the CTC, Caltrans, regional agencies, and local agencies.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

RTPA staff arranged the CTC meeting with valuable assistance from Redding City Manager, Mike Warren, and staff from the Redding Visitor’s Bureau. Federal and State officials along with other RTPAs, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and local public works agencies from throughout the State will be attending.

FINANCING

The Agency may pay up to $400 for the cost of a meeting room at Turtle Bay, for a meeting of the California Regional Transportation Planning Agencies. All other costs associated with the meeting will be borne by the CTC and other agencies attending.

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Daniel J. Kovacich, Executive Officer

DSL/jac

Attachments: CTC 2003 Meeting Schedule

Invitation to Turtle Bay Reception Map and Driving Directions