The county board of supervisors next meeting is tomorrow, starting at 9 am.
On the board’s business agenda is a discussion and status update on how to proceed with the Bob Jones pathway gap closure project. The bike trail is a 4.5 mile pathway, designed to connect San Luis Obispo and Avila Beach. The agenda says easement of most properties along the trail have been approved, and funding has been largely secured through an 18.25 million dollar grant fund by the California Transportation Commission.
However, in August of this year, the board failed to approve use of eminent domain for 1.2 acres on a necessary parcel to complete the trail. Per the board’s direction, staff has returned with an update:
The agenda says the first alternative is returning the grant and delaying the project. The second is to phase the project, and collaborate with Caltrans and SLOCOG.
In phasing the project, Caltrans would use their right of way on the US 101 to complete the middle section of the project, realigning the trail to be adjacent to the US 101. The county will continue work on the ends of the project.
The county, Caltrans, and SLOCOG will need to complete 95% of their plans, specifications, and estimates by January 27, 2025 for this alternative approach to be successful, and for the county to hold on to its secured grant funding for the project. The board will consider whether to work with Caltrans to complete this project in phases, or re-apply for future grant funding.
You can attend tomorrow’s meeting in person, or watch online.
