(KMJ) – Thanks to vocal objections from Valley lawmakers, residents and KMJ listeners, Governor Gavin Newsom and Cal Trans have reversed an earlier decision to pull $17 million in funding for improvement projects on Highway 99 in both Madera and Tulare. That money was to come from funds collected after the passage of the state gas tax.
Wednesday morning, while speaking exclusively to KMJ, Assemblyman Jim Patterson (R-Fresno) says Sacramento has done an about-face, thanks to the persistent objections from so many across the Valley.
“We basically pushed the Governor and CalTrans…you know, put up or shut up. You say you care about us. The Governor comes here and says I care about this damn valley, Highway 99 is a big priority and then bingo, out comes the funds. Well it’s fixed”, a fiery Patterson told KMJ’s Morning News.
Listen to KMJ’s Matt Otstot discuss the news with Asmb. Patterson:
Funding for improvement work on Highway 46 “Blood Alley” in San Luis Obispo county was mostly restored, but was shorted by $5 million.
The previous 2020 Transportation Plan called for the deletion of the planned $9 million Highway 99 widening from just north of Fresno into Madera at Avenue 7 to Avenue 12 from four to six lanes. Also slated for deletion was the $8 million expansion of Highway 99 from four to six lanes through the city of Tulare.
The California Transportation Commission will officially vote to approve the ITIP in Spring of 2020.
