FRESNO (KMJ) — A majority of Fresno City Council has come out against Mayor Lee Brand’s plan to distribute SB1 highway-improvement funds. District 7’s Nelson Esparza has labeled it “dead on arrival.”
Esparza, along with District 1’s Esmeralda Soria, District 3’s Miguel Arias, and District 5’s Luis Chavez, announced on Monday that they are against the proposal to share the money throughout the city, as opposed to sending it where it’s required. All represent districts south of Shaw Avenue and collectively said that the dollars from the state-wide gas tax are needed in their areas first.
“It’s a plain fact that the Mayor proposes to give the richest part of the city, which is north-east Fresno, the same amount as the central-south part of the city,” explained Councilmember Miguel Arias.
“Which is, for us, astonishing and completely unacceptable that would treat such distinct needs exactly the same way.”
The City of Fresno’s list of proposed projects paid for with SB1 funds can be found clicking here.
In response, Mayor Lee Brand said he appreciated the position and looked forward to the Fresno City Council debate on Thursday. But Brand’s statement included critical words for the councilmembers.
“Changing the proven industry standard we currently use to a single criteria may sound good from a political perspective, but it doesn’t serve the needs of the entire community and it doesn’t maximize our investment in safer streets and sidewalks throughout our City, which is my one and only priority on this issue.
“Crumbling roads and sidewalk cracks don’t have political affiliations or agendas.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
