In order to claim more than $2 million in local road funding from the state, Santa Maria city staff are taking a list of proposed projects to the council Tuesday for approval.

The potential funds are part of the massive $950 million transportation bond measure, called Prop 1B, that was approved by California voters in 2007. Santa Maria is estimated to receive a total allocation of $2.8 million of these funds, according to city staff.

The first allocation of money, a maximum $1.45 million, could make it to city coffers this year. Projects ranging from street reconstruction to traffic signal upgrades could be underway soon after.

“It is one-time funding,” said David Whitehead, public works director and city engineer. “It's bond proceeds that are going to cities and counties throughout the state for one-time capital costs.”

Though the state is struggling with its own budget problems, Whitehead said he is confident this money will make it to the city and won't be diverted.

“The state has already estimated the allocation,” he said. “My understanding is this is guaranteed money as long as we have an approved project list.”

The list before the council has five main projects that are expected to benefit a broad segment of the city's population in a variety of transportation areas.

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“The idea behind this is to provide funding for projects that local jurisdictions can show voters immediately what the bond proceeds are going for,” Whitehead explained.

Staff's proposal includes:

n A traffic signal at Miller and Boone streets, plus drainage improvements near the railroad tracks. This project is in anticipation of the new transit center that is planned for that location.

n South College Drive cross-gutter reconstruction, which should improve driving the corridor between Mariposa Way and Camino Colegio by evening the deep “dips” in the road but still allowing adequate drainage.

n Road reconstruction of West Creston Street, Marlberry Street and West Palmetto Drive

n Traffic signal upgrades at the

intersections of: Railroad Avenue and Donovan Road, Skyway Drive and McCoy Lane, Thornburg Street and Betteravia Road and the Target parking lot and Betteravia Road. The upgrades would add left-turn protection for drivers who now have to yield.

n Neighborhood conservation program improvements to two target areas - along the east side of North Broadway from Main Street to Lincoln Street, and the east side of North Miller Street between Mill Street and Lincoln Street. Work would address blight with sidewalk repairs, drainage improvements, upgraded pedestrian access and streetlight installation.

These projects are suggestions from city staff, but the council will have the final decision. The council meets Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall, 110 E. Cook Street.

Malia Spencer can be reached at 739-2219 or mspencer@santamariatimes.com.

February 18, 2008