DATE: September 24, 2024
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Letter of Intent supporting Scenic Highway Designation for eastern segments of State Route 180 from Trimmer Springs Road to the Alta Main Canal (Post Mile 74.9 to 78.6)
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Authorize the Chairman to sign and send a Letter of Intent to the State of California Department of Transportation, supporting the proposed Officially Designated Scenic Highway status of the eastern segment of State Route 180 from Trimmer Springs Road to the Alta Main Canal (Post Mile 74.9 to 78.6)
REPORT
Consistent with the Fresno County General Plan, the Sierra Gateway Trust has been working with County staff and State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to pursue designation of an eastern segment of State Route (SR) 180 (3.7 miles) as an Officially Designated State Scenic Highway. In order to continue with the designation process, Caltrans is requesting a Letter of Intent from the County expressing its support of the proposed designation.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board of Supervisors may elect to not take a position and reject the recommended issuance of the proposed Letter of Intent.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County cost associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
Since 1976, the Fresno County General Plan has designated the subject portion of SR 180 listed in the Recommended Action as a Scenic Highway. This designation was carried forward with the adoption of the 2024 General Plan Update. Also included in the 2024 General Plan Update is a policy and implementation program, which supports the proposed designation effort as follows:
Policy OS-L.9: The County shall work with the Department of Transportation to pursue scenic highway designation from the State of California for the State highway segments eligible for such designation (including those listed in the Scenic Roadways lis...
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