VISALIA The Tulare County Association of Governments today presented Local Motion Awards in 11 categories, recognizing the people and projects that are transforming transportation in Tulare County.
The categories and honorees recognized are:
Sustainability: Main Street Promenade
Craig Mangano, owner of The Mangano Co., accepted the award for his company¹s role in the 60,000-square-foot mixed-use project in downtown Visalia. The building is a LEED certified infill development project. Mangano recognized the City of Visalia¹s staff and infrastructure improvements that contributed to the success of the project.
Economic Development: Betty Drive Project Roger Hunt, assistant director of Tulare County Resource Management Agency, accepted the award on behalf of Tulare County, City of Visalia, Caltrans, Omni-Means, California Transportation Commission and TCAG who worked together to secure funding and ³keep the project moving along.² The project has improved access to Visalia¹s business park and other employment areas.
Transit: Tulare County Community College Transit Study COS interim president Brent Calvin accepted the award for the COS Student Transit Pass program which allows student to ride any of the fixed route transit systems in Tulare and Kings County. A study underway now by TPG Consulting documented that over 400 students reported that, without the program, they could not attend COS. Calvin recognized associate professor Stephen Tootle for initiating and promoting the creation of the program.
Innovation: Farmersville Pavement and Street Sign Program Councilmember Paul Boyer accepted the award on behalf of the City of Farmersville for the program which documents pavement and street sign conditions. The program has helped prioritized pavement and sign improvements in the city.
Connectivity: The Loop Bus
Dan Fox, manager of Tulare County Area Transit, accepted the award, noting that the free transportation to safe and positive activities for at-risk youth ³would not have happened without Measure R.²
Bike or Pedestrian Project: Packwood Creek Trail Adam Ennis, City of Visalia, accepted the award for the Packwood Creek trail. The trail will eventually offer bike and pedestrian travel from Akers to Stonebrook.
Outstanding Road Project: Mooney Boulevard Project Caltrans received the award for the Mooney Boulevard road project that transformed the retail corridor from a congested four-lane road to a 6-lane road. The project has improved traffic flow and helped reduce emissions.
Outstanding Private Partnership: Porterville Sheltered Workshop Executive Director John Nash accepted the award on behalf of the Porterville Sheltered Workshop. The program provides bus travel for the 600-adult workshop program, through a partnership with Porterville Transit.
Outstanding Citizen: Dave Harrald
Harrald was recognized for his role with the ³Yes on R² campaign for Measure R in fall 2006, and for his ongoing commitment to the Measure R Citizens¹ Oversight Committee.
Outstanding Elected Official: Supervisor Phil Cox
Cox was honored for his vision and leadership in developing Measure R, ³which has been a tremendous benefit to Tulare County, doubling the amount of money available for transportation projects,² noted Supervisor Pete Vander Poel in presenting the award.
Outstanding Public Employee: Britt Fussel
Fussel was honored for his careful shepherding of millions of dollars worth of public works projects. ³Virtually every public works project in Tulare County crosses his desk,² noted Jake Raper, director of Tulare County RMA.
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