RTC to Consider Funding Allocations to Segments of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is seeking public input on proposals for over $5.3 million designated for the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network (MBSST) and over $9 million in state and federal funds for other transportation projects as part of adoption of the 2014 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP). A public hearing has been scheduled for 9:30 am at the RTC’s December 5, 2013 meeting at the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA. Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on funding proposals by 2:00 pm on December 4, 2013 toinfo@sccrtc.org or provide comments at the hearing. Summaries of project applications, cost totals and funding recommendations are available online at:http://www.sccrtc.org/funding-planning/project-funding/.

The Final Master Plan for the MBSST Network was adopted by the RTC at its November 7, 2013 meeting. The Trail Network will provide connections to activity centers, coastal access points and other key destinations for bicycle, pedestrian, wheelchair, and other non-motorized travel. The Master Plan identifies the “rail trail” adjacent to the 32 mile Santa Cruz Branch rail line right-of-way, as the spine of a broader network of 50 miles of trails.

For more information about the Trail Network project or to sign up for e-news, please visit the RTC website: www.sccrtc.org.