Davis-Woodland Bikeway Update

Hey Bikers, Got Any Spare Change?

It seems that the county still needs $1.6 million dollars to finish the bike path between our two friendly communities.  Wouldn’t it be nice to get this settled by March, so that we can all feel safe hauling back matresses from Costco in our bike trailers after The Grand Opening of The Largest Costco Ever?

I mentioned this item on Monday, January 28th, but had no idea that this project was 41% unfunded.  Was this project approved without financial considerations? No.  So, where’s the money?  Find out after the jump.

The Board of Supervisors approved this project in 2001 without dedicated funding, expecting that staff would find the money from grants and other agencies to complete this ambitious rural bike path.

Petrea Marchand, Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs for Yolo County, has graciously provided some back story for the benefit of DavisVoice readers.

“The grants are usually small, so we can only complete small portions of the bikeway at any one time. The Road 29 section of the bikeway … is the final portion of the bikeway for which we have not received full funding. We … are seeking funding from both SACOG [$368,000] and CalTrans [$1.2 million] to complete the widening of Road 29.

If [those funds are not forthcoming], we will continue applying for grants until we have sufficient funds. We hope to complete the project within two years, but it is dependent on our success with grant applications.

Also of note is that we have received full funding for widening the last remaining segment of Road 99 that is part of the Davis-Woodland Bikeway; that project will go to construction this year.

Our Public Works staff have done an amazing job of squeezing money out of cash-strapped agencies for our project; the bicycle enthusiasts in Woodland and Davis also deserve kudos because they have drawn attention to this important project.”

So, bicycle enthusiasts, sustainability proponents, and public safety supporters,  let’s continue the support for this project… I want a safe road out to Plainfield Station by the summer solstice…2010.