FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (FOX26) — On Wednesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors reviewed proposed allocations and terms for the renewal of Measure C, a half-cent sales tax approved back in 1986.
Its purpose, to fund transportation projects within the county, which includes 15 cities.
Tonight, we hear new ways local leaders are trying to distribute the money and why people say it’s not going to communities that need it the most.
In the small town of Del Rey, one intersection cuts through the center of daily life.
If you’ve driven by American and Del Rey, you’ve likely seen broken rims, bumpers, glass, and memorials..
And for longtime resident Rumaldo Reyna, that sight is a reminder to be careful on the notorious intersection.
“That intersection, yeah I see a lot of accidents. Maybe some accidents haven’t been reported, hit and run, stuff like that you know, but uh that’s pretty much the busiest intersection where traffic accidents occur,” said Reyna.
The concerns grew louder when a driver lost their life after crashing into a semi truck on November 5th.
On Wednesday, Letica from California Rural Legal Assistance spoke on behalf of Del Rey families, urging leaders to do more to prevent deaths on rural roads.
“We must take steps to prevent another loss of life,” said Reyna.
Now residents are pushing for what they say are simple improvements.
“It’s getting darker earlier, yeah, I tell you, and like I said we need more lighting here. A lot of residents have been complaining and have been doing something about it. I do believe in making it a four-way stop in their businesses and season, which is right now, I think, and so I haven’t seen it yet, but yeah, they’re supposed to make it a four-way stop,” said Reyna.
Measure C outlines where improvements should be made, including road maintenance and public transit.
Mohammad Alimi, division manager for the county, says the existing Measure C allocated revenue is based on a 75% population/25% road miles allocation.
The proposed renewal shifts that to an 80% population/20% roads formula.
2:44:33“can you tell us where the money is going? To the larger cities.”
Supervisors also questioned whether the formula meets the needs of rural areas.
“I do think there’s value connecting the rural communities with he urban areas, but we need safe roads. We have a lot of deaths on our rural roads,” said Chavez.
No action was taken at the meeting, but on December 4th the Measure C citizen oversight committee will have a meeting.