LAKE COUNTY – A federal “New Freedom Discretionary Grant” will fund Lake Transit bus stop improvements at various county locations.
Transit Manager Mark Wall recently reported that the 2006 application had been successful and that as of early June, he”d received contract documents for the Federal Transit Act”s Section 5317 New Freedom Discretionary Grant. The FTA Section 5317 grant is providing $115,000, which is being matched with local funds in the amount of $28,750.
Lake Transit is applying for a second grant that would also fund bus stop improvements. Wall presented the second application to the Lake Transit Authority at its Wednesday, June 13 meeting.
“If the new application is also successful, the project schedules for the two bus stop improvement programs will overlap and allow for all the work to be done during the same time frame,” Wall reported. “The result will be a combined $268,750 investment in bus stops.
“The work for both projects would be completed by the end of 2008 and result in accessibility improvements at 22 bus stops, installation of passenger waiting shelters and/or benches at 21 bus stops and installation of 90 bus stop signs. The improvements will enhance the safety, comfort and usefulness of the transit system.”
Wall reported that the grant application has been filed with Caltrans. The project is included in a draft budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
Bonus Sidebar: Eligible bus stops funded by FTA grant
With its FTA Section 5317 grant, Lake Transit proposes improvements to 10 or more local bus stops, making them more accessible to people with disabilities.
Among eligible stops within Clearlake and Clearlake Oaks that can be funded by the FTA grant:
Burns Valley Shopping Center, Olympic Drive/Old Highway 53 westbound, Clearlake Improve access to grocery, pharmacy, bank and small shops. Located near many senior citizens” apartments and senior center.
Clearlake Physical Therapy, Olympic Drive/East of Manzanita (eastbound), Clearlake High usage bus stop from physical therapy patients, across from the Burns Valley Mall. This location needs a wheelchair landing pad and shelter. Space limitations may require a bench only.
Clearlake Post Office, Olympic Drive/Madrone Street (westbound), Clearlake Install wheelchair landing pad and shelter. Serve post office and apartment complex.
Clearlake Apartments, Old Highway 53, Clearlake Low income apartment complex with high usage. Needs wheelchair landing pad and bench.
Caprinni Apartments, Old Highway 53/Hill Road, Clearlake Low income apartment complex with high usage, but no existing wheelchair landing pad or other amenities.
Yuba Community College”s Clear Lake Campus, Clearlake Improve access and reduce safety issues for students.
State Route 20 (eastbound)/Short Street (Tower Mart), Clearlake Oaks High usage bus stop located 880 feet east of milepost 27.72 on State Route 20 would be relocated approximately 100 feet west to improve visibility and right-of-way space. Install wheelchair landing pad and shelter. This bus stop is located adjacent to an existing State Route 20 crosswalk that is also included in the State Route 20 traffic calming study.
