Calaveras COG approves reprogramming of CMAQ funds for Mountain Ranch Road design work

At its April 2, 2025 meeting the Calaveras Council of Governments approved a minute order to reprogram congestion mitigation and air quality (CMAQ) funds to a locally‑nominated project addressing the Mountain Ranch Road intersection and the segment through to Buckskin Road.

"Staff is recommending the council approve the reprogramming of congestion mitigation and air quality control funding, which we refer to as CMAQ," said Erin, the council executive director, who presented staff’s recommendation after explaining the city that originally held the funds was not ready for construction.

COG staff said the city notified staff it was not ready to obligate the programmed construction funds and requested either a loan or an exchange. Staff proposed keeping the funding local and nominating a project to fund environmental and design work for the Mountain Ranch Road–to–Buckskin Road segment; staff estimated the two fiscal years being reprogrammed total approximately $907,000. The TAC supported the recommendation.

Staff identified the corridor project as consistent with two earlier studies: the San Andreas SR 49 Gateway Corridor Study and the Evacuation Access Needs and Assessment Plan. At the meeting members raised concern that reprogramming funds repeatedly without additional projects in the pipeline could jeopardize future allocations and urged local jurisdictions to prepare project study reports and capital projects for forthcoming calls for projects.

A motion to approve the minute order was made by Alvin and seconded by Tim; the council voted to approve the reprogramming.

COG staff said the reprogrammed funds must be obligated on the project schedule and that staff will work to keep the city’s intended project whole in future programming rounds if additional balances are available.