Kern COG honors county transportation, safety and community programs at 2024 Regional Awards of Merit ceremony

The Kern Council of Governments honored a range of public‑works projects, public‑safety programs and community leaders at its 2024 Regional Awards of Merit ceremony, where officials and program representatives described recent infrastructure investments and community initiatives meant to improve safety, mobility and quality of life across Kern County.

Bob Smith, Kern Council of Governments chairman of the board, opened the ceremony, saying the event recognizes “distinguished individuals and organizations whose exemplary leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication have significantly contributed to enhancing the quality of life in their local communities and throughout Kern County region.”

The awards highlighted completed and ongoing transportation and public‑works projects. Kern County Public Works’ Capital Projects Division accepted a transportation award after the county used state and local recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to design nearly 13 miles of sidewalks, 5 miles of sewer improvements and 7 miles of road resurfacing in unincorporated areas, the presenters said. The county’s capital projects team reported completing about $50,000,000 in construction contracts by a December deadline and finishing roughly $220,000 under budget; the presenter noted that delivering sidewalks in older neighborhoods required securing easements and removing obstructions such as utilities, fences and trees.

Jeff Davis, Senior Engineer Manager for Kern County Public Works, accepted the award on behalf of the division and thanked design and construction…