Board approves exception to JPA so COG can lead SR‑49 phase and clear access for CTA transit facility

On Nov. 4 the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors authorized an exception to the existing joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Calaveras Council of Governments (COG) so the COG can act as lead agency for the PS&E phase of the State Route 49 Southern Gateway Corridor. Public Works Director Michael Warren and Melissa Raggio, executive director of the COG, told the board the COG’s regional funding access will help secure an estimated $1.4 million in regional funding to advance this phase and that Airport Road is a major project component.

Representatives of the Calaveras Transit Agency (CTA) described a planned new transit facility off Airport Road just outside San Andreas and explained CTA is negotiating dedications from two property owners to obtain legal access and construct the planned road. CTA asked the county to accept those dedications and to commit to future county maintenance of Airport Road once constructed.

Supervisors said the project will improve circulation around San Andreas, benefit transit access for students and residents, and complement the planned COG building nearby. The board voted to approve the JPA exception and the county’s commitment to accept Airport Road into the county‑maintained road system on a 5–0 vote.

Next steps: COG will submit the regional transportation improvement plan to Caltrans (staff cited a Dec. 15 submission) and continue land‑dedication negotiations to allow CTA to proceed with facility construction; county staff will coordinate interjurisdictional review and agreements.