Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Trail Bob Jones topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board directs staff to pursue phased Bob Jones trail approach as Caltrans offers SHOP funding
Summary
The Board directed staff to assemble a phased, fundable proposal for closing the Bob Jones Pathway gap, using county ATP grant funds plus Caltrans SHOP funding and partner contributions; staff warned of right‑of‑way, funding and CTC‑approval risks and outlined next steps for January CTC consideration.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 29 directed county staff to prepare a phased proposal to close the remaining 4.5‑mile Bob Jones Pathway gap and to pursue California Transportation Commission (CTC) consideration in January.
Public Works Director John Diodati outlined a preferred approach that pairs the county’s Active Transportation Program grant funding for segments A and C with a Caltrans‑proposed SHOP funding allocation of about $6 million to implement the key B segment through Caltrans right‑of‑way. Staff described segmentation options, design milestones (95% design targeted by the end of January), right‑of‑way acquisition needs (including negotiations with the recently sold Flying Flags parcel) and value‑engineering options — for example removing proposed tunnels or replacing decorative fencing to lower costs.
“Caltrans has proposed a way to fund construction of the bike path in their right‑of‑way,” Diodati told the board, noting cost escalations and the project’s shifting daily as negotiations proceed. He said the worst outcome at the January CTC meeting would be denial, which would require returning ATP grant funds.
Board members broadly supported moving the project forward while flagging fiscal prudence and the risk that the county might need to identify local gap funding. Several supervisors emphasized the project’s tourism and active‑transportation benefits; others warned against committing county discretionary funds without clearer cost certainty and noted competing road‑maintenance priorities.
A number of public commenters including local parks commissioners and trail advocates urged the board to move forward; other speakers objected to potential use of eminent domain or raised property‑rights concerns. After public comment and deliberation, the board voted to direct staff to assemble and submit a phased, fundable packet for CTC review and to return with necessary follow‑up as negotiations and design progress.
Next steps: Staff will pursue right‑of‑way work, finalize 95% design, continue value engineering and work with partners (SLOCOG, Caltrans and SlowCog) to prepare the January submittal to the CTC; staff emphasized the project remains contingent on CTC approval and final funding alignment.
