taAppendix A - LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADT -                    Average Daily Traffic

A&MRTS -            Arcata and Mad River Transit System

ATS -                     Advanced Transportation System

BLA -                    Bicycle Lane Account

Caltrans -              California Department of Transportation

CNG -                   Compressed Natural Gas

COATS -               California Oregon Advanced Transportation System

CTC -                    California Transportation Commission

DAR/DAL -           Dial-A-Ride/Dial-A-Lift

DOT -                    Department of Transportation

EEM -                    Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program

ETS -                     Eureka Transit Service

FCR -                    Flexible Congestion Relief

FAS -                     Federal-Aid Secondary

FTA -                    Federal Transportation Administration

ITS –                     Intelligent Transportation System

IRRS -                   Interregional Roadway System

HCAOG -             Humboldt County Association of Governments

HOV -                   High Occupancy Vehicle

HTA -                    Humboldt Transit Authority

ITS -                      Intelligent Transportation Systems

LNG -                    Liquid Natural Gas

LOS -                    Level-of -Service

LTF -                     Local Transportation Fund

NCRA -                 North Coast Railroad Authority

NCUAQMD -        North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District

NHS -                    National Highway System

OWP -                   Overall Work Program

PM -                      Particulate Matter

PPM -                    Parts Per Million

PSR -                     Project Study Report

RCR –                   Route Concept Report

RTIP -                   Regional Transportation Improvement Program

RTP -                    Regional Transportation Plan

RTPA -                  Regional Transportation Planning Agency

RTS -                     Redwood Transit System

SAFE -                  Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies

SAFETEA-LU       Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users

SB 45 -                  Senate Bill 45

SHOPP -               State Highway Operation and Protection Program

SR -                       State Route

STAA Truck -       Surface Transportation Assistance Act Truck

STIP -                    State Transportation Improvement Program

TDA -                    Transportation Development Act

TEA-21 -               Transportation Equity Act 21st Century

TDM -                   Transportation Demand Management

TSM -                    Transportation Systems Management

 


Appendix B 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ADT (Average Daily Traffic)

A measure of the daily (24-hour period) average amount of traffic generated from a source, utilizing a route or corridor, and/or arriving at, or through, a destination or point.

A&MRTS (Arcata and Mad River Transit Service)

ATS (Advanced Transportation System)

ATS strategies enhance safety; improve the movement of people, goods, services and information; increase travel information and promote trip enhancement.

Bicycle Facility Classification System

Name

Facility Classification

Description*

Bike Path

Class I

Separated, surfaced right-of-way designated exclusively for non-motorized use. The minimum width for each direction is 1.5 meters, with a 2.4 meter minimum width for a bi-directional path.

Bike Lane

Class II

White stripe and Bike Lane sign on roadway providing 1.5 meters of road surface for preferential bicycle use (not including gutter). Vehicle parking adjacent to and motorist crossflow is allowed. Bike lanes must be on both sides of a two-way road for one-way travel only.

Bike Route

Class III

Shared roadway with motorists on through routes not served by Class I or II bikeways or to connect discontinuous bikeways. Established by a Bike Route sign.

BLA (Bicycle Lane Account)

Federal funding program for roadway-related bicycle facilities enhancements; will increase from $1 million to $5 million by the year 2004.

Caltrans (California Department of Transportation)

The state level department responsible for oversight of the statewide multi-modal transportation system, maintenance of the State Highway System, and other related tasks as assigned by the California State Government.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

Natural gas compressed to a pressure of between 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) (for light duty vehicles) and 3,600 psi (for transit vehicles).

CTC (California Transportation Commission)

The CTC is an 11-member state commission appointed by the Governor.  The CTC advises and assists the state legislature and the administration in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for transportation programs in California. Special responsibilities include adopting a STIP, preparing the Biennial Report to the Legislature concerning significant transportation issues, and evaluating the proposed state transportation budget.

DAR/DAL (Dial-A-Ride/Dial-A-Lift)

DOT (Department of Transportation)

 

EEM (Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program)

A competitive grant program, administered through the CTC and Caltrans, which makes $10 million available annually for mitigation of impacts from transportation related projects. Several types of projects are eligible for funding, including bicycle facilities and signage.

ETS (Eureka Transit Service)

FCR (Flexible Congestion Relief)

A new State Highway Account (SHA) program element for funding in the new 7-year State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to help alleviate traffic congestion.

FAS (Federal-Aid Secondary Standards)

Federal road standards that apply to certain designated rural roads and minor state highways for which Federal-Aid Secondary Funds are spent. These have become part of the new Surface Transportation Program under ISTEA.

FC (Functional Classification)

A designation for each roadway describing its general characteristics in terms of its function within the overall roadway system. Examples include local roads, minor and major collectors, minor and principal arterials.

FTA (Federal Transit Authority)

ITS (Intelligent Transportation System)

ITS is the use of computer and communications technologies to improve safety, productivity, and mobility even while traffic congestion increases.

IRRS (Interregional Roadway System)

The IRRS is a series of interregional state highway routes outside of urbanized areas.  They provide access to and between the state's economic centers, major recreational areas, and urban and rural regions.

IRRS Program

An SHA program element for funding improvements on the IRRS.  Improvement projects for this program must be chosen from a 10-year IRRS Plan submitted by Caltrans to the California State Legislature in February of 1990.  Programming will be authorized by the biennial CTC adopted STIP.

HCAOG (Humboldt County Association of Governments)

The HCAOG is established under requirements of State Government Code and is composed of representatives from the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, City Councils of the seven incorporated Cities, and the Humboldt Transit Authority. The primary functions of  HCAOG are:

(1) development and yearly accomplishment of the overall work program (OWP);

(2) biennial preparation of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP);

(3) LTF funds administration according to the Transportation Development Act (TDA); and

(4) preparation of an biennial Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).

HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle)

HTA (Humboldt Transit Authority)

LNG (Liquid Natural Gas)

Natural gas with cryogenic (very low temperature) properties of the fuel.  (LNG is maintained at a temperature of –261 degrees Fahrenheit.)

LOS (Levels-of -Service)

A qualitative measure of traffic operating conditions whereby a letter grade, "A" through "F", corresponding to progressively worsening traffic conditions, is assigned to an intersection or section of roadway

Local Roads

The rural local road system should have the following characteristics (1) serves primarily to provide access to adjacent land (2) provides service for travel over relatively short distances as compared to collectors or arterial systems. Local roads constitute the rural mileage not classified as arterial or collector.

LTF (Local Transportation Funds)

TDA funding, which is derived from state sales taxes are generally referred to as LTF; also, the actual repository account fund for these revenues is at the Humboldt County Auditors - Controllers office.

MJC (Major Collector) (Applicable to State Highways in this plan)

Major collectors should:

(1)  provide service to any County seat not on an arterial route, to the larger towns not directly served by the higher road systems, and to other traffic generators of equivalent intra-county importance, such as consolidated schools, shipping points, County parks, important mining and agricultural areas, etc;

(2)   link these places with nearby larger towns or cities, or with routes of higher classification; and,

(3)   serve the more important intra-county travel corridors.

MNC (Minor Collector) (Applicable to State Highways in this plan)

Minor collectors should:

(1)  be spaced at intervals, consistent with population density, to collect traffic from local roads and bring all developed areas within a reasonable distance of a collector road;

(2)   provide service to the remaining smaller communities; and,

(3)   link the locally important traffic generators with their rural hinterland minor arterial(s).

Minor Arterial (Applicable to State Highways in this plan)

In Humboldt County the "Minor Arterial" system consists basically of most state highways, although some new or existing streets and roads may achieve minor arterial status as the cities and the county grows.  Minor arterials constitute routes whose design should be expected to provide for relatively high overall travel speeds, with minimum interference to through movement.

NCRA (North Coast Railroad Authority)

NCUAQMD (North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District)

NHS (National Highway System)

The National Highway System, which is a system of roadways of national significance. These roads would be eligible for additional funding under TEA-21.

OWP (Overall Work Program)

Annual work programs that are prepared by local transportation commissions for the purpose of applying for regional planning funds and other financial resources for the continuous development of regional transportation plans and operation of the transportation system.

 

PA (Principal Arterial) (Applicable to State Highways in this plan)

Principal arterials are routes of state and regional significance whose design should provide for relatively high travel speeds with minimum interference to the through movement.

 

PPM (parts per million)

"Reasonableness Criteria"

The criteria used to determine if an identified unmet transit need is reasonable to serve using TDA funds as established by the RTPA pursuant to Section 99401.5 (c) of the State Government Code.

RTIP (Regional Transportation Improvement Program)

Document adopted biennially by RTPAs to present transportation improvement funding request to the California Transportation Commission. Replaced the rural county "fact sheet" and comments on Caltrans PSTIP beginning with the 1992 STIP. This 7-Year program must be submitted to the CTC by December 15 of odd numbered years.

RTP (Regional Transportation Plan)

The transportation planning document required by Section 65080 let. seq.) of the State Government Code " Directed at the achievement of a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system" within the area of responsibility of the recognized RTPA. With the passage of SE 1435 in 1992, the due date for the RTP is December l of even numbered years.

RTPA (Regional Transportation Planning Agency)

The regional transportation planning agency established by Government Code Section 29532; the RTPA in Humboldt County is the HCAOG.

Senate Bill 45 (SB 45)

SB 45 states that each transportation planning agency designated under Section 29532 or 29532.1 shall prepare and adopt a regional transportation plan directed at achieving a coordinated and balanced regional transportation system, including, but not limited to, mass transportation, highway, railroad, maritime, bicycle, pedestrian, goods movement, and aviation facilities and services.

SHS (State Highway System)

SHOPP (State Highway Operation and Protection Program)

A state program to rehabilitate and improve safety and operational characteristics on the SHS. SHOPP programs are not included in the STIP and are not counted against county minimums.

SR (State Route)

State Subvention Funds

Transportation planning funds made available to each RTPA under Section 99311.5 of the State Government Code for preparation of RTPs and RTIPs.

STAA Truck

Surface Transportation Assistance Act Trucks of the following lengths:

Tractor-trailer combinations in excess of 65 feet; Semi truck and single axle trailer combinations with kingpin to rear axle length in excess of 38 feet; Semi truck and double axle trailer combinations with kingpin to rear axle length in excess of 38 feet; Trucks with double trailer combinations in excess of 75 feet.

 

STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program)

The STIP represents the greatest share of state and federal transportation dollars, and has been significantly affected by SB 45. This program contains four years of funding and is updated every two years. In 1998 a supplemental funding process added $1.3 billion worth of projects to the overall program. New funding after this supplement may not be programmed again until after the year 2000.

TDA (Transportation Development Act)

A pool of funds from a 0.25% of the general sales tax established by SE 325 for local transportation purposes, e.g., community level bus service, bikeways, transportation planning, and streets and roads. TDA funds can be spent on streets and roads if and only if there are no reasonable unmet transit needs.

TEA-21 (Transportation Efficiency Act for the 21st Century)

Federal legislation which established a multi-modal surface transportation program, supported comprehensive transportation and systems planning, and allowed for the flexible use of selected Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) grant programs.

Traffic Calming

Transportation techniques, programs, or facilities intended to slow the movement of motor vehicles in order to better accommodate other modes and increase safety. Examples may include medians or bulb outs. 

TDM (Transportation Demand Management)

TSM (Transportation Systems Management)

Short-range improvements to maximize the efficiency of the existing transportation system; includes traffic engineering, public transportation, traffic regulations, pricing structures, bicycle usage, and operational improvements not requiring construction of additional through lanes.

Unmet Needs Hearing

Hearings that are required to be held annually by the RTPA to determine whether or not there are any unmet transit needs that can reasonably be met before TDA funds may be used for streets and roads purposes (see Section 99401.5 and 99401.6, California Government Code).

 


Appendix C 

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

The following is a compilation of comments received at the three public workshops held in January 2006 in Garberville, Willow Creek, and Eureka, as well as written comments submitted directly to HCAOG (up until February 17th, 2006.).  Comments were received from individuals in Willow Creek, Hoopa, Arcata, Garberville, Miranda, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Manila, Cutten, Bayside, Orick, Klamath, Redway, and Shelter Cove.

These comments are all in response to the question ÒWhat do you think should be addressed in the 2006 Humboldt County Regional Transportation Plan?Ó

Comments have been sorted into the standard RTP mode and transportation determinants categories: Roadways, Transit, Aviation, Bike and Pedestrian, Goods Movement, Recreational Travel, Transportation Management, Pipelines and Energy Conservation, Land Use and Transportation, and Air Quality. Some sub-categories were created under these to help make for easier review of the many comments received.  In addition, other categories such as Telecommunications, Governance, Other Recommendations, and Background Information were created to facilitate the organization of comments received. 

Comments with an Ò*Ó appear under two or more topic headings. This redundancy is to help insure that cross-cutting ideas are considered wherever appropriate in preparing the Plan update.

ROADWAYS

U.S. 101

-       *Improvements to 101 that would allow STA (longer length) trucks are important for the east county economy.

-       A median divider on 101 along the Benbow grade is needed to increase safety. The community is very concerned about the number of accidents there.

-       *Fix 101 at Confusion Hill so it is reliably open.

-       Create a safety corridor along 101 at Alton -- that could be an alternative to an overpass.

-       The 101 southbound on ramp from Central Avenue is unsafe.

-       Improve the levee (rail bed) that protects 101 from Humboldt Bay tides and storms.

State Route 255

-       Install night illumination and turn lanes along SR 255 in Manila at intersections

State Route 299

-       *Two sites on SR 299 west of Buckhorn Summit need STA upgrades (these are relatively low-cost).

State Route 96

-       Need a ÒWillow Creek storm-receptorÓ to address SR 96 runoff that flows into WCCSD water intake. Approximately $80k price tag.

-       The Hoopa Tribe runs industrial vehicles both ways on SR 96, along a 30 mile stretch. It needs a little widening in some places for safety.  Note also that there is some future growth anticipated in Hoopa and Orleans.

-       Support and fund the ÒHighway 96 corridorÓ project, through the Hoopa square.

State Route 169

-       An SR169 connector to Klamath (the coast) – is important for east-west travel. There is existing physical access, via Simpson roads.

Hoopa Valley Roads

-       Find a way for public access to be available for Horse Linto Road (Hoopa Tribe jurisdiction). Uses include recreation/scenic and as an emergency access route.  The TribeÕs concern is accessibility for law enforcement patrol, especially regarding timber theft.

-       A possible new, easier access to Horse Linto Rd. would be a bridge at Tish Tang or Campbell Field.

-       Do a study for a bridge across the Trinity River at the south end of Òthe blue slideÓ to south end of airport in Hoopa.

-       It would be nice if the roads in Hoopa had the names painted on them at intersections.  Currently, there are not any street signs. 

County Roads

-       Many of the County roads need improvements.

-       The Shelter Cove Road could be improved somewhat simply by providing some turnouts in key areas.

-       Traveling to and from Southern Humboldt (Shelter Cove) to see friends and family can be a safety issue because of poor road conditions.  A driver cannot see potholes or other road damage in the dark.  They are in horrible shape and need to be repaired. 

-       The roads in Southern Humboldt, Briceland Road between Redway and Briceland, need to be repaired.  Pot holes and slides have accumulated to an unreasonable level during the recent storms. 

-       Redwood Drive between Garberville and Redway needs improvements for safety and reliable use.

-       There can be congestion at intersections along Redwood Drive – challenging for turning and for pedestrians, enforcement needed for motorists that block intersections (Garberville).

-       *Trucks parking in the Redwood Drive median affect pedestrian uses (Garberville).

Southern Humboldt in General

-       Roads in Southern Humboldt are in desperate condition, Briceland Road, Shelter Cove Road, Honeydew, Avenue of the Giants, Highway 101 North and South, the road between Redway and Garberville, Alderpoint/Harris Road, Sprowel Creek Road, just to name a few need repair.  Please allocate money in the budge to maintain Southern Humboldt Roads.

-       Before you build new roads for new people, letÕs take care of the ones weÕve got.  We are having a building boom that has increased commercial truck traffic.  The SUV fad has added to the need for wider roads, better turn-outs and smooth shoulders; monster trucks are a way of life now.  Next summerÕs R.V. drivers will face our roads in the worst shape IÕve ever seen them.  Shelter Cove jetty improvements will mean big wear and tear on the Shelter Cove Road, which is already badly degraded.  I have also heard that Mercer/Frazier Asphalt Batch Plant in Piercy may not renew their lease.  That could mean a substantial increase in the cost of maintaining Southern Humboldt roads in 2 years.  Before you build new roads for new people, letÕs take care of the ones weÕve got. 

General

-       All communities and neighborhoods should have more than one ingress/egress road, for safety and for reliable access.

-       *Roadway improvement projects should also incorporate improvements for bicycles and pedestrians.  (Example: the U.S. 101 at Myrtle Av. project does not).

Parking

-       Address automobile parking in the plan – the provision of parking (or not) has a lot of ramifications on land use, vehicle use, etc.

-       Free or fee?  Parking is a free facility provided by most municipalities (meters have been removed in Arcata).  Install meters and use parking revenues to subsidize transit. 

-       In Garberville:

-       More parking is needed.

-       Address parking behavior: Many business owners and employees park in front of stores rather than further away. 

-       *There is a big demand for parking during events that bring a lot of people into the area, like Reggae on the River.

TRANSIT SERVICE

Paratransit

-       There is a growing need for public transportation options particularly for seniors but also for outlying communities.

-       Paratransit services need to be increased to accommodate increasing numbers of seniors and people with disabilities.

-       The Transportation Solutions forum lead to improvements, more dial-a-ride vendors, however, current service providers need to provide expanded service; and they need more funding to do so. 

-       Implementation of the state's Olmstead Plan over the next few years will increase the need for transportation services for persons with disabilities. (The "Olmstead" decision requires that states are to reasonably accommodate new and improved efforts to prevent unnecessary institutionalization of individuals with disabilities and to facilitate or expand community-based services and support.)

-       Access to health and education services is especially important.

-       Ferndale has no public transit system, you have to get to Fernbridge to get a bus.  There is a grant-funded paratransit service that is helping to keep people living in their homes.  There is a demand from Rio Dell, Carlotta, and beyond.

-       Special needs populations in Rio Dell, Hydesville, and outlying areas, need transportation to doctorÕs appointments or medical appointments.  

-       Transit is needed for Southern Humboldt, more than the ÒQUAILÓ provides.

-       How can Southern Humboldt develop paratransit systems like Ferndale and Willow CreekÕs?

-       There is a local van available, but a driver and operating subsidy is needed. 

-       HTAÕs Willow Creek bus is great and people are using it.

-       Replace transit service dropped by Greyhound.

Schedules and Routes

-       Transit services need to be expanded to include Sundays and weeknights.

-       Extend public transportation hours of service.

-       CouldnÕt there be at least one loop between Fortuna and Trinidad for Sunday bus service?

-       Build a light rail between Fortuna and Trinidad.

-       An alternative to Òlight railÓ: could be to establish park and ride stops along 101 for ÒexpressÓ buses to get on and off and speed up transit times along the 101 corridor.

-       Establish express service during peak hours on Arcata/Eureka RTS bus route.

-       We need more bus service from outer areas such as Manila to CR.

-       Airport bus service, especially on Sunday.

-       The majority of buses run between HSU and CR, we need a coordination of resources. Schedule RTS buses that work for students and university employees

-       We need a transit link for Willow Creek-Weaverville (thence to Redding via existing service).

-       FortunaÕs Senior Bus works very well, as far as it goes, but itÕs very difficult to travel beyond city limits. Even if seniors can get to a bus stop – which most canÕt – the RTS system isnÕt geared to their needs.

-       We need a local transit service between Garberville and Redway.

-       We need transit service out-of-County to the north (i.e. to Oregon &/or Redding, etc.).

-       We need a non-fixed route transportation system to connect paratransit services with other rural areas, e.g., Brookings, Willits.

-       *Public transportation plays a key role in getting many workers from home to work. These patterns need to be studied to improve transportation options for them.

-       The senior bus(es) should run until 6:00 or 7:00 p.m. so that seniors have a ride home from doctor appointments.

-       Higher priority needs to be given to evening and weekend transit service and reaching under-served areas (especially Eastern and Southern Humboldt).

-       Schedules and maps posted at bus stops can be customized to the bus stop at which they are posted, indicating in clear large type when busses stop.  These signs could also offer guide folks to common destinations (indicating when, for example, busses leave from HSU Library Circle for the Arcata Plaza.)

Coordination and More

-       There is very little communication among transit providers; more internal coordination is needed.

-       *Utilize information connectivity: addresses transportation needs in one central location, such as a website where all transportation providers schedule, routes and fares are listed

-       Improve coordination between bus systems, e.g. for those making connections between RTS and ETS or A&MRTS.  Investigate GPS technology some urban transit systems are using to give bus riders real-time info on bus locations.

-       Someone has to step up and begin addressing a solution that knits together the municipalities and the County into an integrated system that leaves no senior or disabled person behind.

-       Consider research of a TMA format to support and enable a host of TDM & transit efforts such as shared transit vehicles, vanpools, employer and shopper shuttles, ride share programs & incentives for improving rural access to services (as an alternate to transit, such as bringing services to rural areas)

-       Create a Eureka Transit Center!!

-       Transit information resources on the web could be improved with greater centralization of transit information.  Currently, transit users must find separate websites if they need to use different transit systems to get to their destinations.  The AMRTS website has links to other transit information resources assembled by volunteer and former HSU student Nathanial Kelso, now living in Washington DC.  The website has not been updated with new services, like the Blue Lake Rancheria Transit System schedule.  The HTA website, representing both ETS and RTS, which should function as a hub website, doesnÕt have links to any other transit resources.  Even if transit websites were better linked together, it is still difficult for users to read schedules and figure out how and where and at what times they should transfer between busses and transit systems.  Fortunately, Google is offering a service called Google Transit that helps transit users plan trips across multiple routes and systems with ease, simply by entering their origination and destination points, and the time at which they need to arrive.

-       Creating a centralized transit information resource that links to Google Transit for Humboldt County will mean that the URL can be confidently printed on transit system literature.  It will also allow schedules and routes to be easily referenced on other websites and in email messages.

Promotion and Incentives

-       Any opportunities for transit providers to promote services should be utilized; transit providers should do much more marketing than they currently do.

-       The business community and transportation providers should work together to provide incentives for workers to ride the bus, which would ultimately increase ridership.

-       HSU and CR should help subsidize cost of bus tickets for staff. 

-       Negotiate with HSU (& CR) to implement UPass, a universal transit pass for students.

-       HSU and CR could help create park & ride and shuttle facilities throughout their territory.  This could reduce the need for parking on campus –existing lots that do not fill (e.g. Sunnybrae Center) could be utilized.

Other Ideas

-       Develop a voucher system as an alternative to transit, a system that would compensate private drivers who provide a ride to someone (seniors, etc.) with a voucher that can be cashed in for money.

-       Look into something like a ÒjitneyÓ service – a smaller fleet of vehicles for getting people downtown in Eureka.

-       Transportation is always a top need for seniors.  They often say they canÕt get to a bus stop.  A ÒjitneyÓ is a good idea.

-       Could using smaller buses help ÒsolveÓ some problems?

-       Large employers and schools should be encouraged to work with transit agencies to improve service.

-       *A Òswipe cardÓ for transit -- some kind of universal, easy-to-use ticket.

-       Can existing systems be shared (all the various buses and vans), so that all get used more? 

-       Look at Mendocino County Transit as a model for extensive service in a rural area.

-       Unmet Transit Needs hearings – do the schedule and format differently, get the word out better, make meetings more accessible.

AVIATION

Hoopa Airport

-       The Hoopa Airport has some good attributes, but funds are needed for improving & maintaining it.

-       ÒRestore to serviceÓ make it a functioning airport

-       Look into recertifying it back into the county system, especially for access to FAA funds.

Garberville Airport

-       The fuel cardlock system is improving Garberville Airport use.

-       *A lot of seniors and others like to use the airport as a place to walk and get exercise, but it has been restricted by gates – can access be provided?

-       Visiting pilots lack transportation to town – we need some kind of transportation service between town and airport.

Other

-       Apply card locks and other relevant technological advances to other county airports.

-       Develop Rohnerville as the main airport instead of McKinleyville.  Rohnerville is central for Humboldt County, not McKinleyville.

-       Common to all industry clusters, travel by plane is key to keeping businesses competitive in the global marketplace.

-       No airport expansion or runway extension should take place – increasing fuel costs will   probably decrease rather than increase air travel demand.

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN NEEDS

General

-       Support for active living is key to controlling long term health costs attributed to obesity. Walkability of neighborhoods (rural) should be addressed at least as a goal in the RTP.

-       Focus improvements on connections between residential and retail/commercial areas. This will promote bicycle and pedestrian commuting.

-       Develop a toolkit of information, resources, examples to help rural communities collaboratively work with government to tackle bike & pedestrian needs on short segments of rural roads (instead of those projects always being on the bottom of the list.)

-       We need more proactive jurisdictional action to respond to very high community demand for non-motorized facilities. Arcata is proactive, partly due to Transportation Safety Committee and motivated staff.  HCAOG facilitating Annie & Mary Trail and Arcata-Eureka trail dialogues is excellent.

-       *There is not an agency such as Caltrans for bike and pedestrian improvements. We need an authority, with staff, to advocate for these needs and improvements.

Integration

-       How can pedestrian needs be better addressed and integrated with other modes? – Harris Avenue as an example.  Better walkways, pedestrian aids such as lights, safety measures.

-       *Roadway improvement projects should also incorporate improvements for bicycles and pedestrians.  (The 101 at Myrtle Av. project does not)

-       Bicycle parking should be incorporated into new construction or development projects.

-       No new roadway, bridges, or other vehicle rights of way should be created that donÕt include pedestrian and bike accommodations.

-       Widening the main thoroughfares to accommodate bikes/horse back riders/joggers and other non-motorized forms encourages good health, safety for all and environmentally friendly tourism.  This should be a priority for all road upgrades in Humboldt County. 

 

-       *We should continue to keep our options open for future revival of rail freight hauling, but it in the near term focus on making unused rail corridor available for pedestrian/bike/horse use.

Education

-       Establish a ÒShare the RoadÓ ad campaign for cyclists, pedestrian, and drivers.

Access to Schools

-       There is a lot of unsafe congestion around schools in the morning and afternoon; and there is more driving and less walking & biking.

-       Increase efforts to provide Òsafe routes to schoolsÓ, with sidewalks, bike lanes, etc.

-       Provide drop off zones a block away or short walk away, to help reduce congestion and encourage a little more walking (make sure itÕs safe). 

-       Schools should work with transportation providers to get kids to school safely.

-       Map how kids travel to school, and provide safe routes. 

-       Note that we are in an era of school closures, regarding investment into improvements.

Sidewalks

-       Sidewalks need to be safe for wheelchairs, strollers, elderly, and all users. More curb cuts are needed at intersections. Driveway dips are often hazardous – wider sidewalks or other designs are needed.  New sidewalks need to be well-designed, and many existing ones need to be improved.

-       Find ways to provide seating along walkways, to provide rest stops for seniors and others.

-       Sidewalks in Garberville need to be evaluated and improved for access for disabled folks. Some have to take longer and more difficult routes due to various obstacles.  Support ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) improvements.

-       Complete sidewalks within cities; add missing segments.

 

SITE SPECIFIC

East County

-       Construct a pedestrian causeway across Willow Creek, parallel to SR 96.

-       Bike/pedestrian improvements for the SR 96 Trinity River bridge in Hoopa.

-       Downtown Hoopa: SR 96 bike and pedestrian improvements are underway: traffic calming, realignments, beautification, etc.

-       In Hoopa: bike/pedestrian trail development and improvements, to create an interconnected system that connects with downtown.

-       Make improvements for bicyclists on SR 299 between Willow Creek and the coast.

-       Make improvements for pedestrians along a 400Õ section of SR 299 between Roth Rd. and Fair Oaks trailer park.

-       Support the development of a bike-pedestrian loop around Willow Creek, connecting town, river, parks, and both sides of the river.

South County

-       Redwood Drive between Redway and Garberville needs improvements for safe cyclist and pedestrian use.

-       Need safer pedestrian crossings on Redwood Drive in Garberville.

-       An issue to address is the need for truck loading/unloading areas (currently the middle of the street is used quite a lot.)

-       *A lot of seniors and others like to use the Garberville airport as a place to walk and get exercise, but it has been restricted by gates – can access be provided?

-       Make Avenue of the Giants more bike-friendly.

-       All main roads and highways in the Garberville area need to be made bicycle friendly.  During the summer months there is a constant stream of bicycle tourists, yet neither Highway 101 nor Avenue of the Giants have consistent road shoulders and signage for bike lanes.  Widening the main thoroughfare to accommodate bikes/horse back riders/joggers and other non-motorized forms encourages good health, safety for all and environmentally friendly tourism.

Humboldt Bay Area

-       Widen Old Arcata Road between Eureka and Arcata – especially for safe bicycling (Note: Old Arcata Road improvements is a programmed project.)

-       Create a safe route between Eureka and Arcata – a separated pathway.

-       Widen shoulders on SR 255 between Manila and Arcata.

-       Make the SR 255 bridges between Samoa and Eureka safer and user friendly.

-       Develop a bike/walk trail system around Humboldt Bay.

-       Dedicated bike and pedestrian paths similar to the Hammond Trail should link all communities around Humboldt Bay and Blue Lake.

-       *Elk River Road needs improvements for bicycling access to Headwaters Forest.

-       *A Rails-to-Trails approach is not compatible with a potential reintroduction of active rail.

-       Develop an Arcata-Manila trail (or bike lane)

-                The Highway 101 Mad River Bridge needs bike improvements

GOODS MOVEMENT

General

-       Everyone who wants good paying jobs to be available in the county should support resolution of the critical goods movement issues.

Truck

-       *Fix Highway 101 at Confusion Hill

-       *In Garberville, trucks parking in the Redwood Drive median affect pedestrian uses.

-       *Improvements to 101 that would allow STA (longer length) trucks are important for the east county economy.

-       Make improvements for STA trucks at Richardson Grove and Big Lagoon.

-       *Two sites on SR 299 west of Buckhorn Summit need STA upgrades (these are relatively low-cost).

Rail

-       *Rail can be used for a variety of reasons, not just freight, use it for tourism.

-       The railroad is not dead; we need to start looking at South Fork to Samoa, look at rail as an alternative; we donÕt need to follow big city models.

-       *A Rails-to-Trails approach is not compatible with a potential reintroduction of active rail.

-       *We should continue to keep our options open for future revival of rail freight hauling, but it in the near term focus on making unused rail corridor available for pedestrian/bike/horse use.

-       The real feasibility of the rail needs to be evaluated and vetted. Create a timeline with benchmarks (go/no-go points) and letÕs either move forward or let it go.

-       If/when itÕs let go, determine how to preserve public ownership of NCRA corridor at that time.

Marine

-       Humboldt Bay inner reach:  need to adjust utilities depth so it can be dredged deeper.

-       Increase freight brokering to boost goods movement.

RECREATIONAL TRAVEL

-       *Utilize international (transportation-related) markings to facilitate mobility of foreign visitors.

-       There are many international travelers/tourists to the (south) county, but there is not a way for them to get around unless they have their own vehicle.

-       *Help recreational travelers find/use transit and bicycle rentals. Example: information about transit to/from the airport is hard to connect with.

-       Tourists in general need more transportation choices.

-       *Rail can be used for a variety of reasons, not just freight, use it for tourism.

-       *Elk River Road needs improvements for bicycling access to Headwaters Forest.

-       How about closing off Horse Mountain road beyond where it is plowed in the winter to cars/trucks. They ruin recreational skiing. Snowmobiles could be o.k.

-       Trails, trails, trails

-       The Humboldt Bay excursion train is a great idea – not necessarily incompatible with using rail rights-of-way as trails; demand for excursion train will probably only justify summer weekend use.

-       If the economics cannot support the functioning of a railroad along the Eel River, create a trail for pedestrian, equestrian, bicyclists.  That would become a world-class tourism draw. 

TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Access to Information

-       Provide much more transit information, in multiple locations – consolidate for easier access to schedules, advertise services, put URLÕs on all buses.

-       *Information connectivity, addresses transportation needs in one central location, such as a website where all transportation providers schedule, routes and fares are listed.

-       *Help recreational travelers find/use transit and bicycle rentals. Example: information about transit to/from the airport is hard to connect with.

-       Develop a web-based transit system that ties all services together.

-       Develop web-based rideshare program(s).

-       *Utilize international (transportation-related) markings to facilitate use by foreign visitors

Coordination of Services and Transportation Demand Management

-       Coordination is needed for local transportation and mobility – some way that there could be a central contact for supply and demand.

-       An intermodal station is needed (Eureka area).

-       Assisted living centers are running their own buses, casinos are running buses, coordinate them with transportation providers, utilize existing resources.

-       We need a transportation management authority, with cooperative sharing of resources

-       HSU should play role in providing transportation in coordination with other providers.

-       *A Òswipe cardÓ for transit -- some kind of universal, easy-to-use ticket.

-       Incentives for other businesses and agencies to adopt transportation demand management like HSU, Arcata

-       Create a TDMA to coordinate business/school/public jitneys and other TDM strategies (including assisted living facilities)

-       There needs to be significantly more emphasis on application of these techniques within all jurisdictions, especially Caltrans – see www.vtpi.org/tdm for more ideas.

-       *TDM is an energy conservation tool, as is promoting non-motorized transportation.

ITS

-       More ITS systems before leaving Blue Lake, heading east on Highway 299.

PIPELINE TRANSPORT AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

-       Facilitate the availability and use of alternative fuels – biodiesel, hydrogen, etc.

-       We need more charging stations for electric vehicles.

-       Diversify our fuel base.

-       *Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is an energy conservation tool, as is promoting non-motorized transportation

-         Implement the new County energy plan.

LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION CONNECTIONS

-       *Address automobile parking in the plan – the provision of parking (or not) has a lot of ramifications on land use, vehicle use, etc.

-       Emphasize benefits of infill of existing developed areas vs. sprawl (reduces transportation demand, promotes feasibility of public trans., ped & bike)

-       Limit sprawl by focusing development along existing transit corridors, and provide local incentives for ride-sharing.

-       *Public transportation plays a key role in getting many workers from home to work. These patterns need to be studied to improve transportation options for them.

-       Develop a functional mechanism between transportation and land use planning efforts – develop numerous small, implementable techniques to integrate these efforts, e.g. helping all jurisdictions develop bicycle parking ordinances to require along with vehicle parking for all new developments.

-       A shortage of available and affordable housing in Southern Humboldt results in a disproportionate number of teachers, health care providers, and law enforcement folks not being able to live in the area.  This creates more vehicle use, and has a social impact since the professionals arenÕt full-time residents.

-       *There is a big demand for parking during events that bring a lot of people into the Garberville-Redway area, like Reggae on the River.

AIR QUALITY

-       The 2004 plan is good in this area

-       Give priority to projects that enable people to drive less

-         Develop goals, mandates, or policies for alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles (including hybrid busses), and emissions.

-         Address air quality impacts of 101 traffic through Eureka

-       Coordinate and recommend project priorities w/NCUAQMD for their AB2766 program.

-       Reduce global warming pollution (CO2, NOx, and SOx.)  We should use alternative fuel sources, such as biodiesel, which are better for the global carbon cycle than fossil fuels.  It would be great to see analysis of how that might work for Humboldt County bus transportation needs. 

-       Expand bus services to keep drivers off the road and improve air quality.

-         Greatest air quality impacts locally are from industry and forestry practices, not transportation.  One move would be to require vapor recovery on gas nozzles and filling stations, as urban areas in CA require

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

-       Fiber optic communication is important -- moving information rather than people.

-       Provide classes over the T.V.  -- utilize more distance learning.

-       The east county needs fiber optic redundancy.

-       Broadband redundancy with the outside world is important for the entire county.

-       For broadband redundancy, we may need to utilize power or gas lines – mention this in the RTP to bolster efforts.

-       Telecommunications is a growing need in this County.  New technology includes wi-fi Òclouds,Ó wireless networks that blanket an area.

-       *Utilize information connectivity -- addresses transportation needs in one central location, such as a website where all transportation providers schedules, routes and fares are listed.

GOVERNANCE

-       Get HCAOG member governments to formally adopt the RTP through their governing body to insure integration with their plans and actions of planning agencies.

-       Can Community Service Districts be part of HCAOG? Why, why not?

-       As an unincorporated area, Southern Humboldt is at the mercy of the County in getting needs represented and met – this is an ongoing challenge. Note that there is a distinction between ÒSouthern HumboldtÓ and ÒFortuna.Ó

-       *There is not an agency such as Caltrans for bike and pedestrian improvements. We need an authority, with staff, to advocate for these needs and improvements.

-       Local governments are major employers --- can they be transportation Òrole models?Ó

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RTP CONTENT AND PROCESS

Integrating Plans

-       Incorporate local transportation plans such as ManilaÕs into the RTP.

-       Link to the Humboldt County General Plan –  i.e. the Transportation Element (and other related elements).

-       The RTP is not formally ÒadoptedÓ by member organizationsÉtherefore they tend to not embrace it, or even really know about it. Could it be adopted this time by member agencies (and tribes)?

Identifying and Prioritizing Programs and Projects

-       Look for opportunities to consider collaboration and sharing of resources; such as for non-traditional transit services.

-       Encourage development and inclusion of programs along with capital projects (e.g. alternative transport marketing/education programs as a TDM strategy)

-       Policy issue 1.13 – Three methods to ensure that the highest priority projects, irrespective of where they are located within the County, receive what limited funding is available.  A)  Further refining the Regional Performance Objectives and Project Evaluation Criteria as outlined in section E of the Action Element of the 2004 RTP to establish a solid project evaluation/ranking tools which all the jurisdictions in the region buy into; B)  Rank the project types; C) Within the project type, remove all groupings by Agency/Jurisdiction so that all projects in the region are competing against each other.

-       Consider lumping all modes, look at what the public priorities are, all together, and see what Òrises upÓ as top priorities, regardless of mode

-                Unincorporated communities are not well represented in setting priorities.

Background Information

-       Provide figures on transportation costs, user costs, vehicle costs, fuel costs, which can be used for future planning.

-       Include costs of auto transport and who pays for it (individual driver vs. public subsidy) to allow comparison with public transit. If this analysis were reported for all forms of transportation in a parallel fashion it would promote rational comparison.

-       Provide transportation and health statistics and information--- how does transportation affect health?  How can transportation aid in healthier lifestyles?

-       Include or expand on health statistics which support the need for bike-pedestrian facilities (obesity, diabetes, accident data)

-       There is a perceived conflict between bicyclists and motorists, however, a majority of bicyclists are also motorists.  Find data showing how many motorists are also bicyclists, and vice versa. 

-       Provide information on how parking impacts safety.

There are changes that have occurred in both rail and harbor from the existing plan.  Contact rail and harbor stakeholders for updates.