Sacramento County has received thousands of comments and suggestions on how to improve the North Watt Avenue Corridor and is seeking more feedback before the end of August.
This spring, the Re-Imagine North Watt Corridor project began inviting the public to submit their visions for the corridor’s improvement. The main goals of the project are to enhance safety and mobility for residents, students, commuters, and visitors.
The public is encouraged to help develop a new vision to improve traveler safety on the bikeway and sidewalks, enhance safety at intersections, provide transit stop amenities, and implement other improvements. The aim is to address high traffic volume, speeding, and vehicle collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
The North Watt Corridor Plan addresses the section of Watt Avenue near the McClellan Park entrance at Peacekeeper Way, north to the intersection of Watt and U Street/Antelope Road.
“The County was thrilled to receive great ideas from so many people during the first phase of our public engagement process,” said Project Manager Cameron Shew. “Now we’re building on that effort with a newly updated comment map, asking people to show us what types of improvements and amenities they would like to see along the corridor.”
Thousands have visited the County’s project website since it launched in March. Visitors can drop pins on locations along the boulevard to suggest improvements related to road design, pedestrian and bike access, transit services, and amenities like landscaping and street furnishings. The website has been updated with virtual stations that people can visit to learn more about potential solutions. Users can also select and rank options they like, as well as leave comments about their vision for the corridor.
Seven virtual stations focus on specific topics like roadway design and landscaping. Visitors can select and rank concepts they prefer and leave more detailed comments if desired.
“We hope people will take the time to help us make this corridor better for everyone,” added Shew.
The public has until Aug. 30 to submit comments to the Re-Imagine North Watt project team. After collecting the feedback, a public meeting will be held to share how the community envisions an improved North Watt Avenue corridor.
Impact on Rio Linda and North Highlands Communities
The North Watt project will significantly affect the Rio Linda and North Highlands communities, particularly in relation to new developments in Placer County, including Placer Vineyards. The improvements to North Watt Avenue are crucial as they will address increased traffic flow and connectivity issues resulting from these new developments. Enhancing the corridor will help manage the additional pressure on local infrastructure and improve overall safety and mobility for these communities, making it easier for residents to navigate and access new development areas in Placer County.
North Watt Project and the Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area
The North Watt Avenue Corridor project directly impacts the Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area (SPA) by addressing key infrastructure and safety issues that affect both regions. Here’s how the two projects relate and complement each other:
Connectivity and Traffic Flow
- Improved Access: The North Watt project aims to enhance the flow of traffic along the corridor, which is a critical route for residents traveling to and from the Rio Linda Downtown SPA. This improved access will support the downtown area’s growth and make it more accessible for visitors and businesses.
- Traffic Management: By addressing high traffic volumes and speeding on North Watt Avenue, the project will help reduce congestion and improve the overall traffic management within the Rio Linda Downtown SPA, contributing to a more pleasant and safe environment.
Safety Enhancements
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: The project focuses on improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, which is essential for the walkability and bike-friendliness of the Rio Linda Downtown SPA. Enhancements like safer bikeways, sidewalks, and intersections will make it easier and safer for people to travel between the two areas.
- Transit Stop Amenities: Upgraded transit stops along North Watt Avenue will facilitate better public transportation options for the residents and visitors of the Rio Linda Downtown SPA, promoting the use of public transit and reducing reliance on cars.
Economic Development
- Stimulating Growth: Enhanced infrastructure and safety on North Watt Avenue are likely to attract more businesses and visitors to the Rio Linda Downtown SPA. Improved transportation links can stimulate economic growth, encourage new investments, and support the overall revitalization of the downtown area.
- Supporting Local Businesses: The ease of access and improved safety measures can draw more customers to local businesses in the Rio Linda Downtown SPA, fostering a thriving local economy.
Community Engagement and Vision
- Community Input: Both projects emphasize community engagement and input. The visions and improvements suggested by the public for North Watt Avenue can align with and support the goals of the Rio Linda Downtown SPA, ensuring that both areas develop in a cohesive and community-driven manner.
- Holistic Planning: The integrated approach of considering feedback from both the North Watt project and the Rio Linda Downtown SPA allows for a holistic planning strategy that addresses the needs and aspirations of the wider community.
The North Watt Avenue Corridor project and the Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area are interconnected initiatives that collectively aim to improve infrastructure, safety, and economic vitality. By enhancing connectivity, managing traffic, and promoting safe and accessible transportation options, the North Watt project supports the goals of the Rio Linda Downtown SPA, fostering a more vibrant and thriving community.
Funding for the North Watt Project vs. Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area
North Watt Project Funding
- Public Grants and Federal Funding:
- Federal and State Grants: The North Watt Project benefits from various federal and state grants aimed at improving infrastructure, transportation, and safety. Programs like the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) grants for infrastructure improvement and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) grants are potential funding sources.
- Safety Grants: Specific grants focused on enhancing road safety, such as the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), contribute to funding safety measures on the North Watt corridor.
- Local Government Funding:
- County Budget Allocations: Sacramento County allocates part of its budget to high-priority infrastructure projects, which include the North Watt Project. This funding is part of broader strategic planning to improve transportation networks within the county.
- Transportation Sales Tax Revenues: Revenue from local sales taxes designated for transportation projects, such as Measure A in Sacramento County, provides significant funding for corridor improvements.
- Regional and Metropolitan Planning Organizations:
- Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG): SACOG supports regional transportation projects through its funding programs. The North Watt Project can receive funding through SACOG’s regional transportation improvement programs.
Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area (SPA) Unfunded Status
- Lack of Designated Funding:
- No Dedicated Grants or Allocations: Unlike the North Watt Project, the Rio Linda Downtown SPA does not have dedicated funding sources or specific grants allocated for its development and improvement. This makes it reliant on general county funds or potential future grants.
- Competing Priorities: The SPA may face competition from other high-priority projects within the county, making it challenging to secure necessary funding.
- Dependency on Future Funding Opportunities:
- Potential Grants: The SPA might seek future funding through grants that become available for urban revitalization, economic development, or community enhancement projects. However, these are not guaranteed and require proactive grant writing and advocacy.
- Private Investment and Partnerships: Securing private investment and forming public-private partnerships could provide alternative funding sources for the SPA. Encouraging local businesses and developers to invest in the area could stimulate growth and improvement.
- Community and Stakeholder Involvement:
- Crowdfunding and Local Fundraising: Engaging the community and local stakeholders in fundraising efforts can generate some financial support for small-scale projects within the SPA. This approach requires strong community involvement and effective outreach.
- Advocacy for Funding: Community leaders and advocates can lobby for the inclusion of the SPA in future county budgets or for the creation of specific funding programs aimed at revitalizing downtown areas like Rio Linda.
The North Watt Project is funded through a combination of federal and state grants, local government budget allocations, and regional funding programs, ensuring a steady flow of financial resources for its development. In contrast, the Rio Linda Downtown Special Planning Area currently lacks dedicated funding, relying on potential future grants, private investments, and community-driven fundraising efforts to secure the necessary resources for its improvement. The disparity in funding highlights the need for strategic planning and advocacy to secure financial support for the SPA’s development.
