Amador County – The Amador County Transportation Commission board on Wednesday postponed a decision on the status of the Sutter Hill Transportation Center, to see more information. ACTC Executive Director Charles Field said the board had seen numbers and details of the Transportation Center, which would house the Sutter Hill Visitors Center, but board member, Supervisor Richard Forster said they had seen the project in “Committee,” but “the full board has not been able to look at this in quite some time.” Consultant Matt Boyer of Dokken Engineering said they would seek final approval on the project from the board in about 4-and-a-half months. Field said all but $200,000 of the project is funded with money the agency already has available or that will be reimbursed, but it is on a “use it or lose it” basis. He said they do not have months, but instead, as far as staff is concerned, they have days. Costs in a contract amendment for which Boyer and Field were seeking approval apparently had risen from $194,000 to $344,000, but Boyer said the costs had another amount added - $149,000 in work by ANOVA Architecture, as sub-consultants to Dokken. Boyer introduced the Transportation Center including its Telecommuting Facility, which Field said would allow people to drive to the Center and use the audio and video teleconference rooms to have meetings. Forster said people had asked: “Is it the responsibility of ACTC to have meeting spaces like that?” Field said federal funding grants were awarded because of the telecommunications center, which has as its objective to reduce traffic and vehicle trips. Forster wanted to look at the project and costs because of the economic downturn, and had he known the downturn was coming, the County Administrative Building in which they were meeting might have been smaller by about one-fourth. Field said if that was the case, they might need a special meeting in the next couple of weeks. Forster said there was time to see the project at the next regular meeting. Field acknowledged and Forster agreed that what the board wanted was full power over the girth of the project and its design and budget at that next meeting. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County – Amador Water Agency staff took its board of directors through the intricacies of running a wastewater agency with small systems built around septic tanks and community leach fields. But the inevitable bad news Thursday morning was that the staff may have to eventually recommend wastewater rate hikes. Operations Manager Chris McKeage said the agency was entering the fourth – and most expensive – stage of state and federal regulations that have been under implementation since 2006. Other stages have been undertaken, said Engineering Manger Gene Mancebo, but the detail of the fourth stage leaves the agency wondering whether it will have the staff to handle the extra work “in-house” or if it will have to contract the work. Board Member Bill Condrashoff asked if the new areas of work, such as wok to limit Fat, Oil and Grease in the systems, would have the effect of increasing wastewater capacity. McKeage said if the system were cleaned aggressively, it could increase capacity a little bit. Board Chairman Terence Moore said “capacity is pretty much fixed on the design of the leach field. We’re probably not looking at increasing capacity here.” McKeage said the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan will include developing an overflow and emergency response program, establishing or confirming legal authority, developing an operations and maintenance program and developing a Fats, Oils & Grease program, all by next February, while other portions must be fulfilled by next August. The management plan to be implemented by AWA includes an operations and maintenance plan, design and performance standards, a monitoring and measurement plan, a system evaluation and capacity assurance plan and an audit program. Moore said after the program was introduced in 2006, he said he and the board at the time made no secret of telling ratepayers that eventually, “we are going to raise the wastewater fees and we are not going to increase the service one iota, because of state wastewater regulations.” The state and federal requirements are aimed at reducing and eliminating Sanitary Sewer Overflows. Story by Jim Reece.

Amador County - Fears that an estimated 20 million mostly poor and elderly households are not ready to join the rest of the nation in converting their older televisions to digital have raised local concern. If not properly informed or assisted, Amador County’s proportionately large senior population could be left in the dark on February 17, the date conversion will take place nationwide. Owners of older television sets receiving over-the-air signals are required to buy a converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite TV. The California Department of Aging says older residents may be less familiar with or have restricted access to technology; or have physical or transportation-related barriers. Waiting lists for assistance programs sponsored by the federal government will keep many who apply now from receiving converter boxes before the deadline. Many who received $40 federal coupons to defray the cost of a new box have let their coupons expire. A December report by the Nielsen Company lists the Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto market as the ninth least-ready market in the nation out of 56 metered markets, with 9.65 percent of households "completely unready" for the conversion. Anticipating these problems, a Democrat-backed bill extending the transition date to June 12 is being prepared for consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee. However, Democrats cancelled a meeting Wednesday, citing opposition from Republicans. Committee chairman Henry Waxman of California said that “without a short one-time extension, millions of households will lose all television reception.” Waxman’s spokesperson said he is willing to work with Republicans, who argue the delay will cause more confusion. Local providers are offering a range of solutions. Those who choose cable or satellite TV service for the first time can keep their old TV’s and avoid buying a converter. Comcast representatives said there was a strong statewide response to its offer of one free year of basic cable when you sign up for one additional service. If you are still not ready for the transition, contact your local cable or satellite provider for more information. Story by Alex Lane

Amador County - The United States Department of Agriculture has finalized approval of a $267 million loan to provide broadband service to 518 rural communities in 17 states. Colorado-based Open Range Communications made the agreement with USDA Rural Development. In addition, Open Range has secured $100 million in financing from a private equity arm of the JP Morgan Chase Company. Largely rural county’s like Amador will see a portion of the funding. Although recent efforts have improved the breadth of broadband coverage, approximately 25 percent of Amador County currently has no high-speed broadband access. Currently, our region has about 45 percent coverage. Back in March of 2008, the Amador County Board of Supervisors supported an ongoing plan to use state technology grants to expand broadband connections across a five-county Central Sierra region. Michelle Shelton, information and assistance projects manager for the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency, warned at that time that the region was falling quickly behind the global market. Open Range will use Wi-Max technology to offer wireless broadband service and satellite services, enabling rural residents to connect to the internet almost anywhere in the country. Details over when the plan will be implemented are still being discussed. Story by Alex Lane

State - The U.S. Senate approved a major expansion of wilderness areas nationwide Thursday, protecting more than 2 million acres of public land from drilling, logging and mining, including 735,000 acres across California. The 73-21 vote was a huge victory for conservationists, who persuaded Senate leaders to roll 160 wilderness bills into one giant package. The bill would permanently protect lands in nine states, from the Eastern Sierra Nevada in California to Oregon's Mount Hood and from Utah's Zion National Park to the Jefferson National Forest in Virginia. The package now heads to the House for final passage consideration, but its sponsors said the Senate's lopsided passage will help smooth the way. It could be the first environmental bill that Barack Obama signs as president. In California, the measure would expand wilderness areas from Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks to Joshua Tree National Park and also would authorize $88 million to help restore the historic salmon run on the San Joaquin River. The bill would help implement a settlement to end the 18-year dispute between environmentalists, federal regulators and Central Valley farmers over how to maintain water levels to preserve a key spawning ground for Chinook salmon. The newly designated wilderness areas are all on existing public lands - managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and other agencies - but now will have the highest level of protection under law. Under the 1964 Wilderness Act, drilling, mining and logging are banned, as are motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and four-wheelers. Hiking, camping and horseback riding are allowed. California Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, who helped sponsor the bills to protect the new wilderness areas in California, said that as the state's population climbs toward 50 million people as early as 2020, it is crucial to set aside areas for the public to enjoy where wildlife can still thrive. The bill includes some areas in California that conservationists and recreational users view as true gems, including 77,000-acre additions to the Hoover and Emigrant Wilderness that feature alpine lakes, glacial valleys, pine forests and 12 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail; a 223,000-acre stretch of the White Mountains in Mono County, which is the country's largest and highest desert mountain range; and 85,000 acres in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, famous for its Giant Sequoia groves. Staff Report

Amador County - In an open letter published in the Amador Ledger-Dispatch, General Motors responded to the outpouring of mail it has received as a result of the recent closure of Prospect Motors in Jackson. Mark Laneve, GM’s Vice-President of North American sales, said he was “overwhelmed by your enthusiasm for our vehicles and your support for your local dealership.” Laneve said Prospect made “their decision, but ultimately it will be up to the dealer how he wants to proceed.” Some community members are questioning the wording of Lavene’s statement, which could imply that the Prospect Motors closure was entirely voluntary. The closure came after Prospect Motors owner Frank Halvorson received a call on Thursday, December 18th from GMAC Financial Services, the corporation that finances his vehicle inventory and the construction of the dealership’s new showrooms. Halverson said GMAC was pulling its inventory because he was “16 days late” in paying loans on the auto center facility. Halverson-owned affiliates Amador Toyota and Amador Chrysler will be closing as well. “We would welcome them re-opening their business and continuing to serve the community,” said LaNeve. He included contact information for Susan Keenehan, who he said works with the dealers in this area. Halverson, who has been working extensively with employees and community leaders, was unavailable for comment by deadline for this story. You can contact Susan Keenehan at (510) 381-4802 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Story by Alex Lane

Amador County – Amador County assessed its infrastructure deficits two weeks ago by compiling a wish list. Amador departments compiled a list of 128 projects for the board at its meeting January 12, including 27 projects that were “green projects” aimed at saving energy. 34 of the projects were road fixes, 57 were facilities projects, 23 were airport repair jobs and 14 were projects handled by the Amador County Recreation Agency. The Recreation agency’s wish list totaled $36.1 Million in shortfalls for its projects, including $14.25 Million for development Volcano Communications Park and $14.28 Million to develop a regional park at Oro De Amador Park in Jackson. None of ACRA’s projects were energy savers, but the agency had $1.55 Million in funding for its projects, including $750,000 for the Volcano park and $725,000 for the Oro De Amador Park. Repair project shortfalls at the Amador County Airport totaled $11.06 Million, including $2.5 Million in community hangar upgrades, one of three energy-saving projects. The airport list included building a $1.65 Million runway safety area at the south end of the field. Facilities projects listed by Amador County totaled $61.34 Million, with $58.96 Million in shortfalls for its 57 projects. The biggest was constructing the Amador County Sheriff’s Office’s new detention facilities, at 61,000 square feet for $34.28 Million, of which $31.98 Million was unfunded. The county also had a $7.3 Million project to demolish 4 buildings and remodel 2 others at the old courthouse property, and a $12.8 Million shortfall for the entire cost of building a new 25,000-square-foot main library branch. The list also had an unfunded $1.679 Million project to build a parking structure with photovoltaic lights at the county Administration Building, one of 24 “green” or energy saving projects among the 57 facility projects. The County Road Department listed $49.68 Million in projects, all unfunded, with 16 of the projects priced at $2 Million each and 8 others at $1 Million or more. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County - Amador County is onboard with support for a new veteran’s nursing home and expanded medical facility located in French Camp near Livermore. Democratic Congressman Jerry McNerney of Pleasantion and Chula Vista Democrat Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veteran Affairs, submitted a letter to General Eric Shineski, President-elect Barack Obama’s designee to serve as Veteran Affairs Secretary. Both men outlined their recommendation for the new facility, which would also serve Veteran’s in Livermore’s aging current facility if it closed. Shishenki is considering a decision by his predecessor to transfer the nursing home and outpatient care center off the Livermore campus and into San Joaquin or Stanislaus County. Veterans Affairs is studying various sites for a new hospital and will make a decision within 60 days. The letter reads, “America's veterans made a solemn promise by wearing the uniform of the United States and serving in harm's way overseas…we owe it to them to do everything we can to provide adequate health care when they return home.” McNerney stressed that he would like the current facility to remain open, but felt French Camp would be ideal for an additional hospital because it meets or exceeds selection criteria. Approximately 42,000 veterans live in San Joaquin County alone. The facility is located at the nexus of two major freeways, Interstate 5 and Interstate 205. Amador County is also home to a large number of Veterans. Supervisors and many Veterans in Amador County have endorsed the idea of a hospital located nearby. “Veterans in California's Central Valley deserve French Camp to be selected as the location for a new medical center and nursing home,” said McNerney. If approved, the new facility would open in 2015. Story by Alex Lane

Amador County – State funding freezes have affected several Amador County agencies and projects in the last few weeks, and prompted various political bodies to gather lists of the more fund-able projects. New Amador County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ted Novelli gave a board of supervisors update to the Upcountry Community Council and 15 of its attending board members last Thursday at the Pioneer Veterans Hall on Buckhorn Ridge Road. He said Upcountry’s representation was looking up, with himself and his Planning Commission appointee both taking leadership roles recently in the county government. Denise Tober, Novelli’s appointee in the District 3 was selected by the Planning Commission as its chairwoman. But as talk looms over bailouts and the expected federal infrastructure care package on the horizon, he asked, “Is little Amador County going to get any of this? That is my question to the newly elected administration, President Elect Barack Obama.” Council member Nina Machado, representing Williams Road Tract, asked if any of the money would be earmarked for rural projects. UCC Co-chair Debbie Dunn said the local lobbyist in Washington, D.C., said there is going to be some rural consideration, with the determination yet to be made on the state agencies to distribute funds. Novelli said in the ballpark of $700 Million to $1.5 Billion, “how much does Amador get?” One among 58 counties in the state, Novelli said California is third largest geographically, and Number 2 in forest lands. Dunn said the Fed is “looking for projects ready to go now,” for bridges, pipelines and the like. Novelli said the Amador Water Agency’s Gravity Supply Water Line is one of those projects and something needed in the Upcountry. “We need this water to be gravity-flowed down to the Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant,” Novelli said. The gravity flow supply line would operate solely on gravity and eliminate the need for electric pumping of water to Buckhorn, erasing half of the annual budget of the Central Amador Water Project. Story by Jim Reece

Amador County – Amador is one of 36 counties that are eligible to get part of $10.9 million in funds to improve air quality. The funds, which are about a third of the federal 2008 farm bill, will help farmers and ranchers come into compliance for particulate matter and 8-hour ozone levels. Most of the counties included in the grant are situated along the Central Corridor, a region notorious for heavy smog and consistently low air quality. In a report released last year by the American Lung Association, the organization found that in 32 of 58 counties, residents were being exposed to air pollution at levels considered unhealthy. Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama and Tuolumne counties were some of the places with the unhealthiest air. In March of 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency launched a set of multibillion-dollar smog restrictions it called "the most stringent standards ever." The new, primary eight-hour standard is .075 parts ozone per million and the new secondary standard is set at a form and level identical to the primary standard. The funds will be administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or NRCS, the USDA agency charged with providing technical and financial conservation assistance to private landowners. Funds will be made available through the popular Environmental Quality Incentives Program that has been operating in California since 1996 and last year provided $54 million in cost share assistance. Ed Burton, State Conservationist of NRCS in California, said that “while we don't know all the details on how the program will be administered, we do hope to augment our strong history of air quality work with new and innovative methods.” Story by Alex Lane