McNerney in Manteca; talks transportation, jobs, wetlands

Congressman Jerry McNerney traveled to Manteca on Friday to meet with Manteca Mayor Willie Weatherford, City Manager Bob Adams and other city officials.

Among the topics on the agenda? Transportation issues, of course. Here's a brief excerpt from the Tri-Valley Herald:

McNerney experienced some of those perils firsthand. Representatives were stuck in traffic on Interstate 205 on the way to Manteca, spokesman Andy Stone said.

"There is a definite need to make sure that our freeways work at maximum efficiency and to also improve (Altamont Commuter Express) train service, hopefully by getting more trains going every day," McNerney said.

However, McNerney said he did not support continuing a feasibility study on alternative freeway connecting the San Joaquin Valley to the Bay Area that had been championed by former Rep. Richard Pombo.

The real solution is to create jobs in this area, he said, adding that he wanted to work to bring new energy jobs, particularly solar, into the Manteca area.

To check out the rest of the Tri-Valley Herald story, click here.

The Manteca Bulletin added even more depth to coverage of the meeting, highlighting an idea that McNerney found intriguing:

McNerney said he is open to local jurisdictions “bringing innovative solutions to him” for consideration for transportation and other district issues.

McNerney noted that he liked Manteca’s idea of diverting clean recycled wastewater to 200 acres in the southwest portion of the city to create new wetlands.

The city had approached Pombo on creating the wetlands for assistance as a federal demonstration project. Pombo said the idea intrigued him but nothing came of it.

Weatherford believes it would be a model to show how recycled wastewater can be used to restore wetlands as well as addressing water quality concerns and preserve open space in an urban setting.

Read more at the Bulletin by clicking here.

Comments

[T. Gatto]

We just wanted to commend you and thank you for your outstanding service and your personal interest in San Joaquin county and Manteca.

You take the time to attend local events at schools, senior centers, new solar plants and many other events important to our community.

Also you and your staff have given essential help in matters we have brought to your attention, for example. helping in obtaining visas for people who are held up by Washington red tape.

Please continue your efforts to manage the current financial crisis in a way that helps ordinary citizens and does not leave us holding the bag for the bad judgment of our leaders.