First District Supervisor Paul Cook Applauds SBCTA Approval of $762,899 Contract for State Route 247/62 Emergency Bypass Study
San Bernardino, Calif. – April 11, 2024 – San Bernardino County First District Supervisor Paul Cook today applauded the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) General Policy Committee’s approval of a $762,899 contract with WSP USA, Inc. for the State Route 247/62 Emergency Bypass Study. The Committee voted on the measure on April 10.
“For years, I’ve been raising concerns about the lack of a viable emergency plan for the Cajon Pass,” said Supervisor Cook. “Whether it’s a major earthquake, wildfire, or another disaster, a shutdown of I-15 could isolate our First District communities. I’ve been a strong advocate for a backup plan, and this study is a critical step forward.”
The approval comes after former Assemblymember Thurston “Smitty” Smith secured $1 million in the 2022 state budget for a Cajon Pass I-15 Bypass Study. The focus of this project is to assess the feasibility of utilizing State Routes 247 and 62 as an alternative route during emergencies that force the closure of the Cajon Pass.
“The State Route 247/62 Emergency Bypass Study will explore how to best utilize these existing roadways as a more viable alternative to I-15 during emergencies,” Supervisor Cook continued. “The project’s goal is to minimize the negative impacts of an extended I-15 closure. This includes examining operational strategies to maintain traffic flow for essential services like freight transport, personal travel, and emergency response teams.”
The study will also factor in existing traffic management plans developed by law enforcement, transportation agencies, and emergency service providers for situations involving I-15 closures and major incidents.
The contract, upon approval by the full SBCTA Board in May, will officially greenlight the project.
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ABOUT SUPERVISOR COL. PAUL COOK (RET.)
Col. Paul Cook (ret.) was elected to represent the First District on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors in March 2020 and began his term on December 7, 2020. An infantry officer who served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps and a veteran of the Vietnam War, Col. Cook’s military career spanned twenty-six years. His actions in combat earned him a number of honors, including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star Medal with a V for valor. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1992 as a colonel. Col. Cook was elected to serve in the United States House of Representatives in November 2012, representing California’s 8th Congressional District, which includes the High Desert communities of San Bernardino County as well as Mono and Inyo counties. Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Col. Cook represented the 65th Assembly District for six years in the California State Legislature. He lives in Apple Valley with his wife, Jeanne.
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