The Plumas County Transportation Commission is seeking vital community input as part of the process of updating the county’s regional transportation plan. “Community, stakeholder, and partner feedback is critical to helping PCTC develop an RTP that meets the needs of Plumas County,” the commission stated on its website. Community feedback will help the project team identify important projects and prioritize transportation improvements: “Sharing your feedback is crucial to helping us understand what your community values the most.”
Topics under consideration include local roadways, state highways, bridges, public transit, bicycle travel, pedestrian routes, rail, and aviation. “How do you get around?” the commission asks. “Would you like to drive less, be able to walk more, or bicycle to work? What do you want to see more (or less) of?” Community members can share opinions and ideas and engage with the project by attending meetings, taking the project’s online survey, or communicating with the project team through its website or social media.
Upcoming meetings are set throughout the county as follows:
- Oct. 23 in Chester at the Almanor Recreation Center, 451 Meadowbrook Loop
- Oct. 24 in Greenville at the Greenville Elementary School, 225 Grand St.
- Oct. 25 in Quincy at the Quincy branch of the Plumas County Library, 445 Jackson St.
- Oct. 26 in Portola at the Portola branch of the Plumas County Library, 34 3rd Ave.
All meetings run from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The regional transportation plan guides Plumas County’s transportation investments for many modes of travel, providing the framework for prioritizing transportation projects, identifying funding sources, and scheduling future project implementation. “This document has become increasingly important as funding resources constrict, planning efforts coordinate, and new programs expand,” the commission stated. Developing the RTP is one of the major planning responsibilities of the transportation commission, said Jim Graham, PCTC executive director.
The commission is required to update the transportation plan every four to five years, in collaboration with Caltrans, environmental and resource management agencies, and the public. The commission is currently working on the 2025 Plumas County RTP in order to provide a “clear vision for future transportation investments in the region” for both the short-range (2026 – 2036) and long-range (2026 – 2046) planning horizons, said Graham.
In addition to providing a vision for the region, Graham said the RTP also documents “the current and evolving mobility landscape of Plumas County.” The plan assesses current modes of transportation and examines the potential for new travel and goods movement options. It also identifies ways to address the region’s mobility and accessibility needs. The plan enables the region to integrate with various federal and state transportation programs, as well as maintain consistency with other entities in response to transportation issues.
“I think many folks are recognizing the importance of non-motorized infrastructure and its role in a healthy community and a robust recreation-oriented economy.”
Jim Graham, Executive Director, Plumas County Transportation Commission
Graham also pointed out that the RTP provides a “forum for participation and cooperation” and facilitates partnerships. He reiterated that federal, state, and local agencies; tribal governments; the public; and elected officials are all included in discussions and decision-making.
“Having an updated RTP is required by law,” said Graham. “Failure to have an updated RTP can affect funding that comes to the county for various transportation projects.” He pointed out that many transportation grants require that relevant projects be included in the area’s RTP.
Some of those upcoming projects may involve non-motorized infrastructure such as bike lanes and sidewalks. “Transportation priorities change over time,” said Graham. “I’ve noticed that in Plumas County there is a stronger emphasis on non-motorized infrastructure. I think many folks are recognizing the importance of non-motorized infrastructure and its role in a healthy community and a robust recreation-oriented economy.”
For more information, visit https://www.plumascountyrtp.com/. There, residents may view the current Plumas County Regional Transportation Plan, the Plumas County Coordinated Public Transportation Plan, and the Plumas County Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. They may also fill out a survey, connect to the commission on social media, and provide feedback via a contact form.
