Caltrans officials and local dignitaries spoke at a recent event in Groveland that celebration local projects funded through Clean California. 
By Rick Estrada
District 10 public information officer
A team effort between Caltrans District 10 and our valued partners in Tuolumne County led to a community celebration that shined the spotlight on our Clean California campaign.
Working with Tuolumne County and the Groveland community, District 10 hosted a public event in the High Sierra community of Groveland on May 20, to recognize $1.27 million in Clean California grants that have been awarded for local projects.
District 10’s deputy director for planning, local assistance and environmental support, Marlon Regisford, addressed the gathering, as did Tuolumne County Supervisor Kathleen Haff (District 4); Kim Macfarlane with the Tuolumne County Department of Public Works; Patricia Epp with the Yosemite Highway 120 Chamber of Commerce; and the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors Chair, Daniel Anaiah Kirk.
One grant will create a pedestrian-friendly State Route 120 and bolster the local economy, a benefit to motorists as well as merchants, by making major upgrades to the parking facility on Ponderosa Lane, just steps from Route 120 in Groveland.
The second grant will modernize Mary Laveroni Park through the addition of a larger restroom, shaded picnic areas and a covered transit center, as well as trails linked to the historic Hetch Hetchy Railroad grade for hiking and exploring.
Caltrans developed the Clean California Local Grant Program and $296 million will go to communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers to clean and enhance public spaces.
The Route 120 grant will improve pedestrian connections from a tourist parking lot to the highway, which many refer to as “Main Street.” New signage along the highway will promote access to parking and the electric vehicle charging stations.
To enhance the experience, a public restroom will be built with a colorful mural and a tourism kiosk will be added. Trash services will be improved, encouraging people to drop trash in a can rather than tossing it on the ground or on a bench.
Trees will be planted in the adjacent public garden, creating natural shading for folks who want to take a break from the sun. Natural walking trails will also be accessible.
In the parking lot itself, parking spaces will be restriped to improve definition, and a curb will be built along the northern end of the parking lot to redefine the parking lot limits.
“These projects will provide economic benefits for Groveland and the entire region during its construction and afterward,” said Caltrans District 10 Director Dennis Agar. “Travelers will also have a safe, attractive location to park their vehicles and spend some time enjoying ‘Main Street’ in Groveland.”