RIPON – Elected leaders continued to pave the way for a new park and ride lot at Highway 99 and Jack Tone Road.

No discussion was necessary as they signed off on the City of Ripon resolution with the California Department of Transportation last Tuesday, providing the eligibility necessary to receive funding – federal and/or state – for the 75-parking space facility with three designated handicapped spaces near the Flying ‘J’ truck stop adjacent to the northbound ramp of the freeway.

The move was part of the Department of Transportation Master Agreement.

The Ripon City Council, in turn, designated revenues from local funds as “the dedicated source of revenue as needed,” the resolution said.

Furthermore, the resolution stated: “This dedication shall remain in full force and effect until such funding agreement is fully discharged.”

Council, not too long ago, approved a negative declaration for the estimated $646,000 project on the .57-acre parcel.

The project also calls for the installation of bicycle lockers along with street and parking lot lights. Access would include a Class 1 bikeway, with the area to be landscaped, groomed, and with sidewalks.

The San Joaquin Council of Government via the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality coupled with matching funds from Measure K will help foot the cost.