New project updates approved by Council

Following the Aug. 12 approval by the Tehachapi Planning Commission, the new AT&T cell tower came before the City Council on Sept. 16. The Council approved an agreement between the city and a New Cingular Wireless PCS (AT&T) that would permit a 38-foot cell tower to be placed at the area commonly known as the Rock Pile at Tehachapi Airport.

The five-year lease will bring the city about $36,000 yearly with an annual increase of 3%. The new tower should greatly improve AT&T service in Downtown Tehachapi.

The Council approved $10,267 from funds received by the City from the State Transit Assistance State of Good Repair Program (SGR) to be added to funding for extending a sidewalk from the Tehachapi Transit Center and Downtown Park and Ride west to connect with the sidewalk at J&H Auto Repair. SGR funding comes primarily from the SB1 gas tax.

Also approved was a contract between the city and Parsons Transportation Group to study the feasibility of extending Valley Blvd. to Steuber with a new eastbound ramp to Highway 58, as well as improve the interchange at East Tehachapi Blvd. and Highway 58. Continued growth of the City of Tehachapi, as well as the increase in both commuter and freight traffic highlighted the need for streamlining transition routes to Highway 58.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.