Atwater-Merced Expressway Project to be discussed at supervisors' meeting

MERCED -- The Merced County Board of Supervisors is set to meet Tuesday for the first meeting of the year.

The supervisors are scheduled to nominate a chairman for 2013, a role previously served by District 2 Supervisor Hub Walsh.

The board will consider approving the acquisition of several properties needed for the Atwater-Merced Expressway Project, which will replace the Highway 99 and Buhach Road interchange and aims to improve transportation to and from Castle Commerce Center.

The supervisors also will discuss leasing a third-floor room inside the Merced County Administration building to Congressman Jim Costa, and approve costs for remodeling the interior of that room.

The planning department is requesting the board give the green light to begin an environmental impact report for the Borba Dairy Farms Expansion Project.

The project proposes an expansion of the existing dairy facility west of Hilmar.

The Bob Borba Dairy and the site of the proposed expansion are on about 29 acres of a 462-acre site in an unincorporated area of Merced County.

Also under consideration will be the authorization to fill two Human Services Agency positions by adding two temporary full-time analyst positions.

Among other budget transfers, the supervisors will consider $110,479 for the district attorney's Central Valley Rural Crime Prevention Program as well as $45,368 for the library's bookmobile expenses.

The Board of Supervisors meeting will be at 10 a.m. in the board chambers on the third floor of the Merced County Administration Building, 2222 M St. in Merced.

Reporter Ramona Giwargis can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or rgiwargis@mercedsunstar.com.