Olsen Will Propose J-59 Swap

Sonora, CA – Tuolumne County leaders have been informed that Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen plans to propose legislation to transfer J-59 from the county’s responsibility to the state.

Tuolumne County Administrator Craig Pedro announced the news to the Board of Supervisors at Tuesday’s meeting. This morning the Assemblywoman’s office confirmed that the legislation is being written, and it could be introduced in the next week. 

Olsen indicated in a recent radio interview on Mother Lode Views that it might be challenging to sell the shift this legislative session because most of the focus is currently on cutting back state government, a philosophy that she strongly favors. “I think it’s worth looking into though, because you never know what efficiencies their might be, and sometimes things just make sense,” said Olsen. “The rest of J-59 is already a state highway, so it would just be extending it another 30 miles.”

Tuolumne County leaders have stated that now is the perfect time to approach the state about taking over J-59 as it has been recently widened and rehabilitated.