The Board of Supervisors approved a set of coordinated actions on Oct. 7 to advance Placer Parkway Phase 1 — a long‑planned roadway connecting State Route 65 to Foothills Boulevard through the Sunset/Placer Ranch area. Public Works staff explained the three related items and the board voted to authorize them in sequence.

The first action authorized the county to enter a cooperative reimbursement agreement with the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) for construction of a waterline as part of the highway work; PCWA will reimburse eligible waterline construction costs. The second action increased the estimated compensation to Pacific Gas & Electric for relocation of overhead transmission and distribution facilities, adding roughly $961,746 to the PG&E estimate for relocations and bringing the total PG&E replacement/relocation estimate to $3,298,557. Public Works said the increases reflect evolving scope and design needs and will be funded from development‑related fee sources (Sparta Tier 2 developer fees) and project budgets.

Finally, the board approved plans and specifications and authorized Public Works to advertise for construction bids on Phase 1. Public Works described Phase 1 as the segment from the Whitney Ranch interchange on Highway 65 to Foothills Boulevard, involving grade separations, a railroad crossing, and substantial earthwork. The initial construction estimate is $106,189,855 (construction cost estimate). The board and staff noted that the Parkway has been under study for over 20 years and that Phase 1 is the critical first segment to unlock industrial and employment development in West Placer.

Board members emphasized the long history of planning and right‑of‑way acquisition for this corridor and thanked Public Works staff for negotiations with property owners, utilities and other agencies. Supervisors also flagged opportunities to coordinate with other nearby projects — including landfill and aggregate operations that could supply fill material — to reduce project costs. The actions clear the way for Public Works to advertise and award construction contracts, proceed with utility relocations and coordinate reimbursements with PCWA.