Honorable Chair and Commissioners, thank you for the opportunity for me to speak regarding the County of Santa Barbara's plan for the State Route 217. State Route 217 was built by Caltrans over 35 years ago for the sole purpose of providing safe and efficient access to the University of California campus in Santa Barbara. Under the County's plan for this highway, the County will request the Commission to relinquish State Route 217. As Chancellor, I supported enhancement of Goleta community, but must guard the safety and the welfare of our students. Historical documents show that State Route 217 was built as a freeway, specifically to ensure the safety of travelers, many of whom are students under the age of 25.
Data show that freeways have far lower injury and fatality rates than arterial highways.
Any changes to State Route 217 should not and, indeed as Mr. Richard Hart from HNTB would tell you, need not compromise the safety of travelers. State Route 217 connects our campus, which is the largest employer in the region, to the principle thoroughfare of our region U.S. Route 101. The daytime population of our campus is comparable to that of Santa Barbara's business district. Many California citizens participate daily in numerous, educational, cultural, and recreational events and activities on campus. Our integration with the region has also started 45 technological companies, which have contributed to the economic engine of California.