TPA Federal Advocacy Director Ben Goldeen Visits Merced County

Earlier this week, Federal Advocacy Director Ben Goldeen had the opportunity to witness firsthand the positive impact of his and TPA’s work in Merced County! In 2023, Ben collaborated with the Merced County Association of Governments to secure a $3.6 million federal earmark for the purchase of three new buses for the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), enhancing connectivity between the Central Valley and Yosemite National Park.

Last spring, the new buses were delivered, and during a recent trip from Washington, DC to Merced, Ben had the chance to see them in action. These buses are already improving transportation access for residents and visitors alike, reinforcing the importance of federal advocacy in securing critical infrastructure investments for local communities!