SUMMARY
FUNDING FLEXIBILITY FOR STATE GAS TAX REVENUES
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL REAUTHORIZATION
LA MTA BOARD/ CREATION OF ELECTED POSITIONS
BAY AREA TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
SCHOOL BUS BOND
NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING (see also ACA2)
A TRANSIT ORIENTED HOUSING INCENTIVES
ELDERLY TRANSPORTATION FUNDING
A NEW STATE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY COMMISSION
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION STUDY
SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEDI-CAL TRANSPORTATION

FUNDING FLEXIBILITY FOR STATE GAS TAX REVENUES

Would ease the restrictions in the state constitution that currently limit state gas tax revenues to road and transit capital funding but prevent spending on transit operations. Would specifically make transit operations eligible. A prime example of where there still isnÕt total "flexibility" in transportation funding and one of the major inequities in transportation programming and the bias against transit and urban bus services that serve poor communities in particular. Likely to be supported by many interest groups including the Governor but strongly opposed by the road lobby and construction interests who rarely benefit from "operating" funds.
Back to Top

SB10 (Soto) SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL REAUTHORIZATION

Reauthorization of popular statewide funding program started through AB1475 of 1999. The bill reauthorizes and makes permanent a statewide program that directs $20 million a year in federal traffic safety funding towards projects that make it safer for children to walk and bike to school. Original bill had 80 organizations in support and just two in opposition but included a sunset provision for the program to terminate in 2001. Critics originally said there wouldnÕt be enough demand for the program but Caltrans was overwhelmed with $130 million in applications for the first round of $20 million in grant funds. Despite programÕs popularity there may be opposition again this year from more traditional transportation interests.
Back to Top

SB18 (Alarcon) LA MTA BOARD/ CREATION OF ELECTED POSITIONS

This bill would require that 6 of the members of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) be elected and would substantially revise the membership of the authority Š two would be elected from the City of Los Angeles and four would be elected from LA County. Transportation Agency boards are usually comprised of local elected officials that are appointed by their various associations to serve on public agency boards. There are instances of public elections for boards, for example BART in the Bay Area and several local transit agencies around the state. Elected positions may increase accountability to the general public and should probably be tried at higher level agencies like the California Transportation Commission.
Back to Top

SB473 (Perata) BAY AREA TRANSPORTATION PLANNING

Bill to require Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission to develop a congestion reduction plan for major area bridges, establish general performance measures for the purpose of evaluating transportation projects, and a strategic master plan for commuter rail and bus rapid transit in the region. The bill contains many of the elements of the failed SB1995 from 2000. It would take money appropriated for the so-called "southern crossing" study as a funding source.
Back to Top

SB829 (Karnette) NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

Bill to extend the temporary five-year sales tax on gas diversion (AB2928 of 2000) from the general fund into a transportation fund that would be divided equally between (a) road repairs; (b) the State Transportation Improvement Program (mostly highway construction, some transit capital); and (c) the Public Transportation Account. Sales tax on gas is worth roughly $1 billion a year, this would give each of the three programmatic categories roughly one-third of total funding. Bill represents best chance for increased transit funding in 2001 although doesnÕt contain any truly innovative smart growth or housing linkages. Will also likely be opposed by cities and counties and construction interests.
Back to Top

SB1068 (Speier) SCHOOL BUS BOND

$200 million bond designed to help school districts meet new cleaner air standards and safety requirements. Badly needed if Air Resources Board emissions standards are going to be implemented. With no other source of funding school bus programs will likely but cut if tougher emissions and safety standards are issued.
Back to Top

AB227 (Longville) NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

Bill to extend the temporary five-year sales tax on gas diversion (AB2928 of 2000) from the general fund into a transportation fund that would be divided (a) 40% for road repairs; (b) 40% for the State Transportation Improvement Program (mostly highway construction, some transit capital); and (c) 20% for the Public Transportation Account. Sales tax on gas is worth roughly $1 billion a year; this bill would give less money to transit than SB829.
Back to Top

AB321 (Vargas) NEW TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

PCL-sponsored legislation to take the sales tax on new car and truck sales and dedicate it to transportation projects including commuter rail, transit, transit-oriented development and clean fuel programs among others. Worth $1.9 billion annually and will reduce general fund revenues by an equivalent amount. For more info visit http://www.pcl.org.
Back to Top

AB381 (Papan) TRANSIT ORIENTED HOUSING INCENTIVES

Bill modeled on San Mateo County program to incentivize housing near public transit facilities. Currently spot bill, would direct general fund monies towards a new state program that would pay an incentive to local governments in order to speed approval process of new housing within walking distance of transit. Local governments would get funding on the condition that they begin construction within a certain time frame or they relinquish the grant funding. Bill will also provide matching funds to local and regional agencies who want to use transportation funding to create similar programs as San Mateo County and the Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission have done.
Back to Top

AB403 (Bates) ELDERLY TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

This bill would expand eligibility for cities and counties 40 percent share of local street and road repair money from AB2928 of 2000 to allow funding of elderly transportation services provided that a jurisdictionÕs local streets and roads are in adequate condition.
Back to Top

AB841 (Havice) NEW STATE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY COMMISSION

This bill would establish a 17-member California Pedestrian Access and Safety Commission for the purpose of reviewing and improving pedestrian sidewalks and street crossing infrastructure throughout the state and ensuring that the pedestrian infrastructure is accessible and safe for all who use the public rights-of-way. The bill would provide for gubernatorial appointment of 11 of the members and would require the remaining 6 members to be representative of specified state agencies and organizations. The bill would authorize the commission to employ an executive director and staff, as specified and appoint advisory panels regarding pedestrian access and safety. Possible drawback to concept is whether commission would slow down and/or deter projects from getting proposed and built, i.e. which projects would get reviewed?
Back to Top

AB1213 (Liu) SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION STUDY

Requires a study of school ("pupil") transportation funding and needs. Study requires assessment of current school transportation formula but doesnÕt mention relationship between traditional transportation funds and the potential for use on school transportation needs (nearly 10 percent of all trips in more urbanized California regions is the commute to school).
Back to Top

AB903 (Alquist) SANTA CLARA COUNTY MEDI-CAL TRANSPORTATION

This bill would provide, subject to the obtaining of any necessary federal approvals, for a pilot project in Santa Clara County, for the provision of nonemergency medical transportation services to Medi-Cal recipients in order to improve access to health care services. The 3-year pilot program would commence operation in 2003 and would be administered by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.
Back to Top