Transportation Oversight Hearing Discussed Transportation Infrastructure Funding Opportunities

Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), convened a field hearing of the Select Committee on Regional Transportation and Interconnectivity Solutions that he chairs on September 29th in Los Angeles to discuss opportunities for funding transportation infrastructure.

“We can no longer ignore the critical needs of our state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Holden. “We must invest now, bringing together policymakers and regulators to consider critical funding solutions for these priority projects. This must happen now.”

Select Committee members Cheryl Brown (AD 47), Richard Bloom (AD 50) and Ed Chau (AD 49) joined Holden to identify alternative sources of funding for needed maintenance and repair of the state’s roads, highways and bridges. Speakers, including Habib Balian, Gold Line extension CEO; Mark Christoffels, Alameda Corridor-East; Art Leahy, CEO Metrolink and others addressing active transportation, the California Road Charge pilot program, job creation in the construction industry, and federal and state funding sources.

Dr. Malcolm Dougherty, Caltrans Director, set the stage by discussing statewide transportation funds and the increasing need for more funding as gas taxes decline and cars become more efficient.

Mr. Phil Washington, LA Metro CEO, outlined the process of identifying and prioritizing projects that would be funded by Los Angeles County Measure M on the November 8th ballot. Measure M would establish a new ½ cent sales tax starting in July 2017 and increasing to one cent in 2039 when the current transportation bond expires. The measure requires a 2/3 vote.

Mr. Washington said revenues would fund rail extensions, bus and rail repair as well as service extensions. Additionally, these revenues would provide money for local street improvements, bike and pedestrian connections to transit and programs for students, seniors, and those with disabilities.

“I am encouraged by the collaborative approach to regional transportation planning evident in our discussions,” said Holden. “I remain optimistic that the State Legislature, working with the Governor, will still craft a consensus transportation bill this year.”