The following is a press release issued by Caltrans:
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this week allocated more than $2.1 billion for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure throughout the state. Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, accounts for $696 million – nearly one-third of the funding.
“By making these significant investments, California is building the public transportation system we need for a safer and more prosperous, equitable, and environmentally sound future,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This investment also includes nearly $1 billion for local and regional transportation projects that carry significant community benefits.”
The CTC allocated $960 million to Caltrans’ Division of Local Assistance in its annual federal fiscal year investment. The Local Assistance Program makes funds available to more than 600 cities, counties, and regional agencies to improve transportation infrastructure and services. The Local Assistance Program authorizes approximately 1,100 new projects each year.
The CTC also approved 15 repair projects that will extend the life of 76 bridges, prevent future costly repairs, and improve ride quality for the public.
Projects approved this week include:
- Approximately $13.5 million toward a new materials laboratory in Fortuna in Humboldt County as the existing laboratory no longer serves the Department’s needs.
- Approximately $1.3 million toward slope stabilization, retaining wall construction, and drainage improvements on Route 254 in Humboldt County near Miranda.
- Almost $600,000 toward environmental mitigation and monitoring along U.S.101 in Del Norte County in the Crescent City area.
- Almost $1 million toward pavement work, median barrier replacements, drainage rehabilitation, guardrail upgrades, sign updates, and lighting improvements on Route 1 in Mendocino County north of Willits.
- Over $800,000 toward pavement and guardrail improvements on U.S. 101 in Mendocino County near Willits.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.
Since it was passed in 2017, SB 1 has fully or partially funded more than 7,000 projects, including 2,500 already completed, investing more than $16 billion toward pavement, bridges, trade corridors, transit and rail, and walking and biking paths.
For more information about transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.
