RECEIVE legislative update.

Staff will present a state legislative update and a revised bill list.

2017's Senate Bill (SB) 1 created a valuable opportunity to deliver Measure X and other priority projects in Monterey County by providing matching funds for local safety, road repair and congestion relief projects over the next 30 years.  Proposition 6 on the November ballot would delay or delete these projects by repealing SB 1, and it would require majority voter approval (via ballot propositions) for the California State Legislature to impose, increase, or extend fuel taxes or vehicle fees in the future.

The qualification of Proposition 6 on the November ballot is the most important issue facing transportation users in California.  SB 1 has already advanced the delivery of the Imjin Parkway improvements, the Highway 68 safety and congestion relief project, and the Rail Extension to Salinas.  In addition, many cities and the county have been able to repair storm-damaged county roads, local city streets and sidewalks, and fully regional access routes (such as Boronda Road and Alisal Street improvements in Salinas.  SB 1 has also provided funding for Monterey-Salinas lifeline transit services to residents throughout the County.  In summary, SB 1 monies have allowed Monterey County to receive its fair share of transportation projects for the first time in decades.  

Attached are: a report on Proposition 6 and other key state legislative activities (attachment 1) and an updated bill list (attachment 2).

Due to a one-time increase in state revenues this year, there may also be new competitive funding available for projects in our region, including rail service. However, it is important to note that this one-time money is not likely to provide many projects in our county, in comparison to 30 years of SB 1 gas taxes and vehicle fees.