Attachment 1 is a report provided by Agency state legislative advocate Gus Khouri. One item of particular interest: the proposals to increase funding for Active Transportation, which is supported by the TAMC Legislative Program priority 10S, "Support legislation to devote more funding to the oversubscribed Active Transportation Program." Staff requests Board approval to support these efforts to increase funding for this program.
Attachment 2 is a special budget update from Mr. Khouri outlining the Governor's May Revise budget transportation elements. The proposed budget includes an infusion of $500 million to the Active Transportation program, which would increase the number of funded projects submitted in the most recent round.
Attachment 3 is a draft letter related to the Caltrans indirect cost recovery proposal (overhead fees on locally funded projects on the state system), which is capped at 10% for projects funded with local sales tax funding. That cap is set to expire on July 1, 2021. This letter seeks legislative support of extending that cap. Staff requests Board approval of this letter.
The updated state bill list (attachment 4) includes several new bills that align with the Agency's adopted legislative program (web attachment 1). Changes to the list since the Board adoption on April 28 are indicated via strike-out and underline, as supported by the Executive Committee at their May 5 meeting.
The following bills are now recommended for a changed position:
- Assembly Bill (AB) 41 (Wood): Broadband Infrastructure: this bill was amended and no longer provides the benefits to disadvantaged areas. Staff recommends changing the Agency position on the bill from "support" to "watch".
- Senate Bill (SB) 790 (Stern): Wildlife connectivity mitigation credits: this bill authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife to give Caltrans mitigation credit for wildlife crossing projects. The bill could be useful for addressing work on State Route 68, and staff recommends a "support" position.
On the federal front, Congressmember Panetta has announced his nominations for the Transportation & Infrastructure authorization bill (web attachment 2), including the US 101 Safety Improvements - South of Salinas Project, $2 million for environmental review. He has also announced his nominations for the appropriations bills (web attachment 3), including $1 million for a King City streetscape project.
Meanwhile, Senator Feinstein published the paperwork requirement for requesting federal appropriations funding through her office by May 5, and Senator Padilla did the same with a May 19 deadline. Staff submitted nominations for the US 101 Safety Improvements - South of Salinas Project to both Senators.