For more than 25 years, the MSRC has allocated funding to projects that enhance clean transportation initiatives throughout the South Coast Region. Now, there is a new source of funding available statewide that can help build on these types of MSRC-funded projects which help reduce Californian’s reliance on cars - SB 1, the Road and Repair Accountability Act of 2017.
SB 1 was signed by Governor Brown in the spring and provides the first significant and ongoing source of transportation funding in more than twenty years. The $5.4 billion per year package generates new revenues from various taxes and fees and is designed to repair and maintain state highways and local roads, improve trade corridors, and support public transit and active transportation. More specifically, investments in public transportation, active transportation and complete streets have been a few of the focus areas for the MSRC, and now SB 1 will help expand these types of projects in California.The bill allocates approximately $750 million annually for public transportation capital projects and operating expenses. More than $45 million each year will go toward intercity rail services and commuter rail services. Funding will be allocated by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), which is currently developing the program guidelines. The Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, which is funded by California Climate Investment money, will receive an additional $250 million annually to modernize transit systems, increase ridership, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve safety. CalSTA awards funding through a competitive grant process. The next Call for Projects will be issued on October 13.
An additional $100 million will be available each year for the State Active Transportation Program (ATP) for bicycle and pedestrian projects, including bike lanes, pedestrian paths, sidewalks and safe routes to school. The state’s goal is to double walking and triple bicycling trips by 2020, and reduce bicycle and pedestrian fatalities by ten percent each year. This additional funding will will help Caltrans reach these goals by increasing funding for ATP projects from $130 million to $230 million per year, which is an 83% boost compared to current funding levels. The next ATP Call for Projects will be in early 2018.
For the $1.5 billion available annually for the Local Streets and Roads Program, one of the categories eligible for funding includes complete streets components, such as active transportation, pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, and transit facilities. In order to receive funding, cities and counties must submit a proposed project list to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to become eligible for funds. Funds are distributed via monthly allocations by formula through the State Controller’s Office. Beginning August 18, the CTC will be doing outreach and providing technical assistance to cities and counties to prepare their project lists. Project lists are due by October 18, and the FY 17-18 apportionments will be made by mid-January 2018.
More information about the SB 1 program can be found at the Rebuilding California website: http://www.rebuildingca.ca.gov/funding.html