Title
Adopt a Resolution urging the State to provide new sustainable funding for State and local transportation infrastructure. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution urging the State to provide new sustainable funding for State and local transportation infrastructure.
SUMMARY:
On June 16, 2015, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. proclaimed the need for an extraordinary session of the State Legislature in order to consider and act upon legislation necessary to enact permanent, sustainable funding to adequately and responsibly maintain and repair the state’s transportation and other critical infrastructure, improve the state’s key trade corridors, and complement local infrastructure efforts.
Transportation funding is one of the California State Association of Counties’ (CSAC) major priorities and CSAC is actively engaged to make sure that the deficit in local transportation funding is part of the discussion of the larger statewide system during this special session. CSAC is encouraging counties to adopt resolutions in support of six broad concepts that any funding package should meet in order to gain local government support. The adoption of a general resolution, rather than taking positions on specific proposals at this time, is preferred since legislative leaders are still negotiating details of a transportation funding package.
DISCUSSION:
For a variety of reasons, state and local governments have been unable to properly fund the maintenance and rehabilitation of California’s road system for decades. As a result, 68 % of California’s roads are in “poor” or “mediocre” condition, putting California behind 43 other states in road condition, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. On a scale of zero (failed) to 100 (excellent), the statewide average pavement condition index (PCI) is 66, placing it in the “at risk” category where pavements will begin to deteriorate much more rapidly and require rehabilitation or rebuilding rather than more cost-effective preventative maintenance if funding is not increased. It is estimated that in order to bring California’s local system back into a cost-effective condition, at least $7.3 billion annually in new money going directly to cities and counties is needed.
Monterey County maintains 1,200+ road miles and 173 bridges. Current funding for road and bridge maintenance is woefully inadequate to provide an acceptable maintenance program. Deferred road maintenance results in rapid deterioration and compromise of roadway structural integrity and exponentially increases repair costs. The County’s roads have a pavement condition index (PCI) of 40, placing them in the “poor” category and the current maintenance backlog is over $750 Million and growing.
The proposed resolution is in alignment with Monterey County’s 2015-16 Legislative Program which includes the following legislative priority for transportation infrastructure: “Support efforts to fund capital, maintenance, safety, and operations of the transportation infrastructure including local roads, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, transit and rail”.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division prepared this report and is actively working with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) in support of funding for transportation infrastructure.
FINANCING:
Approval of this recommendation will not result in additional general fund contributions.
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Management Analyst III
Approved by:
_________________________________________
Nicholas E. Chiulos
Assistant County Administrative Officer
Attachments:
- Board Report
- Resolution