January 6, 2005

LEGISLATIVE ALERT

UPDATE: (Jan. 9, 2006) The California State Senate moved Monday, Jan. 9, to adopt SB 1026 authored by Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica). The legislation would, if signed into law by the Governor, allow the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (in close coordination with Caltrans) to use the design-build contracting method for the planned construction of a High Occupancy Vehicle lane on the northbound I-405 freeway between I-10 and U.S. 101. The bill was adopted by a vote of 12-2 in the Senate Transportation & Housing Committee and later was passed by a margin of 28-8 on the Senate floor. The measure will now be transmitted to the Governor for his consideration.

SB1026 to be considered by the State Senate

Issue
On Monday, January 9 the State Senate will consider SB 1026 (Kuehl) which will help bring relief to one of our nation’s most heavily congested corridors.
SB 1026 will allow the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in close coordination with Caltrans, to use the design build contracting method for the HOV lane on the 405 Freeway.

Background
The 405 Freeway has some of the heaviest traffic volumes in this country. In fact over 360,000 people use the 405 Freeway to cross the Sepulveda Pass everyday. Funds for this project are available in the recent reauthorization of the nation’s federal transportation programs. These funds, combined with state and local funds will help bring relief to Los Angeles commuters.
The Federal funding for this project must be secured by 2009. The reauthorization of the federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU expires in 2009. These funds could be lost if California does not do everything in its power to demonstrate that this is a high priority project. In addition SAFETEA-LU contains a recission clause that allows Congress to rescind funding for high-priority projects if substantial progress is not made. Using design-build will ensure that this project is initiated in time to secure the Federal funds.
Additionally, design build has proven to be successful in delivering transportation projects on-time and on budget. Design build also allows for cost savings that will maximize the money available for this project. The recently completed Metro Gold Line to Pasadena and Metro Orange Line in the San Fernando are two examples of projects that have been delivered successfully using this approach.
SB 1026 ensures that the MTA will establish a strong partnership with Caltrans to bring this project forward in a timely manner.

Action Needed
We strongly urge you to contact your State Senator, urge them to support SB 1026, and, bring traffic relief to Los Angeles commuters. If the Senate approves the bill on Monday then the bill will be immediately transmitted to the Governor for his consideration. Please also contact the Governor’s office and urge him to sign the bill into law.
The Mobility 21 website’s Legislative Action Center (Mobility21.com) can assist you in contacting your State Senator and the Governor.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Michael Turner (213) 922-2122.