Existing law gives the Department of Transportation full possession and control of all state highways. Existing law describes the authorized routes in the state highway system and establishes a process for adoption of a highway on an authorized route by the California Transportation Commission. Existing law authorizes the commission to relinquish to local agencies state highway segments that have been deleted from the state highway system by legislative enactment or have been superseded by relocation, and in certain other cases.

This bill would authorize the commission to relinquish to the Cities of Coronado, Imperial Beach, and San Diego, specified portions of State Highway Route 75, under certain conditions.

Date of Hearing: April 20, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2075

Author:(Atkins) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2016

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the California Transportation Commission to relinquish to the Cities of Coronado, San Diego and Imperial Beach a total of about 13 miles of State Route 75 that lie within those respective cities.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Potentially significant one-time costs (State Highway Account [SHA]) depending on the outcome of negotiations between Caltrans and the cities, and a determination by Caltrans that the relinquishment is in the best interest of the state. (See Comment #1)
   
2. Moderate long-term maintenance and repair savings to Caltrans, if the CTC exercises its authority to relinquish the highway segments.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. Legislation is required before any segment of state highway can be relinquished to another governmental entity. Relinquishment provides the recipient agency with more control over a local transportation project and relieves Caltrans of further responsibility to improve, maintain, or repair infrastructure related to the relinquished state highway segment.

According to Caltrans, in recent years the initial cost of relinquishments has ranged from $0 to over $1 million per centerline mile. These costs are driven by a number of factors, including roadway condition, projected maintenance costs and any planned capital projects. The actual cost of a particular relinquishment is negotiated directly with the local agency, but must be based on a cost-benefit analysis using a 10-year analysis period. Prior to this analysis, the baseline cost is assumed to be $0. All proposed costs beyond the baseline are subject to review and approval by the Department's Relinquishment Advisory Committee to ensure statewide consistency in application of the established evaluation criteria.

1. Purpose. According to the author, the U.S. Navy started a series of improvements on its property located along SR 75 in the area between the Cities of Imperial Beach and Coronado. The improvements are expected to generate a significant amount of traffic when fully constructed and occupied. The Imperial Beach City Council would like more direct control over SR 75 within its boundaries so that it can work with the Navy in managing traffic.

Analysis Prepared by: Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 4, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2075 (

Author:Atkins) – As Introduced Ver:February 17, 2016

SUBJECT: State highways: relinquishment: Route 75

SUMMARY: Allows the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to relinquish segments of State Route (SR) 75 in San Diego County. Specifically, this bill:

1. Authorizes CTC, upon a determination that it is the best interest of the state to do so and upon an agreement between the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the following local cities, to relinquish that portion of SR 75 that lies within the applicable city limits:
   1. City of Coronado;
      
   2. City of Imperial Beach; and,
      
   3. City of San Diego.
2. Provides that the relinquishments will become effective on the date following the county recordation of the relinquishment resolutions containing CTC's approval of the specified terms and conditions.
3. Specifies that, following the effective date of relinquishment, the relinquished segments will no longer be state highways and may not be considered for future adoption as state highways.
4. Requires cities that adopt a segment of SR 75 to ensure continuity of traffic flow, including traffic signal progression, on the relinquished segment. Also requires these cities to install and maintain signs directing motorists to the continuation of SR 75 to the extent that Caltrans determines such signage is necessary.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Defines a "state highway" as any roadway that is acquired, laid out, constructed, improved, or maintained as a state highway pursuant to constitutional or legislative authorization.
2. Statutorily identifies state highway system routes.
3. Specifies that it is the intent of the Legislature that the prescribed routes of the state highway system connect communities and regions of the state and that they serve the state's economy by connecting centers of commerce, industry, agriculture, mineral wealth, and recreation.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: Each session, numerous bills authorizing CTC to relinquish segments of the state highway to local jurisdictions are passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. Relinquishment transactions are generally preceded by a negotiation of terms and conditions between the local jurisdiction and Caltrans. Once an agreement has been established, the Legislature authorizes CTC to relinquish the segment and CTC then approves the relinquishment and verifies its approval via resolution. The final step is for the Legislature to delete these segments from current law.

This bill is consistent with Caltrans' policies that encourage the relinquishment of state highways that do not serve regional or statewide transportation needs. Recipient agencies often seek relinquishment of state highways so that they can have greater control over the facility, which often serves as a local street.

According to the author, the U.S. Navy started a series of improvements on its property located along SR 75 in the area between the City of Imperial Beach and the City of Coronado. The improvements are expected to generate a significant amount of traffic when fully constructed and occupied. The Imperial Beach City Council would like to have more direct control over SR 75 within its boundaries so that it can work with the Navy in managing traffic.

SR 75 does not function as an inter-regional transportation facility and relinquishment to the cities is appropriate if agreeable terms can be negotiated.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Honorable David Alvarez, San Diego City Councilmember, Eighth District

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093