(1)Existing law requires the California Transportation Commission to adopt and submit to the Legislature, by December 15 of each year, an annual report summarizing the commissions prior-year decisions in allocating transportation capital outlay appropriations, and identifying timely and relevant transportation issues facing the state. Existing law provides that the annual report may also include a discussion of any significant upcoming transportation issues anticipated to be of concern to the public and the Legislature.

This bill would require that the annual report also include specific, action-oriented, and pragmatic recommendations for legislation to improve the transportation system.

(2)Existing law requires various transportation planning activities by state and regional agencies. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to prepare the California Transportation Plan and to update the plan by December 31, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter. Existing law specifies certain subject areas for the movement of people and freight to be considered in the plan. Existing law requires the plan to address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions in order to attain a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and identify the statewide integrated multimodal transportation system needed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Existing law requires the department to consult with and coordinate its planning activities with specified entities, including the California Transportation Commission, and to provide an opportunity for public input. Existing law authorizes the California Transportation Commission to present the results of its review and comment to the Legislature and the Governor.

This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to review recommendations in the update to the California Transportation Plan prepared by the department in 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, to prepare specific, action-oriented, and pragmatic recommendations for transportation system improvements, and to submit a report in that regard to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every 5 years thereafter.

(1)Existing law requires the California Transportation Commission to adopt and submit to the Legislature, by December 15 of each year, an annual report summarizing the commissions prior-year decisions in allocating transportation capital outlay appropriations, and identifying timely and relevant transportation issues facing the state. Existing law provides that the annual report may also include a discussion of any significant upcoming transportation issues anticipated to be of concern to the public and the Legislature.

This bill would require that the annual report also include specific, action-oriented, and pragmatic recommendations for legislation to improve the transportation system.

(2)Existing law requires various transportation planning activities by state and regional agencies. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to prepare the California Transportation Plan and to update the plan by December 31, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter. Existing law specifies certain subject areas for the movement of people and freight to be considered in the plan. Existing law requires the plan to address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions in order to attain a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and identify the statewide integrated multimodal transportation system needed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Existing law requires the department to consult with and coordinate its planning activities with specified entities, including the California Transportation Commission, and to provide an opportunity for public input. Existing law authorizes the California Transportation Commission to present the results of its review and comment to the Legislature and the Governor.

This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to review recommendations in the update to the California Transportation Plan prepared by the department in 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, to prepare specific, action-oriented, and pragmatic recommendations for transportation system improvements, and to submit a report in that regard to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every 5 years thereafter.

(2)Existing law requires various transportation planning activities by state and regional agencies. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to prepare the California Transportation Plan and to update the plan by December 31, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter. Existing law specifies certain subject areas for the movement of people and freight to be considered in the plan. Existing law requires the plan to address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions in order to attain a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and identify the statewide integrated multimodal transportation system needed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Existing law requires the department to consult with and coordinate its planning activities with specified entities, including the California Transportation Commission, and to provide an opportunity for public input. Existing law authorizes the California Transportation Commission to present the results of its review and comment to the Legislature and the Governor.

This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to review recommendations in the update to the California Transportation Plan prepared by the department in 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, to prepare specific action-oriented specific, action-oriented, and pragmatic recommendations for transportation system improvements, and to submit a report in that regard to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every 5 years thereafter.

Existing law requires various transportation planning activities by state and regional agencies. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to prepare the California Transportation Plan and to update the plan by December 31, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter. Existing law specifies certain subject areas for the movement of people and freight to be considered in the plan. Existing law requires the plan to address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions in order to attain a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and identify the statewide integrated multimodal transportation system needed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Existing law requires the department to consult with and coordinate its planning activities with specified entities, including the California Transportation Commission, and to provide an opportunity for public input. Existing law authorizes the California Transportation Commission to present the results of its review and comment to the Legislature and the Governor.

This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to review recommendations in the update to the California Transportation Plan prepared by the department in 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, to prepare specific action-oriented and pragmatic recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements, and to submit a report in that regard to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016 2016, and every 5 years thereafter.

Existing law requires various transportation planning activities by state and regional agencies. Existing law requires the Department of Transportation to prepare the California Transportation Plan and to update the plan by December 31, 2015, and every 5 years thereafter. Existing law specifies certain subject areas for the movement of people and freight to be considered in the plan. Existing law requires the plan to address how the state will achieve maximum feasible emissions reductions in order to attain a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050 and identify the statewide integrated multimodal transportation system needed to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions. Existing law requires the department to consult with and coordinate its planning activities with specified entities, including the California Transportation Commission, and to provide an opportunity for public input. Existing law authorizes the California Transportation Commission to present the results of its review and comment to the Legislature and the Governor.

This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to review recommendations in the update to the California Transportation Plan prepared by the department in 2015, and every 5 years thereafter, to prepare specific recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements, and to submit a report in that regard to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016 and every 5 years thereafter.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

Bill No: SB 64

Author: Liu (D), et al.

Amended: 6/24/15

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 10-1, 4/28/15

AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski

NOES: Bates

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 6-0, 5/18/15

AYES: Lara, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza, Nielsen

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bates

SENATE FLOOR: 36-2, 5/22/15

AYES: Allen, Bates, Beall, Berryhill, Block, Cannella, De León, Gaines, Galgiani, Hall, Hancock, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Huff, Jackson, Lara, Leno, Leyva, Liu, McGuire, Mendoza, Mitchell, Monning, Moorlach, Nguyen, Nielsen, Pan, Pavley, Roth, Runner, Stone, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wolk

NOES: Anderson, Morrell

NO VOTE RECORDED: Fuller

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 9/1/15 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: California Transportation Plan

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill requires the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) 2015 California Transportation Plan (Plan) and prepare specific, action-oriented recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements.

Assembly Amendments add a requirement that the CTC also provide specific, action-oriented recommendations in their annual report to the Legislature.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the CTC to advise and assist the Administration and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for transportation programs.

Beginning December 31, 2015, and every five years thereafter, Caltrans is required to update the Plan. The Plan shall describe the state’s transportation policies and performance objectives and shall incorporate elements of the regional transportation plans. Consultation and coordination with the CTC, Strategic Growth Council, Air Resources Board, and others is required.

2. Requires the CTC to provide an annual report to the Legislature explaining and summarizing the major policies and decisions it has adopted.

This bill requires the CTC to review the 2015 Plan and provide specific action-oriented recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every five years thereafter. It also requires the CTC to include specific, action-oriented recommendations in their annual report to the Legislature.

Comments

Purpose. The author believes that “the direction of California environmental protection, transportation, housing, and infrastructure financing policies has been to break down the silos created by single-purpose bureaucratic organizations and legislative mandates. The 21st century goal now is to produce integrated planning processes that recognize the relationships among land use; transportation and housing; air quality; and energy planning, regulatory, and infrastructure funding processes.” The author believes that the Plan, a twice-a-decade document, should reflect this outlook and provide actionable suggestions for the Governor and Legislature. Moreover, the author is looking to the CTC to analyze the Plan and make specific recommendations on actions the Legislature should take to achieve its goals.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

• Minor costs (up to $100,000) every five years for the CTC to review the Plan and report its recommendations. The CTCs costs to incorporate recommendations for legislation into its annual report should be minor and absorbable. (State Highway Account)

• Notwithstanding the above costs associated solely with this bill, in the 2015-16 Budget Act, the CTC received funding for a two-year, limited-term Supervising Transportation Planner to fulfill its responsibilities under SB 486 (DeSaulnier, Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014). The CTC indicates that, to fulfill the requirements of both SB 64 and SB 486, it would seek to convert this position to permanent status.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/1/15)

None received

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/1/15)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 80-0, 9/1/15

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Baker, Bigelow, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brough, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Grove, Hadley, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Jones-Sawyer, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Olsen, Patterson, Perea, Quirk, Rendon, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Atkins

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121

9/1/15 21:12:26

**** END ****

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 64

Author:(Liu)

As Amended Ver:June 24, 2015

Majority vote

SENATE VOTE: 36-2

SUMMARY: Directs the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review recommendations in the California Transportation Plan (CTP) developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and to make its own specific recommendations for transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor; also directs the CTC to include in its annual report to the Legislature specific, action-oriented and pragmatic recommendations for legislation to improve the transportation system.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, minor costs (up to $100,000) every five years for the CTC to review the CTP and report its recommendations. The CTC's costs to incorporate recommendations for legislation into its annual report should be minor and absorbable.

Notwithstanding the above costs associated solely with this bill, in the 2015-16 Budget Act, the CTC received funding for a two-year limited-term Supervising Transportation Planner to fulfill its responsibilities under SB 486 (DeSaulnier), Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014. The CTC indicates that, to fulfill the requirements of both this bill and SB 486, it would seek to convert this position to permanent status.

COMMENTS: SB 391 (Liu), Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009, directed Caltrans to develop the CTP, a long-range, statewide transportation plan intended to identify the integrated multi-modal transportation system needed to move people and freight and to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. SB 391 requires the CTP to be updated every five years.

Last session, the Legislature passed SB 486 (DeSaulnier), Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014, to link the CTP with Caltrans' other planning and programming processes. The linear process set forth in SB 486 is meant to ensure that only those transportation projects that support the state's broad policy objectives and strategies, as set forth in the CTP, are planned, environmentally reviewed, designed, and funded. Consequently, the significance of the CTP should not be underestimated because it forms the basis for future investment decisions that will affect California's transportation system.

The next iteration of the updated CTP is due to be completed by December 31, 2015. Caltrans is circulating a draft version of the plan for comment and the draft has created quite a stir within the transportation community. For example, CTC, in its comments to Caltrans about the draft, asserts that "it is evident that Caltrans is planning for significant actions that will fundamentally alter how Californians will utilize our transportation system." CTC criticizes several aspects of the draft CTP, for example:

1. CTC suggests the CTP inappropriately lacks balance between California's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and the state's economic and mobility goals.

2. CTC argues that road capacity projects, in addition to other project types, "must be strategically planned to address California's growing population and promote a robust economy." CTC takes umbrage with statements made in the CTP such as the direction to "avoid projects that add road capacity" and "any transportation projects on the State Highway System or on local streets that are capacity increasing should not be supported for funding."

Others similarly voiced concerns regarding the draft CTP. For example, the California Association of Councils of Government (CalCOG) contends that the CTP makes assumptions about things like road pricing, electric vehicle market penetration, and more that would never survive the fiscal-constraint and environmental review restrictions that apply to regional transportation plans and sustainable communities strategies. CalCOG suggests that, "while the CTP may be a worthy vision – it does not have to address the hard questions of how the assumptions and strategies will materialize."

The author introduced this bill as a follow-up to her SB 391 of 2009 with the intent to solicit specific, focused recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature from CTC in response to each update of the plan.

Given the central role that the CTP now plays in the state's transportation planning and project selection processes and given the controversy surrounding current draft CTP, this bill makes good sense and is particularly timely. Strategies to provide a transportation system that can support and encourage a robust economy and meet the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals will undoubtedly be aggressive and will require difficult policy trade-offs. CTC's specific recommendations, as required by this bill, will assist the Governor and the Legislature to better understand the implications of these trade-offs.

Furthermore, because transportation is a complex, often very technical subject matter, the Legislature leans on the CTC for advice and counsel to guide transportation policies and to provide oversight. This bill directs the CTC, in addition to recommendations regarding the CTP, to provide to the Legislature specific, action-oriented recommendations in the CTC's annual report to the Legislature.

Analysis Prepared by: Janet Dawson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0001614

Date of Hearing: July 8, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Jimmy Gomez, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 64

Author:(Liu) – As Amended Ver:June 24, 2015

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

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to:

1. Review recommendations in the California Transportation Plan (CTP)—prepared by Caltrans and updated every five years—and to make its own specific recommendations for transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every five years thereafter.

2. Include recommendations for legislation to improve the transportation system in its annual report to the Legislature.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor costs (up to $100,000) every five years for the CTC to review the CTP and report its recommendations. The CTCs costs to incorporate recommendations for legislation into its annual report should be minor and absorbable. (State Highway Account)

Notwithstanding the above costs associated solely with this bill, in the 2015-16 Budget Act, the CTC received funding for a two-year limited-term Supervising Transportation Planner to fulfill its responsibilities under SB 486(DeSaulnier)/Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014. The CTC indicates that, to fulfill the requirements of both SB 64 and SB 486, it would seek to convert this position to permanent status.

COMMENTS:

1. Background. SB 391 (Liu)/Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009, directed Caltrans to develop the CTP, a long-range, statewide transportation plan intended to identify the integrated multi-modal transportation system needed to move people and freight, and to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. SB 391 requires the CTP to be updated every five years.

SB 486 links the CTP with Caltrans' other planning and programming processes in order to ensure that only those transportation projects supporting the state's broad policy objectives and strategies, as set forth in the CTP, are planned, environmentally reviewed, designed, and funded. SB 486 also authorized the CTC, in cooperation with Caltrans, to prescribe study areas for analysis and evaluation by the department and to establish guidelines for the preparation of the updates to the CTP.

2. Purpose. The author introduced SB 64 as a follow-up to her SB 391 of 2009 with the intent to solicit specific, focused recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature from CTC in response to each update of the plan.

Furthermore, because transportation is a complex, often very technical subject matter, the Legislature leans on the CTC for advice and counsel to guide transportation policies and to provide oversight. SB 64 directs the CTC to provide to the legislature, in addition to recommendations regarding the CTP, specific recommendations for legislation in the CTC’s annual report to the Legislature.

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

Date of Hearing: June 22, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 64

Author:(Liu) – As Amended Ver:June 24, 2015

SENATE VOTE: 36-2

SUBJECT: California Transportation Plan.

SUMMARY: Directs the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review recommendations in the California Transportation Plan (CTP) developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and to make its own specific recommendations for transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor; also directs the CTC to include in its annual report to the Legislature specific, action-oriented and pragmatic recommendations for legislation to improve the transportation system.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Vests CTC with responsibility to advise and assist the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for California’s transportation programs.

2. Requires CTC to submit to the Legislature an annual report that, among other things, identifies timely and relevant transportation issues facing California and that may include a discussion of any significant upcoming transportation issues anticipated to be of concern to the public and the Legislature.

3. Requires Caltrans to prepare a long-range transportation plan, the CTP, and to update the plan every five years. The CTP is to include all of the following:

1. A policy element that describes the state’s transportation policies and system performance objectives;

2. A strategies element that incorporates the broad system concepts and strategies synthesized from the adopted regional transportation plans; and

3. A recommendations element that includes economic forecasts and recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor to achieve the plan’s broad system concepts, strategies, and performance objectives.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: SB 391 (Liu), Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009, directed Caltrans to develop the CTP, a long-range, statewide transportation plan intended to identify the integrated multi-modal transportation system needed to move people and freight and to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. SB 391 requires the CTP to be updated every five years.

Last session, the Legislature passed SB 486 (DeSaulnier), Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014, to link the CTP with Caltrans' other planning and programming processes. The linear process set forth in SB 486 is meant to ensure that only those transportation projects that support the state's broad policy objectives and strategies, as set forth in the CTP, are planned, environmentally reviewed, designed, and funded. Consequently, the significance of the CTP should not be underestimated because it forms the basis for future investment decisions that will affect California's transportation system.

The next iteration of the updated CTP is due to be completed by December 31, 2015. Caltrans is circulating a draft version of the plan for comment and the draft has created quite a stir within the transportation community. For example, CTC, in its comments to Caltrans about the draft, asserts that "it is evident that Caltrans is planning for significant actions that will fundamentally alter how Californians will utilize our transportation system." CTC criticizes several aspects of the draft CTP, for example:

1. CTC suggests the CTP inappropriately lacks balance between California's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and the state's economic and mobility goals.

2. CTC argues that road capacity projects, in addition to other project types, "must be strategically planned to address California's growing population and promote a robust economy." CTC takes umbrage with statements made in the CTP such as the direction to "avoid projects that add road capacity" and "any transportation projects on the State Highway System or on local streets that are capacity increasing should not be supported for funding."

Others similarly voiced concerns regarding the draft CTP. For example, the California Association of Councils of Government (CalCOG) contends that the CTP makes assumptions about things like road pricing, electric vehicle market penetration, and more that would never survive the fiscal-constraint and environmental review restrictions that apply to regional transportation plans and sustainable communities strategies. CalCOG suggests that, "while the CTP may be a worthy vision--it does not have to address the hard questions of how the assumptions and strategies will materialize."

The author introduced SB 64 as a follow-up to her SB 391 of 2009 with the intent to solicit specific, focused recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature from CTC in response to each update of the plan.

Given the central role that the CTP now plays in the state's transportation planning and project selection processes and given the controversy surrounding current draft CTP, SB 64 makes good sense and is particularly timely. Strategies to provide a transportation system that can support and encourage a robust economy and meet the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals will undoubtedly be aggressive and will require difficult policy trade-offs. CTC's specific recommendations, as required by this bill, will assist the Governor and the Legislature to better understand the implications of these trade-offs.

Furthermore, because transportation is a complex, often very technical subject matter, the Legislature leans on the CTC for advice and counsel to guide transportation policies and to provide oversight. SB 64 directs the CTC, in addition to recommendations regarding the CTP, to provide to the Legislature specific, action-oriented recommendations in the CTC’s annual report to the Legislature.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

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

Date of Hearing: June 22, 2015

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Jim Frazier, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 64

Author:(Liu) – As Amended Ver:May 6, 2015

SENATE VOTE: 36-2

SUBJECT: California Transportation Plan.

SUMMARY: Directs the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review recommendations in the California Transportation Plan (CTP) developed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and to make its own specific recommendations for transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Vests CTC with responsibility to advise and assist the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for California’s transportation programs.

2. Requires CTC to submit to the Legislature an annual report that, among other things, identifies timely and relevant transportation issues facing California and that may include a discussion of any significant upcoming transportation issues anticipated to be of concern to the public and the Legislature.

3. Requires Caltrans to prepare a long-range transportation plan, the CTP, and to update the plan every five years. The CTP is to include all of the following:

1. A policy element that describes the state’s transportation policies and system performance objectives;

2. A strategies element that incorporates the broad system concepts and strategies synthesized from the adopted regional transportation plans; and

3. A recommendations element that includes economic forecasts and recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor to achieve the plan’s broad system concepts, strategies, and performance objectives.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: SB 391 (Liu), Chapter 585, Statutes of 2009, directed Caltrans to develop the CTP, a long-range, statewide transportation plan intended to identify the integrated multi-modal transportation system needed to move people and freight and to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. SB 391 requires the CTP to be updated every five years.

Last session, the Legislature passed SB 486 (DeSaulnier), Chapter 917, Statutes of 2014, to link the CTP with Caltrans' other planning and programming processes. The linear process set forth in SB 486 is meant to ensure that only those transportation projects that support the state's broad policy objectives and strategies, as set forth in the CTP, are planned, environmentally reviewed, designed, and funded. Consequently, the significance of the CTP should not be underestimated because it forms the basis for future investment decisions that will affect California's transportation system.

The next iteration of the updated CTP is due to be completed by December 31, 2015. Caltrans is circulating a draft version of the plan for comment and the draft has created quite a stir within the transportation community. For example, CTC, in its comments to Caltrans about the draft, asserts that "it is evident that Caltrans is planning for significant actions that will fundamentally alter how Californians will utilize our transportation system." CTC criticizes several aspects of the draft CTP, for example:

1. CTC suggests the CTP inappropriately lacks balance between California's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and the state's economic and mobility goals.

2. CTC argues that road capacity projects, in addition to other project types, "must be strategically planned to address California's growing population and promote a robust economy." CTC takes umbrage with statements made in the CTP such as the direction to "avoid projects that add road capacity" and "any transportation projects on the State Highway System or on local streets that are capacity increasing should not be supported for funding."

Others similarly voiced concerns regarding the draft CTP. For example, the California Association of Councils of Government (CalCOG) contends that the CTP makes assumptions about things like road pricing, electric vehicle market penetration, and more that would never survive the fiscal-constraint and environmental review restrictions that apply to regional transportation plans and sustainable communities strategies. CalCOG suggests that, "while the CTP may be a worthy vision--it does not have to address the hard questions of how the assumptions and strategies will materialize."

The author introduced SB 64 as a follow-up to her SB 391 of 2009 with the intent to solicit specific, focused recommendations for the Governor and the Legislature from CTC in response to each update of the plan.

Given the central role that the CTP now plays in the state's transportation planning and project selection processes and given the controversy surrounding current draft CTP, SB 64 makes good sense and is particularly timely. Strategies to provide a transportation system that can support and encourage a robust economy and meet the state's gas emission reduction goals will undoubtedly be aggressive and will require difficult policy trade-offs. CTC's specific recommendations, as required by this bill, will assist the Governor and the Legislature to better understand the implications of these trade-offs.

Suggested amendments: Transportation is a complex, often very technical subject matter and, because of this, the Legislature leans on the CTC for advice and counsel to guide transportation policies and to provide oversight. It would be helpful to get the sort of specific, action-oriented recommendations that author is seeking with regard to the CTP (every five years) in each of the CTC's annual report to the Legislature. The committee suggests that the bill be amended to add a requirement that CTC's annual report also include "specific action-oriented and pragmatic recommendations for transportation system improvements."

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file

Opposition

None on file

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

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 64

Author: Liu (D)

Amended: 5/6/15

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 10-1, 4/28/15

AYES: Beall, Cannella, Allen, Gaines, Galgiani, Leyva, McGuire, Mendoza, Roth, Wieckowski

NOES: Bates

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 6-0, 5/18/15

AYES: Lara, Beall, Hill, Leyva, Mendoza, Nielsen

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bates

SUBJECT: California Transportation Plan

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill requires the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) 2015 California Transportation Plan (Plan) and prepare specific recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the CTC to advise and assist the Administration and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for transportation programs.

Every four years, the regional transportation planning agencies are required to submit their regional transportation plans to the CTC. These long-range plans shall provide for a coordinated and balanced transportation system utilizing mass transit, highways, rail, maritime, walking, biking, and other modes of transportation.

Beginning December 31, 2015, and every five years thereafter, the Caltrans is required to update the Plan. The Plan shall describe the state’s transportation policies and performance objectives and shall incorporate elements of the regional transportation plans. Consultation and coordination with the CTC, Strategic Growth Council, Air Resources Board, and others is required.

2. Requires Caltrans to submit to the CTC by June 30, 2015, an interregional transportation strategic plan. This plan is required to be “action-oriented and pragmatic.”

This bill requires the CTC to review the 2015 Plan and provide recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every five years thereafter.

Comments

Purpose. The author believes that “the direction of California environmental protection, transportation, housing, and infrastructure financing policies has been to break down the silos created by single-purpose bureaucratic organizations and legislative mandates. The 21^st century goal now is to produce integrated planning processes that recognize the relationships among land use; transportation and housing; air quality; and energy planning, regulatory, and infrastructure funding processes.” The author believes that the Plan, a twice-a-decade document, should reflect this outlook and provide actionable suggestions for the Governor and Legislature. Moreover, the author is looking to the CTC to analyze the Plan and make specific recommendations on actions the Legislature should take to achieve its goals.

Who has the right perspective? The author suggests that an organization independent of the Administration should analyze the Plan and make specific recommendations. As a commission whose members are mostly not state employees, the CTC is somewhat independent of Caltrans and the state Administration, though it does reside within the California Transportation Agency. A more independent alternative would be the Institute for Transportation Studies within the University of California system.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, CTC workload costs in the range of $130,000 every five years to review the Plan and make recommendations, beginning in 2016. (State Highway Account)

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/18/15)

None received

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/18/15)

None received

Prepared by: Randy Chinn / T. & H. / (916) 651-4121

5/19/15 13:47:56

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular Session

SB 64 (Liu) - California Transportation Plan

This bill does not meet the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

SB 64 would require the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review each release of the five-year California Transportation Plan (CTP) and make recommendations for transportation system improvements, as specified.

Fiscal Impact:

CTC workload costs in the range of $130,000 every five years to review the CTP and make recommendations, beginning in 2016. (State Highway Account)

Background:

Existing law requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to update the CTP by December 31, 2015, and every five years thereafter, that describes the integrated multimodal transportation system necessary to meet AB 32 greenhouse gas emission reductions. The plan must include a policy element that describes state policies and system performance objectives, a strategies element that synthesizes the regional transportation plans’ concepts and strategies, and a recommendations element that includes economic forecasts and recommendations to achieve the plan’s objectives. Existing law requires Caltrans to coordinate with CTC, the Strategic Growth Council, and the Air Resources Board, among others, when drafting the CTP.

Proposed Law:

SB 64 would require CTC to review recommendations in the update to the CTP prepared by Caltrans in 2015, and every five years thereafter, and prepare specific action-oriented and pragmatic recommendations for transportation system improvements. The bill also requires CTC to submit a report of the recommendations to the Legislature and Governor by December 31, 2016 and every five years thereafter.

Related Legislation:

SB 486 (DeSaulnier), Chap 917/2014, streamlined the state transportation planning process, and authorizes CTC to prescribe study areas for analysis and evaluation by Caltrans, and to establish guidelines for preparing CTP updates, in cooperation with Caltrans.

Staff Comments:

Since the CTP is prepared or updated every five years, SB 64 would require CTC to incur additional expenditures on a five year cycle for workload to review the plan and formulate recommendations. A report of the recommendations would be submitted as part of the CTC’s annual report to the Legislature and Governor. In addition, the CTC expects to use its recommendations to the adopted plans to formulate updated guidance for subsequent CTPs to ensure that priority areas and recommended actions are addressed in future planning cycles. The CTC was provided with a two-year limited term Supervising Transportation Planner following the passage of SB 486. This staff may be sufficient to review and provide recommendations to the 2015 CTP, but moving beyond the 2016 timeframe, it is unlikely that CTC would be able to absorb the workload related to this bill. Additional resources may be required to provide the direction and guidance in the development of future CTPs to ensure compliance with the statutory requirements of both SB 64 and SB 486.

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING

Senator Jim Beall, Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: SB 64 Hearing Date: 4/28/2015

SUBJECT: California Transportation Plan

DIGEST: This bill requires the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to review the California Department of Transportation’s 2015 California Transportation Plan and prepare specific recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the CTC to advise and assist the Administration and the Legislature in formulating and evaluating state policies and plans for transportation programs.

Every four years, the regional transportation planning agencies are required to submit their regional transportation plans to the CTC. These long-range plans shall provide for a coordinated and balanced transportation system utilizing mass transit, highways, rail, maritime, walking, biking, and other modes of transportation.

Beginning December 31, 2015, and every five years thereafter, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is required to update the California Transportation Plan (Plan). The Plan shall describe the state’s transportation policies and performance objectives and shall incorporate elements of the regional transportation plans. Consultation and coordination with the CTC, Strategic Growth Council, Air Resources Board, and others is required.

2. Requires Caltrans to submit to the CTC by June 30, 2015, an interregional transportation strategic plan. This plan is required to be “action-oriented and pragmatic.”

This bill requires the CTC to review the 2015 Plan and provide recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements to the Legislature and the Governor by December 31, 2016, and every five years thereafter.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. The author believes that “the direction of California environmental protection, transportation, housing, and infrastructure financing policies has been to break down the silos created by single-purpose bureaucratic organizations and legislative mandates. The 21^st Century goal now is to produce integrated planning processes that recognize the relationships among land use; transportation and housing; air quality; and energy planning, regulatory, and infrastructure funding processes.” The author believes that the Plan, a twice-a- decade document, should reflect this outlook and provide actionable suggestions for the Governor and Legislature. Moreover, the author is looking to the CTC to analyze the Plan and make specific recommendations on actions the Legislature should take to achieve its goals.

2. Sustainable planning. The link between housing, land use, transportation, energy use, and climate change has become evident, a notion broadly captured under the heading of “sustainability.”

3. Who has the right perspective? The author suggests that an organization independent of the Administration should analyze the Plan and make specific recommendations. As a commission whose members are mostly not state employees, the CTC is somewhat independent of Caltrans and the state Administration, though it does reside within the California Transportation Agency. A more independent alternative would be the Institute for Transportation Studies within the University of California system.

4. Broader and more specific. The bill limits the CTC to recommendations for statewide integrated multimodal transportation system improvements. But there may be other recommendations in the Plan that require action by the Legislature. The author and committee may wish to consider removing this limitation on the CTC and focus the CTC on action-oriented, pragmatic recommendations. This language was employed last year in SB 486 (DeSaulnier, Chapter 917 of 2014) to help focus a Caltrans report.

Related Legislation:

SB 486 (DeSaulnier, Chapter 917 of 2014) — requires Caltrans to submit an interregional transportation strategic plan to the CTC by June 30, 2015, among other things.

SB 391 (Liu, Chapter 585 of 2009) — updated the Plan to require consideration of mobility, integration, connectivity, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental protection, and to require consultation with the CTC, Strategic Growth Council, Air Resources Board, and others.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,

April 22, 2015.)

SUPPORT:

None received

OPPOSITION:

None received

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