Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with 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state highway segments that have been deleted from the state highway system by legislative enactment or have been superseded by relocation, and in certain other cases. Existing law designates State Route 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. Existing law authorizes the commission to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribes conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

This bill would authorize the commission to additionally relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribe conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with 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state highway segments that have been deleted from the state highway system by legislative enactment or have been superseded by relocation, and in certain other cases. Existing law designates State Route 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. Existing law authorizes the commission to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribes conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

This bill would authorize the commission to additionally relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribe conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with 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. Existing law designates State Route 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. Existing law authorizes the commission to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribes conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

This bill would authorize the commission to additionally relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route 83 within the citys jurisdiction and prescribe conditions that apply upon relinquishment.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 250

Author: Rodriguez (D)

Introduced: 1/18/23

Vote: 21

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 16-0, 6/13/23

AYES: Gonzalez, Niello, Allen, Archuleta, Becker, Blakespear, Cortese, Dahle, Dodd, Limón, McGuire, Newman, Nguyen, Seyarto, Umberg, Wahab

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/23

AYES: Portantino, Jones, Ashby, Bradford, Seyarto, Wahab, Wiener

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/22/23 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: State highways: State Route 83: reduction

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This bill authorizes the California Transportation Commission to relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route 83 within the city’s jurisdiction.

ANALYSIS:

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. (Streets and Highways Code (SHC) §24)
2. Identifies, statutorily, state highway system routes through a description of segments of the state’s regional and interregional roads that are owned and operated by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans). (SHC §§90 et. seq.)
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. (SHC §300)
4. Allows the relinquishment of portions of state highways to local government control through a statutory process requiring the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to make findings that it is in the best interest of the state to include or delete a specified portion of roadway from the system. (SHC §73)
5. Relinquishes former portions of State Route (SR) 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. (SHC §383)
6. Relinquishes former portions of SR 83 within the jurisdiction of the City of Ontario.

This bill authorizes the CTC to relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of SR 83 within its jurisdiction if the city and Caltrans enter into an agreement providing for the relinquishment.

Comments

1. Purpose of bill. According to the author “Hearing of the City's difficulties while trying to improve portions of the road, I know that relinquishing these specified parts will allow Chino to complete their planned projects effectively and promptly. One of their proposed projects is to improve a roadway that experiences frequent flooding. As we have experienced extreme weather patterns recently, I find the utmost importance in allowing California cities to control roadways in their jurisdiction to make the necessary improvements to protect their communities from emergency incidents. We are a disaster-prone state and must remain prepared and resilient. Allowing cities to make timely roadway improvements adds to their preparedness planning. This will best serve the residents of the 53^rd Assembly District.”
2. Relinquishments. Each session, the Legislature passes and the governor signs numerous bills authorizing CTC to relinquish segments of the state highway system to local jurisdictions. Relinquishment transactions are generally preceded by a negotiation of terms and conditions between the local jurisdiction and Caltrans. Once an agreement has been established, CTC typically approves the relinquishment and verifies its approval via a resolution.

This bill is consistent with Caltrans' policy encouraging 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.

1. Route 83. SR 83, also known as Euclid Avenue, is a major north-south arterial in Western San Bernadino County. It runs from the Chino Valley Freeway to the San Bernadino Freeway, traversing the communities of Chino, Ontario and Upland. Euclid Avenue not only serves as an essential regional route for the transport of goods, but also connects Chino residents to various parts of the city. SR 83 currently serves the Cities of Chino and Ontario in a local arterial roadway capacity. In 2008, approximately 3.2 miles of SR 83, from I-10 to SR 210, was relinquished to the City of Upland,

Due to the current status of SR 83, the City must request permission from Caltrans for any type of encroachment, including planned improvements, maintenance, and operational needs. This adds an additional layer of complexity to projects the City would like to pursue. For example, the City of Chino would like to make several improvements, such as raising portions out of the floodplain or contracting landscaped medians, to the portions of SR 83 that are within its city limits. If the city gains control of the road, these repairs would reach completion much faster. In the past, it has taken up to six months to restripe street lines when working through Caltrans. Should the City be in the sole control, this project would only take about six weeks. The City wishes to undertake these projects in a more efficient and expeditious manner.

Caltrans District 8 staff recently completed an initial Relinquishment Assessment Report (RAR1) in May of this year that covers the potential relinquishment of the entirety of SR 83 to the Cities of Ontario and Chino, as authorized by AB 744 and this bill. The RAR1 establishes the basis for relinquishment and ultimately recommends that SR 83 be relinquished to the local jurisdictions. Caltrans indicates that the City of Chino must pass a resolution and that a legislative bill must be enacted before the department proceeds to the next phase, which is the preparation of a final Relinquishment Assessment Report (RAR2). The RAR2 will determine the needs of the route, associated costs, and justification of the amount of funding that would potentially be provided to the local agency upon relinquishment.

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

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill will have unknown one-time Department of Transportation (Caltrans) costs, potentially minor but possibly in the millions, prior to the relinquishment of the designated segment of SR 83 to Chino (State Highway Account). These costs would be offset in future years due to avoided maintenance costs on the relinquished segment.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/1/23)

City of Chino

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/1/23)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/22/23

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Juan Carrillo, Wendy Carrillo, Cervantes, Connolly, Megan Dahle, Davies, Dixon, Essayli, Flora, Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Friedman, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Grayson, Haney, Hart, Holden, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Lee, Low, Lowenthal, Maienschein, Mathis, McCarty, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Jim Patterson, Joe Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Ramos, Reyes, Luz Rivas, Robert Rivas, Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Santiago, Schiavo, Soria, Ta, Ting, Valencia, Villapudua, Waldron, Wallis, Ward, Weber, Wicks, Wilson, Wood, Zbur, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Chen, Lackey, Quirk-Silva

Prepared by: Jacob O'Connor / TRANS. / (916) 651-4121

9/2/23 9:57:12

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Senator Anthony Portantino, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular Session

AB 250 (Rodriguez) - State highways: State Route 83: reduction

Bill Summary:

AB 250 would authorize the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to relinquish a specified portion of State Route (SR) 83 to the City of Chino.

Fiscal Impact:

• Unknown one-time Department of Transportation (Caltrans) costs, potentially minor but possibly in the millions, prior to the relinquishment of the designated segment of SR 83 to Chino (State Highway Account). These costs would be offset in future years due to avoided maintenance costs on the relinquished segment.

Background:

Existing law identifies the California state highway system (SHS) through a description of segments of the state’s regional and interregional roads that are owned and operated by Caltrans. Existing law requires the CTC to relinquish to cities and counties segments of state highways that have been deleted from the SHS by legislative enactment. The CTC is prohibited from relinquishing a segment of state highway to a city or county that has been superseded by relocation until Caltrans has placed the highway into a “state of good repair,” which includes litter removal, weed control, and tree and shrub trimming, but does not obligate Caltrans to perform widening, new construction, or major reconstruction, unless directed by the CTC.

The Legislature has provided statutory authorization to CTC to relinquish a number of state highway segments to local jurisdictions under specified conditions. Relinquishment provides the recipient agency with greater control over local transportation projects and relieves Caltrans of any further responsibility to improve, maintain, or repair infrastructure, and also from exposure to tort liability related to the relinquished segment of state highway. Generally, relinquishments are subject to negotiated agreements between Caltrans and a local jurisdiction seeking control of a local highway segment. The CTC must determine that the agreement for relinquishment, which has typically involved a one-time payment of State Highway Account funds to the local entity, is in the best interests of the state.

SR 83 is a major north–south arterial roadway serving the cities and communities of Western San Bernardino County. Known as Euclid Avenue for its current 11.2 mile length, the route begins at its southern terminus at the Chino Valley Freeway (SR 71) and traverses the communities of Chino and Ontario, before reaching its northern terminus at the San Bernardino Freeway (Interstate 10) near the City of Upland. SR 83 currently serves the Cities of Chino and Ontario in a local arterial roadway capacity. In 2008, approximately 3.2 miles of SR 83, from I-10 to SR 210, was relinquished to the City of Upland. As noted below, AB 744 (Rodriguez), Chap. 198/2021, authorized the CTC to relinquish to the City of Ontario the portion of SR 83 located within its jurisdiction (from mile marker 3.92 to mile marker 11.2). This bill would authorize the relinquishment of the final active segment of SR 83 to the City of Chino.

Proposed Law:

AB 250 would authorize the CTC to relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of SR 83 within its jurisdiction. The relinquishment would be conditioned upon Caltrans and the City entering into an agreement providing for relinquishment, and the CTC making a determination that it is in the state’s best interest. On and after the effective date of the relinquishment, the relinquished segment would cease to be a part of the state highway system, and would be ineligible for future adoption as a state highway.

Related Legislation:

AB 744 (Rodriguez), Chap. 198/2021, authorized the CTC to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of SR 83 within its jurisdiction, as specified.

Staff Comments:

Caltrans may provide State Highway Account funding to a local entity that is assuming control over state highway segments in order to bring the roadway up to a “state of good repair,” although there is no statutory obligation to do so. The actual amounts vary for each relinquished highway segment and are determined by a negotiation of terms and conditions between Caltrans and the local jurisdiction. Those costs are based upon a cost-benefit analysis covering a ten-year period, which is included in a Project Scope Summary Report prepared for legislative relinquishments.

Caltrans District 8 staff recently completed an initial Relinquishment Assessment Report (RAR1) in May of this year that covers the potential relinquishment of the entirety of SR 83 to the Cities of Ontario and Chino, as authorized by AB 744 and this bill. The RAR1 establishes the basis for relinquishment and ultimately recommends that SR 83 be relinquished to the local jurisdictions. Caltrans indicates that the City of Chino must pass a resolution and that a legislative bill must be enacted before the department proceeds to the next phase, which is the preparation of a final Relinquishment Assessment Report (RAR2). The RAR2 will determine the needs of the route, associated costs, and justification of the amount of funding that would potentially be provided to the local agency upon relinquishment. There is no outstanding maintenance for SR 83, but some routine SHOPP funds (Approximately $12.8 million) have been programmed for pavement rehabilitation along Euclid Avenue. In addition, a bridge project in the corridor has also been awarded federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds to address flooding issues. While the amount of state funding that may be provided to Chino is unknown at this time, based on other relinquishments, one-time costs may range from minimal to over $1 million per centerline mile of roadway, depending on numerous factors such as roadway condition, projected maintenance costs, and any planned capital projects. This bill would authorize the relinquishment of approximately 6.4 miles of SR 83 in Chino’s city limits.

Actual costs and savings would be more certain if legislation to authorize relinquishment followed, rather than preceded, the completion of the cost-benefit analyses and agreements between Caltrans and the City of Chino. However, Caltrans does not typically conduct the analysis and enter into negotiations until legislative authority for relinquishment has been provided.

The relinquishment of this portion of the highway would provide local authority over the roadway, allowing city officials to maintain the roadway, which has functioned primarily as a local road, and make other improvements within the right-of-way without seeking approval from Caltrans through an encroachment permit. With concurrent relinquishment of SR 83 to Ontario, as provided in AB 744, and to Chino, as provided by this bill, local control of Euclid Avenue could be transferred to those cities, resulting in the removal of the entirety of SR 83 from the SHS inventory.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Senator Lena Gonzalez, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: AB 250 Hearing Date: 6/13/2023

SUBJECT: State highways: State Route 83: reduction

DIGEST: This bill authorizes the California Transportation Commission to relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route 83 within the city’s jurisdiction.

ANALYSIS:

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. (Streets and Highways Code (SHC) §24)
2. Statutorily identifies state highway system routes through a description of segments of the state’s regional and interregional roads that are owned and operated by the Department of Transportation (Caltrans). (SHC §§90 et. seq.)
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. (SHC §300)
4. Allows the relinquishment of portions of state highways to local government control through a statutory process requiring the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to make findings that it is in the best interest of the state to include or delete a specified portion of roadway from the system. (SHC §73)
5. Relinquishes former portions of State Route (SR) 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. (SHC §383)
6. Relinquishes former portions of SR 83 within the jurisdiction of the City of Ontario.

This bill authorizes the CTC to relinquish to the city of Chino all or a portion of SR 83 within its jurisdiction if the city and Caltrans enter into an agreement providing for the relinquishment.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose of bill. According to the author “Hearing of the City's difficulties while trying to improve portions of the road, I know that relinquishing these specified parts will allow Chino to complete their planned projects effectively and promptly. One of their proposed projects is to improve a roadway that experiences frequent flooding. As we have experienced extreme weather patterns recently, I find the utmost importance in allowing California cities to control roadways in their jurisdiction to make the necessary improvements to protect their communities from emergency incidents. We are a disaster-prone state and must remain prepared and resilient. Allowing cities to make timely roadway improvements adds to their preparedness planning. This will best serve the residents of the 53^rd Assembly District.”
2. Relinquishments. Each session, the Legislature passes and the governor signs numerous bills authorizing CTC to relinquish segments of the state highway system to local jurisdictions. Relinquishment transactions are generally preceded by a negotiation of terms and conditions between the local jurisdiction and Caltrans. Once an agreement has been established, CTC typically approves the relinquishment and verifies its approval via a resolution.

This bill is consistent with Caltrans' policy encouraging 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.

1. Route 83. SR 83, also known as Euclid Avenue, is a major north-south arterial in Western San Bernadino County. It runs from the Chino Valley Freeway to the San Bernadino Freeway, traversing the communities of Chino, Ontario and Upland. Euclid Avenue not only serves as an essential regional route for the transport of goods, but also connects Chino residents to various parts of the city.

Due to the current status of SR 83, the City must request permission from Caltrans for any type of encroachment, including planned improvements, maintenance, and operational needs. This adds an additional layer of complexity to projects the City would like to pursue. For example, the City of Chino would like to make several improvements, such as raising portions out of the floodplain or contracting landscaped medians, to the portions of SR 83 that are within its city limits. If the city gains control of the road, these repairs would reach completion much faster. In the past, it has taken up to six months to restripe street lines when working through Caltrans. Should the City be in the sole control, this project would only take about six weeks. The City wishes to undertake these projects in a more efficient and expeditious manner.

Related Legislation:

AB 744 (Rodriguez, Chapter 198, Statutes of 2022) authorizes the CTC to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of SR 83 within the city’s jurisdiction.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, this bill will have potential one-time costs to Caltrans, ranging from minor to up to several million dollars, prior to the relinquishment of the designated segments of SR 83 to the City of Chino (State Highway Account). These costs would likely be offset in future years by avoided maintenance on the relinquished segment.

POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday June 7^th.)

SUPPORT:

City of Chino (sponsor)

OPPOSITION:

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 250

Author:(Rodriguez)

As Introduced Ver:January 18, 2023

Majority vote

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to relinquish to the City of Chino all, or a portion, of State Route (SR) 83 within the city's jurisdiction, if the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Chino enter into an agreement providing for that relinquishment. The bill conditions the relinquishment upon CTC agreeing that doing so is in the state's best interest, among other conditions.

Major Provisions

COMMENTS

Relinquishment is defined as the statutory conveyance of all rights, title, interests, liability, and maintenance responsibilities of a state highway, or portion thereof, to another government entity, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2018 Project Development Procedures Manual. Caltrans possesses and controls all state highways. California Streets and Highways Code, Section 73 authorizes the CTC to relinquish transportation facilities to cities and counties. The relinquished facilities become city streets or county roads. Section 73 identifies four types of relinquishments: legislative enactment, superseded by relocation, collateral facility, or a non-motorized transportation facility.

Each session, numerous bills authorizing the relinquishment of segments of state highways 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 can delete the portion of a highway from the Streets and Highways Code or authorize CTC to relinquish the segment. The CTC then approves the relinquishment and verifies its approval via resolution. The relinquishment takes effect only after CTC approval and a certified copy of the relinquishment resolution is recorded in the county office of the recorder.

This bill is consistent with Caltrans' policy encouraging 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.

SR 83, also known as Euclid Avenue, is one of the major north-south routes through the City of Chino. Euclid Avenue not only serves as an essential regional route for the transport of goods, but also connects Chino residents to various parts of the city.

Due to the current status of SR 83, the City must request permission from Caltrans for any type of encroachment, including planned improvements, maintenance, and operational needs. This adds an additional layer of complexity to projects the City would like to pursue. For example, the City of Chino would like to make several improvements to the portions of SR 83 that are within its city limits. If the city gains control of the road, these repairs would reach completion much faster. In the past, it has taken up to six months to restripe street lines when working through Caltrans. Should the City be in the sole control, this project would only take about six weeks. The City wishes to undertake these projects in a more efficient and expeditious manner.

According to the Author

"Hearing of the City's difficulties while trying to improve portions of the road, I know that relinquishing these specified parts will allow Chino to complete their planned projects effectively and promptly. One of their proposed projects is to improve a roadway that experiences frequent flooding. As we have experienced extreme weather patterns recently, I find the utmost importance in allowing California cities to control roadways in their jurisdiction to make the necessary improvements to protect their communities from emergency incidents. We are a disaster-prone state and must remain prepared and resilient. Allowing cities to make timely roadway improvements adds to their preparedness planning. This will best serve the residents of the 53^rd Assembly District."

Arguments in Support

The City of Chino writes, "Taking possession and control of the segment of State Route 83 in the City would expedite and increase the efficiency of City efforts to improve, maintain, and operate Euclid Avenue. For these reasons, the City of Chino strongly supports AB 250."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

Potential one-time costs to Caltrans, ranging from minor to up to several million dollars, prior to the relinquishment of the designated segments of SR 83 to the City of Chino (State Highway Account). These costs would likely be offset in future years by avoided maintenance on the relinquished segment.

VOTES

ASM TRANSPORTATION: 14-0-1

YES: Friedman, Joe Patterson, Berman, Juan Carrillo, Davies, Gipson, Hart, Jackson, Lowenthal, Stephanie Nguyen, Sanchez, Wallis, Ward, Wicks

ABS, ABST OR NV: Kalra

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-1

YES: Holden, Megan Dahle, Bryan, Calderon, Wendy Carrillo, Dixon, Mike Fong, Hart, Lowenthal, Mathis, Papan, Pellerin, Sanchez, Weber, Ortega

ABS, ABST OR NV: Robert Rivas

UPDATED

VERSION: January 18, 2023

CONSULTANT: Julia Kingsley / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0000886

Date of Hearing: March 29, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Chris Holden, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 250

Author:(Rodriguez) – As Introduced Ver:January 18, 2023

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

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to relinquish to the City of Chino all, or a portion, of State Route (SR) 83 within the city’s jurisdiction, if the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the City of Chino enter into an agreement providing for that relinquishment. The bill conditions the relinquishment upon CTC agreeing that doing so is in the state’s best interest, among other conditions.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Potential one-time costs to Caltrans, ranging from minor to up to several million dollars, prior to the relinquishment of the designated segments of SR 83 to the City of Chino (State Highway Account). These costs would likely be offset in future years by avoided maintenance on the relinquished segment.

COMMENTS:

Background and Purpose. Legislation is required before any segment of state highway may be relinquished to another governmental entity. Relinquishment provides the recipient agency with greater control over a local transportation project and relieves Caltrans of any further responsibility to improve, maintain or repair infrastructure related to the relinquished segment of state highway. SR 83, also known as Euclid Avenue, is a major north-south route within the Chino city limits. Caltrans controls the highway, so the city must receive Caltrans’ approval of any improvements or maintenance along SR 83. The City of Chino, writing in support of this bill, asserts “Taking possession and control of the segment of State Route 83 in the City would expedite and increase the efficiency of City efforts to improve, maintain, and operate Euclid Avenue.”

The Legislature regularly considers bills to relinquish to local governments various segments of the State Highway system. In 2022, the Legislature approved Chapter 198 (AB 744, Rodriguez), which authorizes relinquishment of a section of SR 83 (Euclid Avenue) to the City of Ontario, which is adjacent to the City of Chino.

Analysis Prepared by: Jay Dickenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: March 13, 2023

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Laura Friedman, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 250 (

Author:Rodriguez) – As Introduced Ver:January 18, 2023

SUBJECT: State highways: State Route 83: reduction

SUMMARY: Authorizes the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to relinquish to the City of Chino all or a portion of State Route (SR) 83 within the city’s jurisdiction.

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. (Streets and Highways Code (SHC) Section 24)
2. Statutorily identifies state highway system routes. (SHC Section 300-365)
3. Relinquishes former portions of SR 83 from Route 71 to Route 10 near the City of Upland. (SHC Section 383)
4. Relinquishes former portions of SR 83 within the jurisdiction of the City of Ontario. (SHC Section 383)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS: Relinquishment is defined as the statutory conveyance of all rights, title, interests, liability, and maintenance responsibilities of a state highway, or portion thereof, to another government entity, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2018 Project Development Procedures Manual. Caltrans possesses and controls all state highways. California Streets and Highways Code, Section 73 authorizes the CTC to relinquish transportation facilities to cities and counties. The relinquished facilities become city streets or county roads. Section 73 identifies four types of relinquishments: legislative enactment, superseded by relocation, collateral facility, or a non-motorized transportation facility.

Each session, numerous bills authorizing the relinquishment of segments of state highways 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 can delete the portion of a highway from the Streets and Highways Code or authorize CTC to relinquish the segment. The CTC then approves the relinquishment and verifies its approval via resolution. The relinquishment takes effect only after CTC approval and a certified copy of the relinquishment resolution is recorded in the county office of the recorder.

This bill is consistent with Caltrans' policy encouraging 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.

SR 83, also known as Euclid Avenue, is one of the major north-south routes through the City of Chino. Euclid Avenue not only serves as an essential regional route for the transport of goods, but also connects Chino residents to various parts of the city.

Due to the current status of SR 83, the City must request permission from Caltrans for any type of encroachment, including planned improvements, maintenance, and operational needs. This adds an additional layer of complexity to projects the City would like to pursue. For example, the City of Chino would like to make several improvements to the portions of SR 83 that are within its city limits. If the city gains control of the road, these repairs would reach completion much faster. In the past, it has taken up to six months to restripe street lines when working through Caltrans. Should the City be in the sole control, this project would only take about six weeks. The City wishes to undertake these projects in a more efficient and expeditious manner.

According to the author. “Hearing of the City's difficulties while trying to improve portions of the road, I know that relinquishing these specified parts will allow Chino to complete their planned projects effectively and promptly. One of their proposed projects is to improve a roadway that experiences frequent flooding. As we have experienced extreme weather patterns recently, I find the utmost importance in allowing California cities to control roadways in their jurisdiction to make the necessary improvements to protect their communities from emergency incidents. We are a disaster-prone state and must remain prepared and resilient. Allowing cities to make timely roadway improvements adds to their preparedness planning. This will best serve the residents of the 53^rd Assembly District.” 

In support, the City of Chino writes, “Taking possession and control of the segment of State Route 83 in the City would expedite and increase the efficiency of City efforts to improve, maintain, and operate Euclid Avenue. Fr these reasons, the City of Chino strongly supports AB 250.”

Previous legislation. SB 1318 (Transportation), Chapter 491, Statutes of 2010 makes non-controversial changes to sections of law relating to transportation and housing, including cleaning up a number of old relinquishment statutes so that they conform to the standard format.

AB 1456 (Kiley), Chapter 629, Statutes of 2019 authorizes the CTC to relinquish a portion of SR 193 to the City of Lincoln within its city limits.

AB 2172 (Petrie-Norris), Chapter 126, Statutes of 2020 allows the CTC to relinquish a portion of SR 133 to the City of Laguna Beach.

SB 921 (Dahle), Chapter 82, Statutes of 2020 allows the CTC to relinquish a portion of SR 174 to the City of Grass Valley.

SB 1459 (Caballero), Chapter 83, Statutes of 2020 allows the CTC to relinquish a portion of SR 183 to the City of Salinas.

AB 744 (Rodriguez), Chapter 198, Statutes of 2022 authorizes the CTC to relinquish to the City of Ontario all or a portion of SR 83 within the city’s jurisdiction.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

City of Chino

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Julia Kingsley / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093