Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s Transportation Project Savings Bill
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a law authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to reduce the cost of road projects using federal transportation funds, allowing more improvements with the same amount of money.
“My bill would streamline an often duplicative and bureaucratic process, making every transportation dollar count,” Sen. Dodd said. “We can use that savings to expand both the number and quality of projects, providing Californians with the good roads they deserve.”
Senate Bill 137eliminates redundant and less robust federal reviews associated with federal highway funding, saving time and money. Previously, only agencies serving populations under 200,000 were afforded the abbreviated process. SB 137 would waive the review for agencies of all sizes.
The bill passed the Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support before it was signed by the governor. It is backed by the California State Association of Counties as well as individual local government agencies.
“I applaud Gov. Newsom and Sen. Bill Dodd for delivering a comprehensive fix that will eliminate redundant reviews and will be an effective step to increase flexibility for essential transportation projects.” said David Rabbitt, Chairman of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and Metropolitan Transportation Commissioner “This solution will allow us to complete more projects through an expeditious, cost effective and streamlined process.”
“This bill allows a savings of both time and money, which is very important to Solano County and our ability to deliver projects,” said Solano County Supervisor Jim Spering, who also sits on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. “It is a much more efficient approach that allows us flexibility with our federal dollars.”
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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.