Houston Applauds the California Transportation Commission for Prompt and Fair Action

Plan will equitably distribute $3 billion to rebuild transportation infrastructure.

Last week the California Transportation Commission approved guidelines for making use of a $3 billion goods movement improvement fund. This $3 billion portion of Proposition 1B will go towards upgrading trade corridors by easing trucking, rail, and port congestion statewide.

“Voters from across California approved our transportation infrastructure bond last November, and we will all take part in paying them off. Therefore, it is fair and appropriate that our Northern California streets, highways, and railways receive their fair share of the dollars,” Houston said.

Under the CTC’s decision, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire are set to receive up to 56% of the fund, or $1.7 billion. The Bay Area, Central Valley, and Sacramento Valley will share up to 27% of the fund, or $840 million.

“Like Southern California, the Bay area and Central Valley are also suffering from worn down, insufficient infrastructure and need this important funding,” said Assemblyman Houston.
Of the $3 billion in goods movement funds, some Los Angeles and the Inland Empire politicians have demanded 86% of these funds which were meant to benefit the entire state. Southern California ports receive the majority of the shipping containers entering and leaving the state, but Northern California ports in Oakland and Stockton are also main trade corridors for the state and suffer from outdated infrastructure.

“Not only has the CTC made the wise decision to address a state-wide problem by appropriating money fairly, but it has done so in a timely fashion. Voters who approved last November’s will soon see the benefits of these vital improvements. Better shipping routes means less traffic for commuters and lower transportation costs that translate to lower costs for everyone,” said Houston.