AgdaPkt 2006-03-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Infrastructure Discussions Continued from Page 1... The deadline for reaching agreement is considered to be March 10. Virtually all parties agree that that a major investment is needed in California's infrastructure; the debate is over where and how those investments should be made. The governor has put forth a plan that invests in transportation, education, public safety facilities and other infrastructure needs such as levees and water systems. Republicans are committed to the idea that bond money should be spent on "brick and mortar" projects to keep up with widespread growth. Assembly Republicans also support a "pay-as-you-go" approach, by dedicating a percentage of the general fund each year to infrastructure needs, rather than relying primarily on general obligation bonds. And Democrats appear determined that any bond package must include housing, infill development, transit and education, in addition to consideration for environmental issues. Activities This Week: Hearings and Press Conferences The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee held a hearing on Tuesday, February 21, to ascertain what the committee's priorities are for funding within an infrastructure bond. Discussions were primarily focused on: 1) Spending bond funds solely on state facilities vs. regional transit and local streets and roads; 2) Expansion of funding priorities in addition to congestion reduction to fund safety enhancements (e.g. grade separation, bridge seismic retrofit, port security, transit security); 3) Funding for high-speed rail; 4) Affordable housing; and, 5) Resources for infill development and creating linkages between transportation and housing. League Legislative Director Daniel Carrigg testified at the hearing and offered comment on the necessity of funding and incentives for local governments to provide affordable housing. The Conference Committee on Infrastructure Bonds held an informational hearing on Thursday, February 23, during which State Treasurer Phil Angelides presented his suggestions for a bond package. Treasurer Angelides talked about the nature of investments that need to be made and commented that the state has an obligation and policy responsibility to direct funding to projects that will accommodate growth in the state's future. Arguing that the way California grows will determine its economic competitiveness, Treasurer Angelides urged the committee to consider five principles when directing infrastructure bond funds: 1) Funds need to support smart growth for California. 2) Transportation resources should focus on mass transit and transit-oriented development. 3) Absent from the governor's plan, California needs the ability to fund environmental resource protections such as urban parks, coastal lands and open space acquisition. 4) Conservation and efficiency, in addition to new projects, must be induded. 5) Port expansion and air quality must be considered symbiotically.