California requires diverse transport infrastructure funding - Capitol Weekly

TL/DR -

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in 2021 and the 2017 Senate Bill 1 have led to significant investments in California's often neglected transportation system, including public transportation, mass transit, and other infrastructure projects. However, some argue that traditional infrastructure spending, such as upgrades to local streets and highways, increases vehicle miles traveled and negatively affects low-income Californians and communities of color who rely on these roads. The authors argue that an "all-of-the-above" strategy for transportation infrastructure investments, which includes investments in public transit and active transportation alongside traditional infrastructure projects, is the most beneficial approach for all Californians.

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California's Investment in Infrastructure: A Balanced Approach

Since the enactment of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 and California's Senate Bill 1 in 2017, the state has been channeling unprecedented funds into amending its crumbling transportation infrastructure. This includes notable investments in public transportation, mass transit, active transportation, and conventional transportation infrastructure projects that enhance local streets, roads, bridge safety, and reduce freeway congestion.

This holistic investment strategy in transportation infrastructure aligns with the diverse necessities of California residents. However, certain voices advocate for an end to traditional infrastructure investments such as congestion relief, road upgrades, and highway improvements. However, such restrictive policies could be detrimental to millions of Californians, particularly the low-income and underprivileged communities.

As representatives of a diverse union of construction workers and a social justice organization, we endorse an inclusive strategy for transportation infrastructure investments. Our coalition consists of local governments, labor unions, business leaders, and social justice advocates.

We back initiatives that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and address climate change. These initiatives include investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure. With state and federal funding, California has allocated tens of billions of dollars for these projects. Under the IIJA alone, California will receive approximately $10.3 billion over five years to bolster public transportation across the state.

Moreover, California's 2023-2024 state budget provides $5.1 billion for public transit, with $4 billion in Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program funding and $1.1 billion in zero-emission vehicle transit funding. Furthermore, under SB 1 funding, California has invested $4.3 billion in transit, commuter rail, bike and walking path projects over the past five years.

However, we also need to prioritize investments in essential transportation infrastructure such as local street repairs, pothole filling, congestion relief, bridge safety repairs, and goods movement projects. Neglecting these infrastructure needs will compromise Californians' quality of life and disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

The national transportation research nonprofit, TRIP, reports that 52% of California's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition, costing motorists $22 billion a year. These costs can disproportionately burden low-income and disadvantaged families with additional repair costs and increased fuel consumption.

Research confirms that lengthy commutes on congested roads disproportionately affect people of color and lower-income families. The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation states that due to high housing costs near job and transit centers, many low-income individuals have long commutes in older, less efficient vehicles, increasing their overall costs.

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