Title
State Legislative Status Report
Overview
The Orange County Transportation Authority provides regular updates to the Legislative and Communications Committee on policy issues directly impacting its overall programs, projects, and operations. Positions are recommended on two legislative proposals including one that will remove the sunset date on existing design-build authority for highway projects and another that seeks to require metropolitan planning organizations to meet vehicle miles traveled reduction targets as part of the regional transportation plan. An update is provided on an audit of the California Air Resources Board and its administration of transportation programs intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As discussions related to post-pandemic recovery continue, an overview of the most recently passed legislative relief package and advocacy efforts regarding vaccine prioritization for public transit workers is given.
Recommendation(s)
A. Adopt a SUPPORT position on AB 1499 (Daly, D-Anaheim), which would remove the sunset date on existing design-build authority for highway projects.
B. Adopt an OPPOSE UNLESS AMENDED position on SB 261 (Allen, D-Santa Monica), which would require metropolitan planning organizations to meet vehicle miles traveled reduction targets as part of the regional transportation plan.