One month after California Senate Bill 1, a gas tax, survived a challenge at the ballot box—Proposition 6 was defeated 57 to 43 percent on Nov. 6—the funds to repair the state’s roadways, improve transportation options and build up infrastructure keep coming.
Caltrans announced on Dec. 7 that more than $600 million in funding is on its way through the California Transportation Commission, approximately $80 million of it from SB 1. More than 200 projects will be funded, including some in Monterey County.
On Highway 101 near King City $35 million will be spent to rehabilitate asphalt and concrete pavement from south of the Paris Valley Road over-crossing to the Rancho under-crossing.
Another $1 million will go toward constructing a retaining wall south of the Little Sur River Bridge on Highway 1 in Big Sur.
Projects around the state are intended to reduce congestion, improve freight transportation, modernize transit and rail projects and provide funds for local government improvement projects. At least 17 projects costing $12 million will encourage more walking and biking around the state.
In October the Transportation Authority of Monterey County announced the county was set to receive $2.7 million in SB 1 funds for several projects, including Highway 101 bridge repair near Bradley and the rail extension planned from San Jose to Salinas.