Title: The 2015-16 Budget: Transportation Proposals
Headings: Transportation Proposals
The 2015-16 Budget:
Transportation Proposals
Executive Summary
Background
Spending by Major Transportation Programs
(Dollars in Millions)
Crosscutting Issues
Road Usage Charge Pilot Program
Background
Oregon’s Experience With a Road Usage Charge
Governor’s Proposals
Proposals Raise Concerns
LAO Recommendations
MVA Fund Condition
Background
Governor’s Proposals
MVA Likely to Become Insolvent in 2017–18
Issues for Legislative Consideration
CalTrans
Project Initiation Documents
Background
Governor’s Proposal
LAO Assessment
LAO Recommendations
Transportation Management System
Background
Governor’s Proposal
LAO Assessment
LAO Recommendations
High–Speed Rail Authority
Background
Update on the ICS
Initial Construction Segment Construction Packages
Progress on Key Nonconstruction Activities
Overseeing and Measuring Progress of ICS
LAO Recommendations
California Highway Patrol
Area Office Replacement
Background
Governor’s Proposal
LAO Assessment
LAO Recommendations
Department of Motor Vehicles
Field Office Replacement
Background
Governor’s Proposals
LAO Assessment
LAO Recommendation

Content: The Governor’s budget estimates total expenditures of $588 million in 2015–16 for the STA program, which is $472 million, or 45 percent, less than estimated current–year expenditures. The reduced spending reflects the completion in the current year of transit capital projects supported with Proposition 1B bond funds. Crosscutting Issues
Road Usage Charge Pilot Program
Background
Funding Transportation Infrastructure. Funding for transportation infrastructure in California comes from local, state, and federal sources, and funds various modes of transportation, such as the state’s highways, local roads, and transit. Most state funding for transportation comes from excise taxes on gasoline that are dedicated to funding highways and roads. The state began charging excise taxes on gasoline in 1923. The state’s current gasoline excise tax is 36 cents per gallon. The state also collects taxes on diesel fuel. Essentially, the gas excise tax serves as a proxy charge for road usage, as taxes paid roughly correspond with miles driven. For example, individuals who drive more miles and inflict more wear on the road also use more fuel and therefore pay more in fuel excise taxes than those who drive fewer miles.