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 budget includes $10.5 billion for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), $2.8 billion for the California High–Speed Rail Authority (HSRA), $2.4 billion for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), $1.1 billion for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and $588 million for transit assistance. In this report, we assess the Governor’s budget proposals in the transportation area. Below, we summarize our major findings and recommendations. Road Usage Charge Pilot Program. The Governor’s budget proposes $9.6 million to implement recently enacted legislation that requires the development and implementation of a road usage charge pilot program. The pilot program would test the concept of charging individuals for each mile they drive as an alternative to the gas tax system. The legislation requires the creation of an advisory committee to guide the design and development of the pilot program. We find that the Governor’s proposal, combined with Caltrans’ recent action to enter into a contract to implement the program, are premature given that the advisory committee has not completed its work. In order to ensure that the budget appropriately funds the development and implementation of the program as envisioned by the Legislature, we recommend that the Legislature require the administration to provide additional information to justify its proposal. Motor Vehicle Account (MVA) Fund Condition.