This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
California jump-starting road fixes with revenue from new gas taxes, fees still on the horizon
FILE: California's roads have been deteriorating for years. In April, politicians in Sacramento finally hashed out a deal to fund repairs.
(
trekandshoot/iStockphoto
)
Listen
0:58
California jump-starting road fixes with revenue from new gas taxes, fees still on the horizon
Drivers could see repairs made to several major roads sooner than expected as state officials accelerate several road repair projects before the revenues from approved gas taxes and vehicle registration fees even come in.
Senate Bill 1 became law earlier this year. It aims to raise $5.2 billion a year to fix the roads through a combination of tax increases and new fees. The gas tax will jump by 12 cents starting Nov. 1, and drivers will pay a new vehicle registration fee as of Jan. 1.
But while the revenue will not flow for several months, Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty told Air Talk Friday that officials are already making plans to accelerate road projects.
"With that revenue on the horizon, it gives us the opportunity to move a lot of the projects that we have in the mix forward," he said.
Thirteen repaving projects will begin this summer with 50 more projects being readied to get underway by the spring, all together totaling $285 million in improvements.
In Southern California, more than $18 million will be spent to repave a section of the Interstate 605 in the San Gabriel Valley, parts of Highway 1 in the South Bay, Highway 14 in the Antelope Valley, the 101 in the San Fernando Valley and the 710 in Long Beach, with construction starting as early as this month.
The planned spending comes amid an effort by Orange County Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen to put a ballot measure before voters to repeal the new taxes and fees. Allen must still collect enough signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot, and he's currently suing the state for what he alleges is a misrepresentation in the language for the ballot petition.
Sponsored message
Polls have shown more than half of Californians don’t support raising gas taxes to pay for roads.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
