CTC allocates $1.18 billion for infrastructure projects

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated $1.18 billion for infrastructure projects throughout the state.

The commission, which is made up of 13 members, is responsible for programming and directing transportation funds for highway, rail, transit and active transportation purposes, Transport Topics reports.

The website reports that more than half of the investment, about $630 million, came from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. This legislation is intended to direct $54 billion over a decade to fixing roads, highways and bridges, as well as supporting transit and safety. The work is funded from fuel taxes.

SB 1 annually provides $5 billion in transportation funding, which is split between state and local agencies, the commission says.

“California has the most heavily traveled transportation system in the country,” said California Department of Transportation Director Toks Omishakin. “(This) investment will allow Caltrans to make critical repairs and upgrades to our state’s roads and bridges, increase options for transit, rail, walking and biking, and support thousands of jobs.”

Among funds approved, about $7.8 million will go to the Imperial County Transportation Commission to support crossing improvements at the Calexico East Port of Entry. The county covers the eastern half of California’s border with Mexico.

As well, About $200 million has been allocated to build a truck climbing lane along Interstate 10 in the southern part of the state.

“In Stockton, $20 million will support a project located at a freight rail corridor that links the Port of Stockton to markets throughout California,” the website reported. “An inland port located on the San Joaquin River, the Port of Stockton has handling facilities for dry and liquid bulk materials as well as containerized cargo.