LOS ANGELES (AP) — Don’t kick the problem of California’s decaying infrastructure down the potholed road. That was the message a group of elected leaders delivered Friday in Los Angeles, as they urged the Legislature to increase funding for roads, bridges and freeways.
Gov. Jerry Brown called a special session on the issue, saying that over the next decade, California faces a $59 billion repair backlog. Among the proposals are hiking gas taxes and fees to register vehicles, redirecting money to pay for roads, and tolling carpool lanes.
Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, told reporters she won’t commit to a specific plan yet.
California Transportation Secretary Brian Kelly said whatever the Legislature decides, he hopes public agencies will be held accountable for how the money is spent.
Published by SFGATE – August 21, 2015
