Assemblymember Frazier introduces new transportation bill

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Assemblymember Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) introduced AB1, a sensible and realistic approach to tackling California’s crumbling transportation infrastructure.

“My commitment to passing a comprehensive funding plan that addresses California’s failing transportation system will not waver,” stated Assemblymember Frazier. “This proposal dedicates billions to road and highway repairs that our state so desperately needs while also creating tens of thousands of good paying jobs.”

AB1 represents an adult-in-the-room approach to meeting the vital, long-term needs of California’s transportation system. The proposal would raise an additional $6 billion in annual funding to repair state and local roads, improve trade corridors and support public transit. Also included are measures related to accountability and streamlining of project delivery.

“The transportation crisis in California affects each and every part of our state. If we don’t step up and solve it, our economy will decline and the people we represent will suffer,” said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount). “Transportation funding has traditionally been a bipartisan issue and our goal is to work across the aisle to come to a comprehensive solution.”

Frazier, who chairs the Assembly Transportation Commission, introduced the bill soon after being sworn in for his third term in office. He represents Assembly District 11, which includes eastern Contra Costa County and most of central Solano County, including Suisun City.

“We have been working closely with Assemblyman Frazier for more than two years on a variety of concepts to provide the resources local governments need to fix our roads and bridges,” said Kiana Valentine, Legislative Advocate for the California State Association of Counties. “It’s no secret that our vital infrastructure is crumbling and we’re at a tipping point. We urge the Governor and Legislative Leadership to keep their promise to advance this vital legislation early in the 2017 session.”

Once the 2017-18 Legislative Session returns in January, AB1 will be referred and heard in policy committee.