Octa's transportation blog

OCTA CEO Moderates Discussion with Self-Help Counties Coalition & Caltrans

Earlier this month, OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson moderated a discussion between members of the Self-Help Counties Coalition (SHCC) and Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin and Chief Deputy Director Jim Davis. Johnson is now in his second year as Chair of the SHCC, a group of 24 county transportation agencies delivering super majority voter-approved transportation sales tax measures throughout California. By mid-century, the SHCC anticipates funding approximately $194 billion of voter-approved transportation investments that will inject billions each year into essential transportation programs and projects.

One of the issues discussed was the implementation of State Bill 743 and how it would change how transportation impacts are analyzed for projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The SHCC advocated to ensure that transportation stakeholders were included in future implementation discussions and expressed a need to continue to discuss the impacts that any changes may have on the delivery of projects promised by local sales tax measures.

The group also discussed the impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having on sales tax measures and state funding programs. Agreement was reached to coordinate on future activities related to potential federal stimulus funding and on any adjustments to state funding programs.

Lastly, the group discussed recent executive orders released by Governor Newsom related to the environment and the increased use of electric vehicles. Overall, the group agreed to continue to meet regularly to discuss these ongoing issues and any other issues of mutual importance.