[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6622856,"mediaKeyId","2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b","parentId",2781223,"title","Advocates press Legislature to restore $400 million cut to Active Transportation Program as transit agencies warn of 'fiscal cliff'","audioSeconds",147,"startMs",4869000,"endMs",5016000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b&start=4869&end=5016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b/thumbnail_4869000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6622856/California/Advocates-press-Legislature-to-restore-400-million-cut-to-Active-Transportation-Program-as-transit-agencies-warn-of-fiscal-cliff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622856-2eaed6b5d010f2d0bf8bafe54dc8fd74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493825&Signature=YyR8t-3IOkZEgH72fIHsbESgeH-wX3gGKi33Ftgoz-zsuW6QTx4PTX20mwT7-M9YtULneNk7G1O0dsBZ4RU3fRv4qz0hpCqJtZ2n6fFdtRg2GkZT13S~2xKlE8VhoCMnBOmXMch9UKEDZcbqpvm0-xkWCOcbQ6x5jimO2A5VzqMaS3aCNzp3LhKzMuBYDbpsAmkRnBXVwOE~-lERNxMfWROsnl0i0DbXwiObeefjlv6ZvjzCaKFJzTtN95yhBUI8FbElHY2IWeAN8e9osN9ldBXYPY~Mo-yhYv7TyGB7LY-gCPEZ3hyXYSYgDm~J-wfexSRLQ2-PLO-czfhwgBHtOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California State Assembly","date","2025-03-26T00:00:00Z","article","During public comment at the March 1, 2025 hearing, multiple transportation advocacy groups and transit representatives urged the Legislature to restore a $400 million cut made last year to the Active Transportation Program (ATP) and to address emerging operating shortfalls across transit agencies.

\"We urge you to find a solution to last year's cut of $400,000,000 to the ATP,\" Jeanne Wardwaller of Greenlining and Transform told the committee, emphasizing ATP's role in funding projects that benefit disadvantaged communities. Laura Tolkoff of Spur described deep fiscal pressures facing major Bay Area operators, saying the region's four largest operators face operating deficits equal to \"25 to 40% of their budgets,\" which she called \"existential shortfalls.\"

Kendra Ramsey of the California Bicycle Coalition and Sophie Abaco of the Coalition for Clean Air also urged restoring ATP funding, citing safety, air quality and access for people without cars. \"The active transportation program helps clean our air and make it more affordable to travel by building biking and walking infrastructure,\" Abaco said.

Michael Pimdall of the California Transit Association asked the Legislature to advance $1 billion in the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program and to consider additional resources to stabilize operations while longer‑term revenue solutions are developed. Advocates suggested examining the State Highway Account and flexible federal funds before turning to GGRF or other restricted resources.

Ending: Advocates urged immediate attention to ATP and transit operating stability during the budget cycle. The committee heard the appeals but did not take action at the informational hearing; lawmakers signaled they will consider these priorities as part of wider budget deliberations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment at the March 1, 2025 Assembly Transportation hearing, transportation advocates and transit officials urged restoration of a $400 million cut to the Active Transportation Program and sought additional state support to avert operating crises at transit agencies.","taxTitle","California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California","taxId",17099,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622861,"LAO: Merced–Bakersfield high‑speed rail faces roughly $7 billion funding gap; HSRA to deliver fuller update this summer",828,5657000,6485000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b&start=5657&end=6485","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b/thumbnail_5657000.jpg","/articles/6622861/California/LAO-MercedBakersfield-highspeed-rail-faces-roughly-7-billion-funding-gap-HSRA-to-deliver-fuller-update-this-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622861-dfd05ad4dd558eee6459094a22245abf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493825&Signature=loCH0YH20pSOL4kKfQbRUlgsbAdweZhUuHbogmKTpijsDBZZ-Qo9gV1FdZQq5NIbg0GdpoRu3G65IfzkGWS2jpzvBVhka5iBdvm1Q73R65a2SCF78sKDVC~tfK-LnkMuqTdT08jF9TMoOg~RPPJ6W~xFvfv9H7zStsfduyjJWS54OV~dO6TRNWygKuODhf5OCMGhrDI4rBX0CxuJsJ5NLIZJ55UdimgVuoT2RqV2VOUwpb5dA6P5T~IkXLbDMxGMfdLAIz18ULjKw2nK2FHeBf~aMmkW~1aZbwOBQYoMV~K~ArI4NCXulrao9agnUOs53S1f2tNMdV7agVyB-5aVjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Legislative Analyst's Office told the Assembly Transportation Committee on March 1, 2025 that the High‑Speed Rail Authority's project update report shows a funding shortfall for the Merced‑to‑Bakersfield initial operating segment and that more detailed information is coming in a supplemental report this summer.

\"There is about a $7,000,000,000 gap between projected funding and costs as they currently stand,\" said Helen Kerstein of the LAO, summarizing the authority's project update report and warning that the gap could grow if federal grants are at risk or if costs rise.

Members and the authority discussed timing and risk. Jamie Matalka, chief financial officer for the High‑Speed Rail Authority, said about $13.8 billion has been spent to date on the program and that the authority is conducting a bottoms‑up reassessment of scope, schedule and costs at the direction of the new CEO. Matalka said the authority expects the supplemental, more detailed assessment to be available in the summer, with an internal target toward August.

LAO and members highlighted immediacy and federal review risks. The LAO noted that the federal Office of Inspector General previously indicated much of the gap will need to be addressed by June 2026 to avoid schedule impacts and that the federal government has launched reviews that could affect awarded but unobligated grants. \"Decisions on cap‑and‑trade funding and the continuous appropriation of GGRF could be pivotal,\" the LAO advised.

Authority staff said they are exploring a new financing strategy that could include public‑private partnerships, innovative financing and long‑term commitments, and they described an industry forum held in January to solicit private sector input. LAO cautioned that while P3s are an option, prior attempts have shown private investors generally demand clearer, less risky revenue models, often after operations begin.

Ending: The committee urged the authority to deliver the supplemental project review as soon as material information is available so the Legislature can assess funding options in the 2025–26 budget cycle. Members warned against making significant funding commitments before reviewing the authority's detailed summer update.","The Legislative Analyst's Office told the Assembly Transportation Committee on March 1, 2025 that the High‑Speed Rail Authority's project update shows about a $7 billion gap for the Merced‑to‑Bakersfield segment and that a fuller supplemental report is expected in summer 2025.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622865,"Tahoe agency asks California to recognize federal population figure to shift transportation formula shares",2928,5068000,7996000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b&start=5068&end=7996","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b/thumbnail_5068000.jpg","/articles/6622865/California/Tahoe-agency-asks-California-to-recognize-federal-population-figure-to-shift-transportation-formula-shares","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622865-1a55eb93e638b13fa008afda7f4ded7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493825&Signature=bxhH2G0V250KESvLGTHFEOyubjdSisstesripGBaLGZJ1RlNVlem~USeoXR3fK4emT-YOC2E8eLyYggEaaoPxHgD-YNCQOP37FP4Xbz72TZ9BQ1JGiPbW016G837TLfs2cwy4KhsUjMZ6Gpos5k7F95F14R8qb4clRVm1XUud-xsOnd4EItx1bCCk8k-kJZBc-Fi3AcO6IF9acL9z1fYpBpwX4Y7qChDKlf-WDvb72sBeLZ14Zxf1QdiYHCAvsM-DRjUNJF3ZbUljl0ZSfKNdAUc8Rc-ACf9877UebwzpiaDAFAY-Lgt8O62WPnxl7oShnovS24g6ZFOsdSFRNQk4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency asked the committee on March 1, 2025 to recognize a federally designated Lake Tahoe population figure for California formula funding, which the agency says would increase the state's population figure for the basin from 40,000 to 145,000 and thereby increase California's share of formula allocations.

\"We are asking for the state of California to be consistent with federal law,\" said Devin Middlebrook, government affairs manager for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Middlebrook said the request does not ask for new money or a change to formulas but for the Department of Finance to use the federal population figure that accounts for basin visitation and full‑time residents.

TRPA said the change would not immediately add new dollars to the state budget but would help secure commitments within a $20 million annual multi‑partner framework for transportation at Tahoe; California's share of that $20 million commitment is cited at $4,500,000 per year. The agency proposed phasing in the population increase over multiple years to reduce impacts on other regions.

Supporters in the hearing urged the committee to act. Karen Lang, representing Mayor Lori in San Francisco and Placer County, said she supported TRPA's request. Mark Fenstermaker of the League to Save Lake Tahoe said transportation funding is critical to protecting Lake Tahoe's clarity and environment.

Ending: Chair Bennett and staff said the proposal had general support and noted TRPA's willingness to phase in changes to limit impacts on other agencies; staff will pursue follow up with Department of Finance and stakeholders.","The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency asked the Assembly committee to administratively align California transportation formula counts with a federally recognized basin population of 145,000 (up from 40,000), seeking to secure a stable portion of a $20 million multi‑partner annual commitment without requesting new state dollars.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622870,"Caltrans seeks $25 million to restart Clean California grants; LAO says proposal should be rejected",2892,4377000,7269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b&start=4377&end=7269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b/thumbnail_4377000.jpg","/articles/6622870/California/Caltrans-seeks-25-million-to-restart-Clean-California-grants-LAO-says-proposal-should-be-rejected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622870-4f745385ffbfeb4c2500a0a068a9500d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493825&Signature=b7Kfj1ske-iRpitt3CToisRk2hZbFlSp~iZANlVGRh0O6TkRNdz0TmguE9oDqsJWmX4D7kWGYlbH3jUynJg2Di83gtVVC1BCLVhm2nDlLrQHFZy7j6u3zy0C~SLNsMYACrASVA-i0Pp1dWX42VS7kdmBiLQwkU7rdDjReZ8-5XVE~lO2epVq2kyx7RyWbAi1bhFCJNXIlLTDqu-4hLuimEHCq6JYyFqZYPu6jXjdyXKGVsE8SryCytGLEHUxY~axrpwXaecnr9fxtgv6FdZYzHsmBTxI~I1nGfWV5Jo~nqjtBhIYybWO-ycClm0IgVmlATMXdvwvJM2uMYNiZW00RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the March 1, 2025 informational hearing, the California Department of Transportation requested a $25 million increase in ongoing general fund operating expenses to establish the Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program.

\"The new program builds upon the successes of the limited term general funded program, the Clean California program,\" said Steven Keck of Caltrans, describing a grants program to support litter and graffiti pickup in public spaces while creating workforce development pathways for vulnerable populations.

Frank Jimenez of the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended the Legislature reject the proposal. \"Given the limited general fund available, the legislature should have a high bar in approving any new general fund spending,\" Jimenez said, adding that local litter abatement \"doesn't represent a core state responsibility\" and that one‑time funding is unlikely to fix persistent local problems.

Benjamin Pollack of the Department of Finance defended the program's value, noting the potential to leverage local matching funds and to maintain community engagement and pride.

Members questioned the state role and trade‑offs with other priorities. Assemblymember Tim Connolly and others echoed LAO concerns that in a tight budget year the Legislature should prioritize core state responsibilities, including highway maintenance, and weigh the program against other needs.

Public commenters who addressed the item urged support for the program's job creation component. Ryan Souza of Rediff, a venture philanthropy partner, said the Back to Work model has provided stable jobs and services and that cutting crews has led to job losses. \"In previous years, Back to Work had a base funding of about $40,000,000 and was expanded to $100,000,000 under Clean California,\" Souza said, and argued that the administration's proposal could sustain crews and services. Dylan Hoffman of the Center for Employment Opportunities urged continued funding to provide transitional employment and wraparound services for people returning from incarceration.

Ending: Committee members signaled limited support for the concept but substantial concern about adding new general fund obligations in the current budget climate. Caltrans and Finance were asked to provide additional details on program design, matching requirements and interactions with existing local efforts.","Caltrans asked the committee for $25 million in general fund to establish a Clean California Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant Program focused on litter and graffiti cleanup with workforce development; the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended rejecting the new general fund proposal as not a core state responsibility.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6622874,"Assembly hearing spotlights Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and proposed one‑time transfers",1573,2686000,4259000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b&start=2686&end=4259","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2781223-89402abf13b6f0ec930438daada8e16b/thumbnail_2686000.jpg","/articles/6622874/California/Assembly-hearing-spotlights-Motor-Vehicle-Account-shortfall-and-proposed-onetime-transfers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622874-4e105f1b9fce6a3ffe644f99f90a38f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770493825&Signature=ZSRRgrOayCp0QnOPl0Wd2W0AjrFMCdaOsbWoOcFghCxy-QRDs9nm9rW4nmfBnt-N9KTJwW1Td4lwK3l7CaLFY7dbzGiZ~MO~ZSUHgeY-zNJfq2CAFfZP-kPgFPRIeyHKCj5wHLQW-pz6Vj8kobb-~mTbL~DxMBxaUmVoaPBrluiiGh286YosRLvwFG0qN2OlfV-RSVreoqgLAUViLpVJi6OwJdeCKTE5kTiGVjTpNTQ6iRM0ZRgFnDysG4tgVKURSGQR3COKPvF6puVc9TVWLDo8YdpPp8DKJ1CUg7Yf5mpPMDJTf3qhInlGOkJEL1-5SqTWz6nUZJO9mJaO61tMYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At an informational hearing of the California State Assembly Transportation Committee on March 1, 2025, the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst's Office outlined a structural shortfall in the Motor Vehicle Account and an administration proposal to use one‑time transfers to bridge near‑term costs.

\"The motor vehicle account provides funding to enforce the rules and regulations of the vehicle code and the use of vehicles on state highways,\" said Bowen Peterson, Department of Finance. \"Total revenue in 2526 [sic] expected to be about $5,000,000,000...Expenditures are expected to total about $5,200,000,000.\" Peterson described the administration's budget proposal as a one‑time $166,000,000 transfer in 2526 from the Air Pollution Control Fund and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) to offset costs associated with the California Air Resources Board mobile source program.

Rachel Ehlers of the Legislative Analyst's Office cautioned that the transfer is a one‑time measure that carries trade‑offs and risks. \"This represents a one time solution to an ongoing problem,\" Ehlers said, noting that GGRF receipts have been weaker than projected and that shifting costs to other funds may expose committed programs to shortfalls.

Committee Chair Assemblymember Steve Bennett and several members pressed the administration on the precedent of using climate‑related funds to shore up the MVA. Bennett said the use of funds \"we haven't used before\" marks a step into new territory and warned against repeatedly relying on one‑time fixes. Other members asked where the long‑term plan is to close the structural gap; Finance said it is \"evaluating different solutions\" and will share proposals when ready.

Lawmakers and analysts identified key drivers of MVA expenditure growth. According to administration testimony, statutory employee compensation increases are the largest single driver; Finance estimated roughly \"around 70%\" of recent expenditure growth is tied to compensation increases. The committee also discussed Real ID implementation costs: Finance said $591,500,000 from 2016–17 through 2024–25 funded Real ID workload, of which $300,000,000 was general fund and the remainder came from the MVA; DMV has not received federal funds for Real ID work.

Members highlighted political and policy constraints on revenue options. Several said raising fees is politically difficult and that tapping funds such as Proposition 4 bonds or GGRF would conflict with the intended uses of those funds. Elected officials asked the administration to present a durable, ongoing solution rather than repeated short‑term patches.

The committee did not take votes at the hearing. Finance and LAO agreed to continue work with the legislature to identify long‑term solutions; Finance said it will present additional proposals when developed.

Ending: Lawmakers signaled they expect follow‑up information and a more detailed plan from the administration in coming months. The committee repeatedly emphasized the need for an enduring revenue or expenditure strategy rather than recurring one‑time transfers.","At an informational hearing, the Department of Finance and the Legislative Analyst's Office described a widening Motor Vehicle Account deficit and the administration's proposal for a one‑time $166 million transfer from air pollution and greenhouse gas funds to cover mobile‑source costs, prompting lawmakers to warn against repeated one‑time fixes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Advocates press Legislature to restore $400 million cut to Active Transportation Program as transit agencies warn of 'fiscal cliff'

LAO: Merced–Bakersfield high‑speed rail faces roughly $7 billion funding gap; HSRA to deliver fuller update this summer

Tahoe agency asks California to recognize federal population figure to shift transportation formula shares

Caltrans seeks $25 million to restart Clean California grants; LAO says proposal should be rejected

Assembly hearing spotlights Motor Vehicle Account shortfall and proposed one‑time transfers