Ask Governor Schwarzenegger to Support and Sign SB 716 (Wolk) Expanded Rural Transit and Farm Worker Vanpools
September, 16 2009
Last week the California Legislature sent SB 716 (Wolk) The Expanded Rural Transit and Farm Worker Vanpool Bill to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk. Currently, some counties have found that real transit needs like farmworker vanpools are not reasonable transit needs because farmworker vanpools are not legal. SB 716 eliminates the question of eligibility by specifying that farmworker vanpools are legally eligible for the LTF funds, subsequent to all other transit needs having been met, so as not to compete with other transit.
Moreover, SB 716 updates the definition of a county that is allowed to use these local transit funds for streets and roads to only those jurisdictions that truly lack the density to maintain a viable transit operation. Many of our rural cities are dense urban centers, like Fresno, Modesto and Ventura, and need to be fully investing in transit.
SB 716 will ensure that the transit needs of all rural Californians will be met.
Public transit has long been a priority area for public investment because of the clear benefit it provides for the general public and the environment. In particular, public transit provides for greater access to work, school, critical services and overall manner is which low-income Californians can fully participate in society.
Today more than ever, we recognize the importance of transportation and land-use decisions on our environment. With the passage of SB 375 and AB 32 we know that public transit is a critical tool towards attaining reductions in vehicle miles traveled and an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet, some of California’s historic transit laws are antiquated and currently provide too many loopholes for not investing in transit, especially in rural communities.
SB 716 updates the static nature of the use of Local Transportation Funds in order to ensure that rural agencies are investing fully in transit and providing for full participation in the public unmet transit needs process.
Please send in a letter of support for SB 716 to Governor Schwarzenegger. See below for Fact Sheets on SB 716 along with a sample letter.
