[Note: SB 595 was revised in the Assembly on July 3rd after this report was published. Staff will verbally update the Committee on the changes. The current version of the legislation is attached however.]
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) is considering a regional bridge toll increase on the seven state-owned bridges* in the Bay Area. The proposed Regional Measure 3 (RM3) is expected to raise tolls by $1 to $3. For every $1 in tolls, approximately $127 million per year is estimated to be generated in revenue. Revenues generated by the toll increase are expected to fund projects that demonstrate a strong nexus to reducing congestion and increasing efficiency in the bridge corridors.
The RM3 proposal requires authorizing legislation. Senate Bill 595 (SB595 - Beall) has been introduced that would authorize MTC to conduct a special election to request that voters in the nine Bay Area Counties to approve the toll increase. In preparation, The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) submitted a list of Contra Costa projects to MTC for potential funding by RM3. The list is the last two pages in the attached CCTA staff report on this issue. Also included with the CCTA staff report is the Regional Measure 2 project list and an MTC staff report regarding the policy considerations and draft principles for an RM3.
Details on SB595
Summary: The bill would require the City and County of San Francisco and the other 8 counties in the San Francisco Bay area to conduct a special election on a proposed unspecified increase in the amount of the toll rate charged on the state-owned toll bridges in that area to be used for unspecified projects and programs. By requiring this election, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) to reimburse from toll revenues, as specified, the counties and the City and County of San Francisco for the cost of submitting the measure to the voters.
Of Interest to the County: As seen on the second to last page of the attached CCTA staff report, the County has a project on the proposed list submitted by CCTA to MTC, "Vasco-Byron Highway Connector".
Status/Location: Assembly: Committee on Transportation
Bill Analysis: The latest analysis is attached (5-27-17 SB595 Senate Floor Analyses) and indicates the bill is a "work in progress" stating that the following are not yet specified: 1) the amount of the toll increase, 2) the projects/programs, and 3) which general election the measure would be placed on the ballot. Other commentary of note: Projects funded by toll revenues must have a nexus to the bridges in order to remain a fee rather than a tax (which would require 2/3 voter approval).
DRAFT Letter: A draft letter to Assembly Member Jim Frazier is attached for the Committee's review.
Registered Support/Opposition
Support
City of Emeryville
City of Oakland
City of Palo Alto
City of San Leandro
City of Walnut Creek
East Bay Regional Parks District
International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
Transbay Joint Powers Authority
Oppose
No Opposition at the time this report was published
*Seven Bay Area State-Owned Bridges:
- Senator John A. Nejedly Bridge (Antioch Bridge)
- Benicia-Martinez
- Carquinez
- Dumbarton
- Richmond – San Rafael
- San Francisco – Oakland (Bay Bridge)
- San Mateo – Hayward
Attached Related News Articles
East Bay Times - 7/3/17
Poll: Voters support $3 bridge toll hike to ease traffc gridlock
San Francisco Chronicle - 7/2/17
Bay Area voters may be asked to OK bridge toll hike of up to $3
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