Officials search for traffic congestion solutions: Local revenue sources become priority after funding for state transportation projects runs dry

While brainstorming with representatives from Caltrans, the City/County Association of Governments, the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and others regarding a variety of projects that could ease car flow through the region, Mullin identified one common roadblock — funding.

The conversation came in the wake of the California Transportation Commission announcing last month $754 million would be carved from the budget of state transportation projects over the coming five years.

The cuts are due to the lack of revenue generated by the state’s gas tax, causing a budget shortfall for transportation projects already approved to receive funding.

Local officials are now forced to look elsewhere for money to finance projects they felt were essentially shovel ready, until the state financing fell through.

In an attempt to backfill the void of funding available from outside sources, Mullin said he has worked to rally support of lawmakers to allocate some of the excess money from the state budget surplus toward solving transportation concerns.

Considering the vitality of the local economy along the Peninsula, and the valuable role this area plays in generating a significant amount of revenue for the rest of California, Mullin said he feels more consideration should be given by state officials to helping clear congestion along Highway 101 and State Route 92.

“This is, regardless of party, an issue to keep our local economy moving,” said Mullin.

In lieu of the lack of money flowing from the state, a majority of the available funding sources to pay for traffic flow improvements are generated at the city and county level, said Mullin.

Measure A, one of the county’s sales taxes which generates funds for the transportation authority, is a prime example of the type of local funding sources needed to develop solutions for traffic congestion, said Mullin.

Though the local funding sources are typically insufficient to address potential large capital improvement projects such as lane weaves and grade separations along State Route 92, having assets available to spend in combination with state and federal sources when they become available can be integral in solving transportation issues, said Mullin.

San Mateo City Manager Larry Patterson said he favored a variety of creative measures being considered to clear congestion throughout the region, as he expects resolving the financing concerns to be challenging.

“I think it’s going to take some real time and diligence to get these things done,” he said. “It’s going to be real tough.”

Transportation officials are in the midst of considering a variety of design alternatives aiming to improve transportation across local roads, with an eye on developing a comprehensive report that is expected to be published in July.

Mullin has been working over the past year to address solutions for congestion along Highway 101, but recently broadened his focus into finding fixes for State Route 92 as well.

No decision was made at the recent meeting, but officials discussed the variety of opportunities and challenges that existed as potential projects move forward.

More cars travel the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge daily than the Bay Bridge, according to a Caltrans report, as the local economy continues to thrive and workers commuting from throughout the Bay Area rely on the thoroughfare to reach their jobs along the Peninsula.

Mullin said he is committed to continue addressing the transportation concerns, as the congestion has become so severe along State Route 92 it has backed up onto the roads and neighborhoods in San Mateo and Foster City.

“We have going to keep working on this issue, and keep the conversation going,” he said.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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