Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cmia Savings Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission adopts CMIA savings policy, directing unallocated cost savings toward select projects
Summary
The California Transportation Commission approved a policy to program and allocate Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA) project cost savings to projects ready to list, using start-of-construction as a controlling criterion and emphasizing equity between north and south program shares. The vote followed debate and requests from regional
The California Transportation Commission voted to adopt a policy for programming and allocating project cost savings in the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA), directing staff to identify CMIA'eligible projects that are ready to list and to apply a north/south equity approach when programming accrued savings.
Why it matters: The CMIA program, funded by Proposition 1B bond proceeds, has generated construction cost savings as earlier projects were completed under budget. The commission's policy aims to reallocate those savings to other eligible projects and to the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOP) in a way that maximizes delivery and preserves regional balance.
Key points of debate and outcome
Staff proposed a policy effective July 1, 2012, to identify SHOP projects in procurement that are CMIA eligible and to develop documentation to program and allocate CMIA award savings to those projects while deallocating an equal amount of SHOP funds to preserve program accounting. Several regional officials and local agencies urged the commission to broaden the scope of eligible projects to include "mobility" projects that leverage local funds and are ready to advertise in the short term. Contra Costa Transportation Authority chair Don Tatsen, MTC representative Kenneth Cowell, and Ventura County and Thousand Oaks officials described ready projects that could be advertised within weeks and recommended a short extension to the ready'to'allocate policy to allow those projects to compete.
Commissioner responses and final action
Commissioner Gilmetti argued strongly for directing savings into the SHOP program to address long'standing maintenance and rehabilitation needs. After discussion and public comment, the commission approved the staff recommendation and the new policy; commissioners emphasized that any projects proposed for funding under the new policy would be brought forward to the commission for review and approval.
What happens next
Staff will work with Caltrans and local agencies to identify eligible, ready'to'advertise projects, prepare documentation and specific programming proposals, and present them to the commission for allocation consideration. The policy seeks to avoid leaving savings unallocated while preserving procedural review and regional equity.
