Commission approves array of program allocations, property sales and policy amendments; votes at a glance

The California Transportation Commission unanimously approved a slate of allocations, program amendments and property conveyances at its January meeting, including adoption of an initial 2024 Local Partnership Formulaic program of projects, multiple SHOP allocations and supplemental awards, and several changes to airspace leasing procedures.

Why it matters: The votes allocate state funds to local projects, authorize property sales intended to support affordable housing, and revise Caltrans policy to improve program oversight. Many of the approved items will move projects from planning into construction or update schedules to reflect current delivery timelines.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Tab 21 — Adopted the 2024 Local Partnership Formulaic initial program of projects. Six agencies had submitted 12 proposals; the commission programmed seven projects totaling $5,240,000 and left other formulaic funds available for future programming. Motion: Commissioner Bradshaw; Second: Vice Chair (recorded as Bridal). Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tab 52 — Approved the baseline agreement for the Westernar Way Walk and Wheel Improvements (Active Transportation Program Cycle 6). Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Consent calendar (Tabs 35–51, 53) — Approved as presented. Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 55–56 — Approved Caltrans director deeds for multiple properties to support affordable housing under the SR‑710 sales program and related sales to tenants at affordable prices; recorded covenants will restrict resale and use. Outcome: Approved unanimously. Public comment: James Wong (City of Pasadena) registered the city’s support. - Tabs 57–58 — Approved amendments to airspace lease resolutions (public‑entity delegation to include federally recognized tribes and revised reporting/inspection format for private leases). Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 61–65 and 66–72 — Approved initial allocations and supplemental SHOP funds for multiple rehabilitation, seismic and preservation projects across several districts. Total supplemental/SOP increases cited for the meeting backlog were reported in staff materials; staff recommended approval. Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 73–77, 78–80, 81–82 — Supplemental and program amendments for SHOP, transit and SHOP amendments including the addition of projects into the 2024 SHOP; staff recommended approval. Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 83–96, 98–100 — Active Transportation Program and Local Partnership allocations and amendments (examples: La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians schedule revision, San Diego county Batiquitos construction support programming, SAMTRANS zero‑emission project allocation). Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 101–115 — Multiple standard and exception time extensions for SHOP and other programs; staff reviewed and recommended approval. Outcome: Approved unanimously. - Tabs 116–117 — Extensions for Transit and Intercity Rail capital program projects (including Valley Rail Del Paso Siding extension and SCORE right‑of‑way work); commissioners approved extensions and asked staff for further briefings on causes and risk mitigation. Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Public comment and process notes - The meeting included public comment on agenda items and a number of regional speakers addressed the Highway System Management Plan (see separate coverage). James Wong, acting housing director for Pasadena, spoke in support of the 710 property conveyances. - Several items were listed in the meeting change list and staff read into the record small edits before votes; when projects required additional time or removed phases, staff noted they would return with revised schedules as needed.

Ending: Commission meetings and votes will generate work for Caltrans and local agencies in project delivery and reporting. Staff said it will provide follow‑up briefings where projects face schedule or funding risk.